| This study traces the transitions in single-family housing and furnishings depicted in three popular domestic magazines from 1900 to 1960. The magazines are House Beautiful, Better Homes and Gardens, and Parents' Magazine. During this time period the American home became increasingly child centered. Floor plans begin to clearly show a division of child space versus adult space. Independent bedrooms, bathrooms, playrooms, family rooms, and backyard space were expected by the consumer. Kitchen floor plans were often extended to include space for family leisure. Specialized furnishings to support the space's function were designed. This study argues that the housing plans and furnishings in domestic advice magazines agree with the scientific advice given by child rearing experts creating a home magazine-child rearing expert nexus enmeshed with consumerism. There are three original findings. First, the attempt to move contained play indoors began by 1919. Second, the loss of children's privacy in the name of safety and third, the child's room and playroom as site of the context of authority between Mother and the experts. |
