Interior Decorating for Comfortable Homes Of The 1920s

       Frank Parsons was the president of the New York School of Fine and Applied Arts in the 1920s and was considered a leading authority on interior decoration. Here are a few examples of his work to help dollhouse enthusiasts transform a small property into something period.

Color palettes in rooms from this decade vary widely. Here we see the use of color to make a 
room look spacious and comfortable. Although there are red accents around the room the
colors appear harmonious and not overbearing. 

       The green tile surrounding the blazing fire in this comfortable modern home has been chosen to harmonize with the green carpet patterned linoleum. A touch of the complementary red, and the blues and yellows are blended in the fabrics to make the room cheerful. It is not overcrowded with furniture, but rather is arranged to give a spacious, open effect. Comfort and utility are two of the primary requisites of every living room.

The front hallway and
living room beyond.

       This interesting use, after some of European manners, of a carpet inlaid linoleum floor through hall and living room, illustrates how effectively a pattern can be employed in floors, as well as on walls and in hangings. The small all over design gives the effect of a rich carpet, and yet the floor is easy to keep clean and care for and is also durable. (just right) The staircase here features stained treads and painted white risers. The wall behind has square paneled walls and the ceilings have painted wooden beams.
       In the cherry dining room illustrated below, the early American furniture is happily combined with the Chinese area rug and the warm wooden floors. One feels that this room has been planned in good taste and the floors contribute much to the atmosphere of refinement. A formal painted mantle frames a modern electric firebox and a mirror hangs above it.
       The next photo illustration of a formal dining alternative includes a wooden floor that blends with the lovely wood of the Sheraton furniture, the colorful draperies and the fine rug. Notice also the early American built in corner cupboard used to store fine china. In this room there is also a fancy tea cart and two sideboards.

• See more vintage Ideas in Home Decorating from 1929

A drawn rendering of a formal dining room from 1920.

This photo alternative furniture arrangement for a dining area includes a picture window and 
hot water heater. Combining curtains with shades and sheers was very popular in this decade.

Above is a family room decorated with Oriental rug and cozy upholstered seating. This 
fireplace is a wood-burner with a traditional brick liner and classic painted wooden mantle. 

Here is a open space living area and dining room combined inside of a California bungalow. 
Furnishings include a multitude of texture and pattern. Wicker and wood chairs and a builtin
window seat invite relaxation and floral curtains and a rug are cheerful reminders of home.

This old-fashioned back staircase in a stately Colonial home has a carpeted staircase to keep
the noise level low during use. The curved banister has stained handrails and painted 
balusters. Plush rugs and paneled doors add to the charm of the hall where the 
historical staircase is featured.

A drawn rendering of a casual sitting area at the foot of a large staircase. The distinctive floors
are Parquetry. The fireplace is decorated with unique cast-iron andirons. 

The sun parlor has a black and white checkered floor, very
popular in the 1920s. 

This rendering shows an Arts and Crafts Bungalow from the same decade. Parquetry floors 
combined with a wrap around fireplace mantle with flanking bookcases. The windows
are small and above the bookcases. Note the stained glass shade on the lamp and
velvet upholstery are very period as well.

The upper landing leads to bedrooms and a shared family bathroom.

The master suite includes and sleigh bed, large dresser, a writing table and nightstand.

A sitting area upstairs with chaise lounge next to the fire surround.

Toddlers play in their nursery. The furnishings are child sized these include: a rocking horse,
a child-sized rocking chair, a table and writing desk, plus many old-fashioned toys.

A girl's bedroom includes a large vanity and mirror and twin beds and comfy arm chair.

The attic has been converted into a spare bedroom for guests. different furnishings are 
grouped and upholstered in floral prints. The space is carpeted for extra warmth in winter.