Boy's Room Advice from the Experts

<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hG5UusLb4mIBQe7-BzEe6IMm3hx9qYGKfo2oPP8hlxnHrOHEWOPmWoAGtm5SoCdkvJ0p29lElpN21F1LcHWysF0cA79IRJTePhGNB6QwiEFAk5lsY1p1O7xaLuZwMUT5p0pmv50PXFc/s640/blogger-image-1953367195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hG5UusLb4mIBQe7-BzEe6IMm3hx9qYGKfo2oPP8hlxnHrOHEWOPmWoAGtm5SoCdkvJ0p29lElpN21F1LcHWysF0cA79IRJTePhGNB6QwiEFAk5lsY1p1O7xaLuZwMUT5p0pmv50PXFc/s640/blogger-image-1953367195.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Of course, y'all are the experts and I'm the one needing advice. I've started working on Edward's big boy room and am suddenly at a standstill. Get ready for some quality iPhone pics (they're really bad, but the first one is pretty accurate lighting-wise.) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEzJpe_FdqFkQIeTnww_hLsIrawmeeGopbmM0aEkmOY3P8nyLsuYETWYUe1hSD0iTNFN9fui6pXY5p7Fl5xReyTqDBRRwjSdlz0N9cp2nZ0TsNNuo0LBwiF_4rBXX0owFLNFlhAPgc3g/s640/blogger-image--1674101411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEzJpe_FdqFkQIeTnww_hLsIrawmeeGopbmM0aEkmOY3P8nyLsuYETWYUe1hSD0iTNFN9fui6pXY5p7Fl5xReyTqDBRRwjSdlz0N9cp2nZ0TsNNuo0LBwiF_4rBXX0owFLNFlhAPgc3g/s640/blogger-image--1674101411.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBcwSH25NQrwd_xvYeuf-iFlUVUuL-m7mlBNnZucSquqgtkhKzsivCFW79CExQKkNrGpSC7TfVRqLQQhEAUjoVylgYIm8bA1llK_igPk2gzPRilbt_zeRzEssu5gM_3ekOXag_zX-nps/s640/blogger-image-1922135073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBcwSH25NQrwd_xvYeuf-iFlUVUuL-m7mlBNnZucSquqgtkhKzsivCFW79CExQKkNrGpSC7TfVRqLQQhEAUjoVylgYIm8bA1llK_igPk2gzPRilbt_zeRzEssu5gM_3ekOXag_zX-nps/s640/blogger-image-1922135073.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That's it. That's all I have. The dresser is much prettier than the picture shows. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is the scene on his walls right now. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnKDirvdWKkiKe7Jz0C8ekvUDshVGyaRjT8d29F4gZ81Wlq4ErmPhqNKkP0yFIreh-lD4pSdu3iobt2dUe1gCNWnIwV92vFxhuw3G0WhGj_2zfsaM9ZxpqnpsBefuE1vY571pKEFKLz8/s640/blogger-image-1017640699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnKDirvdWKkiKe7Jz0C8ekvUDshVGyaRjT8d29F4gZ81Wlq4ErmPhqNKkP0yFIreh-lD4pSdu3iobt2dUe1gCNWnIwV92vFxhuw3G0WhGj_2zfsaM9ZxpqnpsBefuE1vY571pKEFKLz8/s640/blogger-image-1017640699.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaoS65AyorMSDwdzmws7JsQZV0JqYXZ3mS3FlFJ0bL39LfC8y7SKjT4ZzuaulQgKziGAVjpMpuQgqPfUEDoCh3AVcO3cxNasDMps8PXtHE19yzIg_AmvGZ2V2FKIw0FA6bT2SfOTyvfY/s640/blogger-image-1086195468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaoS65AyorMSDwdzmws7JsQZV0JqYXZ3mS3FlFJ0bL39LfC8y7SKjT4ZzuaulQgKziGAVjpMpuQgqPfUEDoCh3AVcO3cxNasDMps8PXtHE19yzIg_AmvGZ2V2FKIw0FA6bT2SfOTyvfY/s640/blogger-image-1086195468.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Edward is begging for dark blue walls. He's four so he doesn't really get to make design decisions yet, but he seems to have an appreciation for pretty spaces so I want his room to be a place he loves.* </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It needs more layers,<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> curtains and some bookshelves. The sweet boy asked for a picture of his family for his room.  My heart almost burst out of my chest. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Now the white walls are fine, but a bit drab and dirty gray looking with the way the light is in the room.  Dark blue is really hard to pull off. I don't think it's a realistic option in here. Am I right? Any color ideas jumping out at you? Suggestions? Or do I just hang pictures and call it a day. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Also, this children's book is one of my new faves to "read" with Edward. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAss-0PVq_p_vyWUQ0pMm9LWeEgbdu91UpSK0ly8efP2eEzJoTh2QcQFDqTLWbYGV51PJ7fuJX6aI8GlhhtWdZt6u9WUw_bb7Uk1-JvYXj6tvxXU0xTP9O1KY2jGVkNE_cX9zd06U_GLE/s640/blogger-image--1330352844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAss-0PVq_p_vyWUQ0pMm9LWeEgbdu91UpSK0ly8efP2eEzJoTh2QcQFDqTLWbYGV51PJ7fuJX6aI8GlhhtWdZt6u9WUw_bb7Uk1-JvYXj6tvxXU0xTP9O1KY2jGVkNE_cX9zd06U_GLE/s640/blogger-image--1330352844.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">There are no words, but the most beautiful pictures. It tells the sweetest story that gave me goosebumps in the end.  Get it for your coffee table, even if you don't have children.  </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">* Y'all will find this funny. When Edward is really, really mad at me (usually because I've told him he can't jump on the furniture or eat candy for breakfast) he will say something like "... And I don't like my blue dresser! I don't want my new blue dresser anymore! I'm going to throw it in the trash."  This is also the kid that knows my favorite flower so I can take the decorating insults :) </div><br></div><br></div><br></div>

Boy's Room Advice from the Experts

Of course, y'all are the experts and I'm the one needing advice. I've started working on Edward's big boy room and am sudden...

