ABSTRACT
The establishment of the home, as described so far, has been undertaken by most new families whilst influenced by ideas of romantic affection rather than by a rational appreciation of the requirements of family living. The home develops continuously in response to the emotional and social needs of the family and is affected by its relations with the community as a whole. This process often extends not only over the house itself, its furnishing, equipment and decoration, but extends outside the house into the garden and the allotment garden, and to the workshop or garden shed. We may distinguish the following:
The emergence of new needs within the family group, of separate interests in husband and wife, of the need for privacy as well as for companionship, the requirements of infants and children.
The needs arising out of wider social relationships, with relatives, friends, neighbours and official and business visitors.
The requirements of social status, possessions as symbols of prestige.
The development of the wife’s aesthetic interests, the arrangement and decoration of the home as the major interest.
