ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, December 31, 1995 TAG: 9601030018
SECTION: HOMES PAGE: E-1 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: Antiques & Designs
SOURCE: KATHY SUE GRIGG
In the 1840s the lady of the house carried out her more formal duties in the drawing room.
Depending on locality, morning visits from ladies were common. The drawing room was the setting for these brief calls. Then in the afternoon another round of guests would be received in the drawing room, where the lady of the house would serve tea and sweet cakes.
Before dinner in the evening, guests would gather in the drawing room, and at the end of the meal the ladies would return there, leaving the men to linger over their port and cigars.
The Rococo style with its delicate carving and curvy lines was a suitably feminine style for the drawing room.
The mirror frames, wall sconces, marble fireplaces, along with the draped pelmets and furniture had scarcely a straight line among them. But somehow with the abundant scrolls and the heavy velvets the room had a light and airy feel.
The curtains were made of muslin that softened the daylight, and by night the velvet draperies were closed, giving privacy as well as a feeling of luxury.
Gas lighting was available, but most people still used candlelight. It was kinder to ladies in make-up and the delicate color scheme. The carpet had pastel shades with floral patterns, which was started in France, but other carpet firms soon followed.
A large ottoman, found in the center of the room, was used for sitting - mainly for the younger girls who didn't wear long, wide skirts. Palms were the exotic plants of choice.
Upon arrival, visitors always placed calling cards in the silver card holder at the front door.
I remember my older sisters having calling cards printed, and I teased them that they used cards because they couldn't remember their names.
Kathy Sue Grigg is an associate at Surfaces Inc. If you have ideas, questions or comments about her column, write to her in care of The Roanoke Times, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va. 24010.
LENGTH: Short : 47 linesby CNB