INTERIOR FINISHING 207

Sometimes landlords will grant a concession or a lower rent to
the renter who is willing to take care of her own decorating. In
that event the tenant may wish to do the work herself. Before
making her decision, however, she should obtain a painter's bid for
doing the job and should also ascertain the cost of materials if she
does it herself. She can then decide intelligently whether it is
worth while to do the work herself. As has been stated before,
amateurs are able to paper or paint ordinary rooms satisfactorily.
Furthermore, most city people need the opportunity this work
offers to do creative work with their hands.

It often happens that an otherwise pleasant apartment has dark
etained woodwork that detracts from its appearance. This can be
entirely concealed by applying one coat of oil paint of medium
value, to harmonize with the rugs. However, if a room is very
light, and a Modern effect is desired, the walls may be painted dark
with glossy oil paint to match the woodwork. Light rugs, light
furniture, and some brilliant colors are needed in such a color
scheme.

It is often possible to economize by putting a coat of a thick,
special water paint over walls and woodwork too, as it is quite
satisfactory for a year or so in a family of adults. Picture mold-
ings should be painted like the wall or ceiling. Radiators and elec-
tric outlets should be painted like the walls. The very light-
colored, high-varnished, hardwood floors which unfortunately are
common in apartments should be somewhat darkened if possible,
unless the rugs are light.