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About Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922 | View Entire Issue (May 12, 1907)
Fhe Omaha Sunday Bee PART III. Always Reed THE OMAHA DEC Best ';. West IIALF-TOIIE SECTION PAOIS 1 TO VOL. XXXVI NO. 47. OMA1IA, SUNDAY MORNING, MAY V. SINGLE COrY FIVE CENTS. OAAHA A CITY OF HOAE LIFE AND BEAUTIFUL HOMES Modern Ideas of Comfort and Convenience, Together With the Quiet Elegance of Good Taste and Generous Culture Characteristic of the Residences That Adorn the City in All Sections. H OME Ufa Is the keynote to the city's character; thus the home is the Important element In American urban life, has agiln and again been averted that the institutions of Omaha's proudest boast has always been Its homes. It the city, commercial. Industrial and -social, are built on the sure foundation of the home, for here the people to a much greater extent than elsewhere own their homes. The working peo ple of Omaha are horn's owners, and the more favored ones of the community. In a financial sense, also own their homes. Within the last few years the apnrtmrnt house and the family hotel have made their appearance In Omaha, but not to the extent of disturbing th real home life of the city. On the other hand, during the last five or six seasons the bulk of the building undertaken In the city has been of homea. ' While many substantial and even Imposing struc tures have been erected In the downtown district, where the casual visitor can be duly Impressed with the magnificence and Importance of the freshly piled brick and mortar, the real growth of the city has been In the outlying districts, where many millions of dollars have been invested In homes. Thousands of dwelling houses have been erected, end some of such cost and pretence as to warrant the desig nation of the old-fashioned term, "mansion." These are scattered In all directions, and east, west, north or south, no matter where the Investigator goes, he Is greeted by the sight of houses bo palpably new that the opinion ttiat Omaha is of but a few years' growth might easily be supported. It Is but the extension of the home idea that has prevailed from the first In Omaha, and which Is still active In the minds, for the current season so far has even surpassed any of its predecessors In the number of habitations that are under course of construction. No One Home a "Model" Just what constitutes a model home may not easily be answered. Architects have not as yet. solved the question, nor is It at all likely they soon will. Certain convention in construction' are always ob served, for architecture has its canons as 'any other art, but beyond the fundamentals, the needs of the family, 'the amplitude of the purs9 and the individual taste of the builder must modify In some degree the Idea of the architect, and the result Is certain to be a variation of whatever "model" might have been In view at the outset. One thing Is true, and gratefully so; the Omaha folks have been going In more for architectural aid than originally and houses are becoming more and more the expression of ideas rather than mere shelters for the occupants. To be sure, this has not spread beyond the more ex pensive homes as yet, and the popular notion of a house still finds Its Illustration In affairs more or less conventional In design. One set of plans has been copied so often in Omaha that the workmen ran now go ahead and lay out and construct the house without reference to blue prints, either for dimensions or design. While this type of home may be numerically in the majority, the real home, where the architect has given his aid to the builder Is sufficiently numerous to claim attention, and to It attention Is chiefly directed. Few Are Ostentatious The more pretentious homes of Omaha are, naturally, con structed along designs that reflect the agreement of architect and owner as 10 wan is correct ana needful rnr mmfort anri pnniron m . - - . . V v.. as well as for display. 80 far Very llttie ostentation marks the growth of the Omaha home. A modesty that Is charming character lies the exterior of the more costly of the houses! and while the in dividuality Is preserved. It Is that of quiet elegance, suggestive of ood taste and breeding, the gentility that denotes the Intellectual advance of the owner. To pick out one of these homes and say that ft Is a model might be invidious, but features of several can easily combine Into what can rightly be termed a model home. The magnificent home of Mr. J. M. Metcalf situated at 1234 South Tenth street Is a nodel to llustrate the loveliness, as well as the complete and artistic attainment which have been reached by modern architecture. On entering this handsomely designed home one is immediately impressed with the harmony and perfect blending of colors, carried out in the most minute details. The rugs, other household furnishings, and the hand-painted tapestries on all of the walls have been so carefully studied and planned that, notwithstanding their separate uses and treatment.'all are welded together In an eminently delightful manner. Two exceptionally at tractive features about this house are the very large reception or music room and the dining room. Beautiful