In the early 1930s, seating in the Chamber was altered and a horseshoe pattern was introduced to assist the growing number of MPPs – now over 100 – in hearing each other better during debates prior to the introduction of microphones. However, seating reverted back to the traditional two-sided style by the 1940s.
During the 1970s a red carpet was added to the Chamber floor, while upholstery on all of the members’ chairs and the public galleries was altered to royal blue. This colour scheme lasted through until the late 1990s, when the room was refurbished to the green we see today. This colour is consistent with both the House of Commons and the British Parliament, which also feature a green colour scheme. Red is typically used in an upper house or Senate in our parliamentary system.