New England painted furniture was typical of rural English color. Few pieces survived from England in their original condition because collectors have tended to refinish the pieces. Cited is Abbott Lowell Cummings' documentation of color and pattern used in 17th century eastem Massachusetts houses: interior wooden framing members painted to contrast with whitewash walls, tinted whitewash; diaper pattern of sponge dots. Textiles in a room would vary in material but only a single color would be used. The technique of speckling is described. The various changes in furniture ornamentation during the 16th and 17th century are described. -- AATA