Reception Hall The reception hall Is entered by a vestibule Inclosed with cut flass doors and has a floor of blue and white tiling. From here one steps into the spacious haU which Is as large as three ordinary room. Two massive oak columns give a distinctive tone of ele gance to the entrance. The woodwork here, as well aMn the dining room, is of the extra heavy hand-carved, quarter-sawed oak. The staircase, which Is at the extreme end of this ball, repeats this wood, and la conspicuous in the room, as It Is also broad, spsclous and massive In construction so as to be In accordance with the other surrounding. The hardwood floor Is covered with numerous ori ental rags, the central one, a Klrmanshah, of rare value, being over fifty years of age, and with the exquisite tints and colors that have made these rugs famous for their beauty. It is often said that they are to the rug dealer what diamonds are to the Jeweler. At the right and center of the hall Is an Immense mantel with brick facings, and above it Is an original oil painting by one of the neted Italian artists, being aa "Annunciation" of the period of Peruglno. The fireplace has brass and Irons, and before It stands a mahogany davenport upholstered In green velvet of astonishing promise of comfort Not far distant from the fireplace a half circle of windows . i , ' y ' f "" "" I. ' i 1 i i l i T I 1 ( 1 JJ: Y ' -1 4 . , . iCl I! .rr -'ipi h - 0 i : 1 ' " V '..Mart f f.i TROM RECEPTION HALL TO DINING ROOM AT MRS. METCALFS. RECEPTION HALL AT THE METCALF HOME. makes an ideal retreat for low seats with oriental coverings. An Irregularity In the contour of the room makes a very cozy nook for the tea table, fully equipped for the prevalent custom of serving the 6 o'clock tea. Cheerfulness and an air of culture and love of refinement is added to this ideal home by the strains of delightful music furnished. by an Imported music box which plays the music of a variety of musical Instruments. Dining Rooms Beauties The dining room Is at the extreme end of this hall and is en tered by a broad arch. The woodwork throughout is of heavy, hand carved, quarter-sawed oak. A wainscot is carried completely around the room except where it is Interrupted by an Immense fireplace and sideboard. Both have the oak finish and the fireplace is de signed in a monumental style, with corner pilasters reaching to the celling. The ceiling le of solid carved oak, beamed and designed In massive squares. The room is extraordinarily brilliant in color, the rich red of the. walls affording a fine background for the oak wood work and mahogany furnishings. - Pompetian red is the predomi nating tone, the paper being a copy of the house of "Betl" in Pompeii. The walls are of the plain red, while the border is of a variety of hand-painted fruits displaying the most exquisite color-' ings which blend perfectly with the patterns In the Klrman rug. The round mahogany crotcbed table Is a special feature of this room. Eight logs are visible on the surface of the" table and are veined so as to form a large star. The mahogany chairs of rare value are also harmonious In this room, as the leather upholstering of them matches perfectly the Pompeilan shade of red used in decorating the walls. A mahogany cabinet filled to overflowing with cut glass .and numerous little side tables of the same wood are all admirably disposed. Overhanging the dining table is a chandelier of antique brass, concealing with a red-beaded shade, numerous electric lights which, combined with a circle of HgMs above these and still two other lights, making all together a tier of three lights, which, when lit, cast a radiance that emphasizes the splendor of this room. Features of Brandeis Home The stately home of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur D. Brandeis, located at 500 South Thirty-eighth street, has the distinction of having a solarium and a music room which are two of the handsomest as well as the most novel and interesting rooms in the city. Their appointments are perfect The solarium, or sun room, is situated at the south end of the house. It is circular in hape, outlined with windows and Is In no way shaded by any other' part of the ho'iso from the direct rays of the sun. The ceiling is dome-shape, and te richly decorated and colored with elaborate scroll designs and swal lows. The woodwork is of green oak and the walls are covered with green tapestry designed with white swallows. The furniture Is also of green oak and is upholstered with sprays of geraniums. The curtains at the windows and the draperies over the arched doors are also green, with hatd-painted -swallows, plain green being se lected for the rug. The room is made cozy and inviting-looking by low seats which entirely encircles one side of the room following the base of the windows.