The mirrors and
lighting-fixtures are, of course, designed to harmonize with the
carvings of the woodwork. Monsieur de Nolhac and Sardou were most
helpful to us when such architectural problems had to be solved.
We have not used the extravagant lace curtains that seem to go with
brocades and carvings, because we are modern enough not to believe in
lace curtains. And we find that the thin white muslin ones give our
brocades and tapestries a chance to assert their decorative importance.
Somehow, lace curtains give a room such a dressed-up-for-company air
that they quite spoil the effect of beautiful fabrics. We have a few
fine old Savonnerie carpets that are very much at home in this house,
and so many interesting Eighteenth Century prints we hardly know how to
use them.
Our bedrooms are very simple, with their white panelings and chintz
hangings. We have furnished them with graceful and feminine things,
delicately carved mirror frames and inlaid tables, painted beds, and
chests of drawers of rosewood or satinwood. We feel that the ghosts of
the fair ladies who live in the Park would adore the bedrooms and
rejoice in the strange magic of electric lights. If the ghosts should be
confronted with the electric lights their surprise would not be greater
than was the consternation of our builders when we demanded five
bathrooms.
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