EUROPEAN REVERIE

I stand aghast whenever I’m made to view a room such as the one in Linda Chase’s home (“European Reverie,” by Barbara Thornburg (Dec. 16). While collections of any nature are genuinely interesting to observe, homes sporting every buying whim can be, quite frankly, nauseating. It more nearly resembles a child’s playroom with every toy ever owned present and thrown about the floor.

One lesson in style and taste that I’d like to suggest to the interior designer who has none is to exercise reserve. As in romance, it is better to tease the senses than to bare all.

GWENDOLYN M. CAGNOLATTI

Long Beach