- A feature of the room Is the central chande lier, of which the electric lights are so cleverly concealed as to rep resent a flight of swallows. Smaller lights In various parts of the room are artistically placed which enhances the beauty of the room. The music room, which adds a tone of culture and refinement to this magnificent home, is to the right of the large living room which adjoins the second entrance door. The walls are hung in panels and at the top of each of these Is the name of famous composers done In relief work. Daintiness characterizes this room. The back ground of the walls are deep cream, over which are garlands of pink roses. The draperies at the entrance doors are In blue, repeating the same garland of roses as are on the walls. A baby grand piano of mahogany case holds a conspicuous place In this room. Of massive elegance Is the mahogany mantle and over a shelf crowded with bric-a-brac of the most interesting sort is an oblong gold leaf Empire mirror. The lighting of this room is a copied German custom. Chandeliers are abanded, but wherever a light Is needed to see the music an electric light is dropped from a gold chain and these lights are made opalescent by crystal shades with hanging prisms. The other furnishings of the room are antique collections of mahogany. Kitchen an Important Place The kitchen, while it is the least conspicuous room of the house, plays a very Important part In its own Individual line and careful thought and planning must be given to the completing of It. A sys tematic arrangement and distribution of all utensils, supplies and other articles are important for convenience and special stress should be put on the fact that the room be well lighted and venti lated. A model kitchen of this kind is attracting attention In one of the modern homes In Omaha today. On entering It one is at once Impressed with the sanitary appearance carried out In every. detail. The' walls are covered with a conventional design of white and blue santis paper, selected because it can be washed. The floors are cov ered with whits tile which extends into the butler's pantry, la itself a fair-cited room' and a treasure for shelf spaced The woodwork is of quarter-sawed oak and the swinging doors are massive In struc ture. The kitchen is sparsely supplied with furniture: . The perma nent fixturec such as range and sink, boiler and kitchen table and . ono or two chairs, take up all of the available space, as the room Is only of modest size. : The table Is a special feature of the kitchen. It has a copper top and Is so constructed that a person of average height will not have to stoop when working at it. It Is mounted on cafitors so as to be readily moved and the lower space Is filled w ith drawers and cupboards At one side of the room 'Is an oak door which leads Into a shallow closet, where the Ironing boards, stands and cloths are kept, a special place being designated for each one of them and where each can be readily attained without taking other things out. The clothes horse, one of the most difficult arti cles to store, has a place for its disposition in this closet. The elec trio lights drop from the ceiling by white chains which makes them transferrab'.e. The Ice l ox occupies a room by itself and covers one entire wall. It is lined throughout with white enamel, and special doors from the outside of the house provides a means to put the ice -into the box without coming inside. Such is the completeness of this kitchen every u . Tessa ry article and piece of furniture is availa ble, having Its own t,jccla" place where it can be easily procured. In the Bed Chamber The bedroom Is generally the one room in the house which loudly bespeaks the character and tastes of its occupant. There is a particularly pretty room of this kind in one of the Omaha homes today. Like the home itself, there is no ostentatious show, but rather quiet reserve and real excellence. Daintiness and a desire for pretty things without any signs of extravagance are the characteristics of the charming maid who owns and has furnished this attractive apartment. The room itself Is distinctly Irregular In design and ad mirably adapted for window seats somewhat quaintly fashioned which are in evidence. The woodwork is in white and white swlss curtains are hung at every' window, artistically caught to one side with tasseled cords. In one corner of the room is a large open fire place, before which Is a rocking chair, round tea table,, besides a fine Old desk. Of special Interest In this room is the furniture, which Is imported bamboo, and the dresser and bed are so massively con structed that they give a stately air to the entire surroundings. Pic tures carefully selected are' given conspicuous place and the frames aro either In gold or black. A Venetian scene designed panel effect gives a touch of elegance to the room and harmonizes perfectly with the color combination of blue and gold on the cream background of the wallpaper. A swinging door, which leads Into a spacious closet, encases a French plate mirror which reaches from the floor to the ceiling. A few feet from this closet Is an alcove curtained in orien tal draperies, and when drawn aside reveals a stationary washstand, hot and cold water always In readiness, and all of the toilet articles dear to the feminine heart are in silver highly polished and glisten ing on a French dressing table. Drop lights hang from the celling and are transferable, making the room convenient, artistic and com plete. Not the least attractive of the various departments In some ot the Omaha homes are the nurseries, which are a haven of Joy for the children in winter or on bad, rainy