
audiobook
by Frank Alvah Parsons, Kathleen Clinch Calkins, Armstrong Cork Company
In this timeless guide the author argues that our surroundings are more than a backdrop—they shape our habits, moods, and even our character. Drawing on a career spent teaching and writing about interior design, he explains how sound, scent, color and arrangement influence daily life, and why a well‑crafted home can nurture refinement and well‑being. The opening chapters lay out the philosophy that a harmonious environment is essential for personal growth, offering clear examples of how early experiences in the house set lasting standards of taste.
The book then moves into practical territory, presenting concrete principles for arranging rooms, choosing fabrics, wallpapers, and furnishings that work together rather than clash. Readers will find actionable tips for balancing styles, selecting harmonious palettes, and creating spaces that feel both comfortable and aesthetically coherent. A later section turns its attention to linoleum, illustrating how even flooring choices can reinforce the overarching design concepts introduced at the start.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (93K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
United States: Armstrong Cork Company, Linoleum Department,1921.
Credits
Charlene Taylor and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2022-02-28
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1868–1930
A pioneering design educator and writer, he helped shape modern art and design education in the United States. His work connected clothing, craft, and everyday life, with a special interest in how dress reflects culture and personality.
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Remembered today mainly as Clinch Calkins, this early twentieth-century American writer moved easily between journalism, fiction, and practical books about the home. Her work hints at a lively, curious mind equally interested in industry, everyday life, and the way people shape the spaces around them.
View all booksA major American manufacturer founded in Pittsburgh in the 19th century, it became known for cork products, linoleum, and other building materials. Its story reflects the rise of industrial design and everyday materials in modern life.
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