4 NOVEMBER 1922, Page 21

DECORATION.* IN his sane and suggestive little book, Simple Schemes

for Decoration, Mr. John Gloag very properly recognizes that " decoration " is more than skin deep, and that proportions and mouldings- are even more important and more difficult to contrive successfully than mere surface colouring. He considers fireplaces, doors, windows, fitments and fittings generally, and there are a few neat sketches showing simple but well-chosen examples of various periods—we wish there had been more of them. Mr. Gloag is himself a little fierce about the fierceness of " modern " colour schemes, and is all for " sweetness and light." It is obvious that the book is chiefly intended for those of moderate means inhabiting modern, ready-made houses, and sonic useful advice is offered to those who would " disinfect " their villa-residence from the peculiar taint of the jerry-builder.

We shiver a little apprehensively at proposals for a " Jaco- bean overmantel," and we wonder whether the ordinary amateur would really produce very acceptable transformations, as the author lightheartedly suggests, even with the help of his book ; but, on the whole, common sense, moderation and quiet seemliness hold bland and uninterrupted sway. Good architects will learn nothing from the book—indeed, we suspect that the author has communed with at least one such —but the many bad architects, and the still more numerous persons who want pleasanter houses than have been provided for them, will do well to read and act upon Mr. Gloag's very sensible advice.