Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 37, Number 33, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 April 1905 — SIMPLE WALL DECORATIONS. [ARTICLE]

SIMPLE WALL DECORATIONS.

New Material and New Ideas for the Decoration of Homes. The styles of home decorations have completely changed in the last few years, and it is pleasant to say that they have changed for the better. Time was when we hung monstrous patterns printed on paper against our walls, and considered them more or less pleasantly. It would hardly be fair to say that we considered them beautiful or artistic. But they were the vogue and were put on. The time has come when, with our better methods for interior decoration, better effects can be secured. In wall coverings, whether they be of paint, or of kalsomine, or of Alabastine —whatever the material used to cover the wall—the thing desired is that which has the greatest Covering power, as well as permanency and beauty of color. Alabastine, a wall covering ground from Alabaster rock —which means a hard white rock—is the ideal covering for a wall. The most beautiful wall decorations in the world are thpse which are laid on with the brush. The mural designs in our large public buildings, and the frescoed designs in the large cathedrals and churches have a permanency and an art of which wall paper is but a cheap imitation. These mural schemes and frescoed designs can be brought within the reach of the every day home. They can be done with Alabastine, which is permanent in its coloring. It does not rub off, and it has the soft effect of pastelle. It does not peel, -it does not blister, and it is thoroughly sanitary, because it is not stuck on with sour paste or smelly glue. All sorts of tapestry effects and any kind of mural design can be secured; any kind of frescoing can b* done. In fact, the range of the possibilities of this material are only fixed by the artistic instincts of the person who applies it. Naturally a professional decorator could do more with it than an amateur, but the untrained person can secure beautiful results where the ambition does not lead one into a desire for too trying effects. A great many people defer the redecorating of their rooms not only because of the expense but because of the discomfort of it. With Alabastine there need be no discomfort and there can be no muss, for all that is needed, is to lay a sheet or canvas on the floor, have your man come in with a pail, make the solution and simply brush it on the wall. That is all there is to it, and the room is perfectly clean and thoroughly renovated.