days, when outdoor amuse ments are impossible. In one home of six children the nursery is so complete In every detail that It makes one of the most Interesting; rooms in the house. Several rooms on the second floor are devoted to the children and each has a room of his own, for which they have mere or less the responsibility of keeping their things in place, and In fnct there is a little competition between them to see who can be the most orderly. The woodwork In these rooms Is of blrdseye ma ple except In the baby's, which is white enamel. The floors are hardwood highly polished and covered with the daintiest of rugs. A chest of drawers Is In every room in which the toys and various lilaythings of the children are always kept when not in use. A com plete net of miniature furniture Is in each little apartment, which Includes a bookcase, writing desk and pictures, besides their brass beds. No partiality is shown In the furnishing of these rooms ex cept for the baby everything Is in white and presents a much daintier appearance. One big central room has been cleared of all furniture and here the children meet for one grand frolic, have aft enoon tea here, and it also serves as their school room. Characteristic and Beautiful These rooms oy no means exhaust the list of Omaha apartments deserving of mention, but are cited aa affording a combination that, taken together, would make a house as nearly ideal as might be con ceived for the purpose. Each is characteristic and individual In Its beauty and attractiveness.- yet all would combine harmoniously and make a hom very nearly approaching perfection. The architects have been much occupied of late years in working out ideas of pros pective builders, the personal equation entering almost as largely Into the matter of building a house as into any of the other func tions of life. When left to his own devices the architect undertakes to make a Tiouse that will conform In general to Its surroundings, the lay of the land, the character of the surrounding buildings and the several other elements being given consideration in the problem. To give the house its distinctive characteristic and preserve Its har mony with its surroundings is the general aim, and it has usually been accomplished. This so far as the exterior of the house Is con cerned. When the Interior arrangement and finish is considered the difficulty is Increased. i r ) "A 'J V- ,77 a.: 1. .- . i rV 'A a - r , V ii 0 k ji -u-'ViK if 1 1 , V',i orirtrTM .t the brakdeis home. MUSIC ROOM AT THE BRANDIES HOME. Ingenuity in Interiors Architectural taste Is generally secondary to ingenuity when It comes to the Interior division of the home. First, the well-defined notions of those who are to inhabit the structure must be considered, and, not infrequently, thf se run counter to the conventions of the art This is not such a serious proposition, though, for architec ture, while poetically described as "frozen music," is really one of the plastic arts, and ltd adaptability within certain well-defined bounds Is Infinite. Problems of this sort are settled as a rule by the architect devising a series of apartments that, while not Ideal, meet fhe demands of the man and woman for whose use they are Intended, and satisfaction follows. The amount of Inventive genius displayed in some Omaha homes is marvellous. To dispose of the rooms, the closets, the stairs, the chimney and all the other details thst must be considered, snd yet to conserve the general design and produce the convenience that must be provided for the comfort if home life, requires the display of faculties that amounts to real genius. Art in Humbler Homes The leas costly houEcs are no longer built by rule of thumo, either. Well-developed designs are followed and the home of the man of moderate u.tana, or the humbler residence of the man who works for wages, are expressions of development in the way of home building. Much comfort is provided at little coat and conveniences that once were unknown are found in all the homes of today. Even the artistic has its place in these homes, and without increasing the cost beyond a reasonable figure, the architect has succeeded in giv ing to the home life such surroundings as tend to elevate its stand ard by reason of Its upliiting environment. Model cottages are more numerous than the model mansion, for the reason that the builder of the cottage is usually more or less restricted in his ambitions by his means and must of necessity follow the conventional Ideas more closely, but these model cottages are primarily designed to combine comfort and convenience with the artistic. While no distinct school of architecture has been rigidly adhereed to In the arrangement of these homes, they present such characteristics a warrant their be ing denominated Individual. Sometimes this is lost In a measure by a repetition of the design, but modern practice is to vary this in certain details, so as to obviate the monotony that must be the result of replication. A drive about the reeidence actions of Omaha in any direction will convince one of the mild truth of the statement that Omaha Is a City of Homes, and that the home builders have taste and cred itable desire to express it In their homes.
