ALL the modern furniture in the living room pictured has been chosen because of its distinct Duncan Phyfe characteristics, or else for its suitability for blending harmoniously with the modem renditions of this style. The sofa has real distinction, a swing and flare of line ennobled by its delicately carved frame of mahogany and its fine upholstery. The atlas globe is remarkable for the beauty of its Phyfe stand of mahogany; the flip-top card table shows a lyre motif in its under-construction ; the small side chair, one of a pair, shows the use of the lyre motif also in its back. A wing chair of about this time and a comfortable flounced armchair add notes of variety in their harmonious contrast of style, since they have been chosen from the same general period, even though they are not of actual Phyfe inspiration. The tambour desk and a Sheraton book cabinet, the latter not to be seen in the picture, are further departures which add to the variety of the room without detracting from its pervading style. A large Phyfe table of oblong shape, drop leaves and reverse-curve legs may be used in another part of the room if desired.

In a room of this sort the walls may be neutrally putty or gray, or else they may be figured quaintly after the more classic manner of the third American period. In the latter case the rugs should be plain, but in the former, if desired, they may show the soft-colored patterns of the Oriental designs. The window treatments should be governed by a certain dignity of rich restraint: overdrapes may give the effect of a heavy silken surface—cotton velvets, prim damasks or vegetable taffetas over silk gauze proving an ideal choice.

The pictured dining room, in which the furniture shows strong Duncan Phyfe characteristics, makes use of a landscape set for the papering of its walls above the wainscot. Printed in pale warm sepia tones, and used with a deep ivory paint for the woodwork, this background causes the furniture of dusky mahogany to appear at fine advantage.

The extension table, a masterpiece of simple dignity, is priced at only ninety-two dollars; a very delightful serving table is fifty-three dollars and a half; the seventy-two-inch buffet is one hundred and eight dollars; the china cabinet, which has all the distinction of an original secretary or highboy of the period, costs only one hundred and four dollars; and the side chairs are twenty-two dollars each.

Part 3 (final part) of a 1927 magazine article on Duncan Phyfe Furniture