4 OBJECTIVES OF HOME PLANNING AND FURNISHING

Formality, A home that expresses formality usually also ex-
presses dignity, strength, reserve, and impressiveness. Features
that contribute to this effect in a house are unbroken lines, large
spaces, and a symmetrical fagade, that is, a house front in which
the two vertical halves are alike. In an interior, formality results
from symmetry and also from conservative color. The furniture
is usually, though not necessarily, traditional in style and arranged
with formal balance. The family that creates a home of this type
generally lives a conventional, dignified, ordered life made possible
by efficient service. A house which expresses dignity is not a mere
lifeless representation of that quality but an active assertion in-
fluencing the emotions and behavior of all who enter it. See
page 10 for an interesting illustration.

Informality. An outstanding characteristic of American life of
today is informality. Casual clothes are favored and casual man*
ners prevail. Naturally informality is desired in home surround-
ings also. Informality, unpretentiousness, friendly hospitality, and
intimate charm are expressed through various means. Bright, warm
colors and simple, comfortable furniture have these characteristics.
Houses express informality through modest size, asymmetrical bal-
ance, and broken lines. See page 190 for examples.

Naturalness (Primitiveness). One type of informality is that
which stresses naturalness or primitiveness. A house of this char-
acter may express the following themes: simplicity, handmade
quality, sincerity, thrift, naivete, playfulness, rugged force, unpre-
tentiousness, originality, or protest against artificiality. Among the
factors that contribute to the attainment of the natural effect are
the use of native materials and native styles, handwork showing
natural irregularities in structure, direct treatment, inexpensive
materials, and peasant or primitive colors. Labored effects, fine
finish, and imitations are avoided.

Natural or primitive houses are not numerous, but they are to
be found in every part of the United States. See pages 74 and 75,
Many families in the Southwest have shown their appreciation of
the native art of that section by creating homes inspired by rather
primitive American Indian, Mexican, and Spanish forms. Many
ranch or farm houses in various parts of the United States are
appropriately rustiq aitd have simple, soitabk furmture*