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My Trip to Madre

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKde-6wQEGmwDfbRlQDWaVnR-v6kD-awR3z4xKfW0oDSZViF2qMdQDicyxl0Mh14r2dqKD0JQrM1JFduVx_KEVRcPKRVX16aQxEDGwCkm7vXQ8co6Tk3TXRLZKZHzSfVBy6HQJ9UMnT8/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-06-08+at+8.35.13+PM.jpg" width="640" /><a href="http://www.madredallas.com/">www.madredallas.com</a></div><br /><br />When I was in Dallas to surprise The Suze for her birthday, I knew I had two missions: 1) <a href="https://favordelivery.com/">Favor</a> all of my favorite restaurants (seriously, Favor might be the greatest app ever invented), and 2) visit <a href="http://www.madredallas.com/">Madre</a>, the chic design boutique that some super-stylish mamas opened in Dallas.<br /><br /> It also happens to be the new home for <a href="http://www.littlebeanshop.com/">Little Bean</a>, my sister-in-law's adorable children's boutique.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5l8S7sksTzMFVpuf2fJM1FPIAcX377aGQErq_DrlfkNHwIsrjR9FlBASBxuUdOeYDceomWhy_WDEt57T1tHhaEGZYhVZFYIzGJ74pNSce-4B6WtkhH4Ddboxxb7UtNemTgM3aSs2TxFo/s1600/cn_image_1.size.madre-dallas-store-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5l8S7sksTzMFVpuf2fJM1FPIAcX377aGQErq_DrlfkNHwIsrjR9FlBASBxuUdOeYDceomWhy_WDEt57T1tHhaEGZYhVZFYIzGJ74pNSce-4B6WtkhH4Ddboxxb7UtNemTgM3aSs2TxFo/s1600/cn_image_1.size.madre-dallas-store-01.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeJ3PFobHqsihsLVQ-2OCIyypA7bDypbOmZ9VyAxeC4ux5GzOfsaFRto40BnBXtIhsmLTecRCp-BMXTCDEaLwqfDzf2T09OAFtkxFi-NqUDAsyazYS-oHEk9N-ugezfLu1elz6maPDCc/s1600/cn_image.size.madre-dallas-store-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeJ3PFobHqsihsLVQ-2OCIyypA7bDypbOmZ9VyAxeC4ux5GzOfsaFRto40BnBXtIhsmLTecRCp-BMXTCDEaLwqfDzf2T09OAFtkxFi-NqUDAsyazYS-oHEk9N-ugezfLu1elz6maPDCc/s1600/cn_image.size.madre-dallas-store-03.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpWZYD57yukVjaV7JupbIHvjaCUryjXkOJvs2ypJI480LCgVA0suhlNBQcYyKRhWyfk7gzROibLp5JItE0pcbzFCA8I78ytqNjSssOaj1lD7QCvt3qHCHsj9utzKE14_nSUworVDGo88/s1600/cn_image_3.size.madre-dallas-store-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpWZYD57yukVjaV7JupbIHvjaCUryjXkOJvs2ypJI480LCgVA0suhlNBQcYyKRhWyfk7gzROibLp5JItE0pcbzFCA8I78ytqNjSssOaj1lD7QCvt3qHCHsj9utzKE14_nSUworVDGo88/s1600/cn_image_3.size.madre-dallas-store-02.jpg" /></a></div><br />* Last three images by<a href="http://www.kellychristinephoto.com/"> Kelly Christine</a> for <a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/blogs/daily/2015/04/madre-dallas-store">Architectural Digest</a><br /><br />These ladies clearly have an eye for all things pretty. <br /><br />Just take a minute to scroll back up and digest all of the pretty details.  I spy pretty blue piping, a lantern with scallop detail (oh ya, you can customize those), blue and white eyelet, a pretty monogram, a tutu I would've insisted on bathing in as a little girl, tassels, a teepee and a grasscloth covered console.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvosET-gKehZ_BIDTuSNeZt5nS5gG-tGAOOvGyQMWtyqnE2i3gE9llnH9L0Ws3zpQlPAfCQ0sHnl2ugfyGT22LWjrqalYYD1afTuawbynIkEsqjbDUSMXHXIytMshKChseioWE19aZ8g/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-08+at+8.53.00+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvosET-gKehZ_BIDTuSNeZt5nS5gG-tGAOOvGyQMWtyqnE2i3gE9llnH9L0Ws3zpQlPAfCQ0sHnl2ugfyGT22LWjrqalYYD1afTuawbynIkEsqjbDUSMXHXIytMshKChseioWE19aZ8g/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-06-08+at+8.53.00+PM.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="https://instagram.com/madredallas/">Madre's Instagram </a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The coral door and the gray and white awning are as welcoming as the girls who run it.<br /><br />Here are some pictures I snapped while I oohed and ahhhed and tried to move in.  </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciKGTrjWP4ZYzl5Y-c5Trgmo0qCRGSXFmY27EtoHT2gzrPJAIT2xOQUu0fUvQ1b_lzS0h2ISe71pTgdIBzKDNkQOQpkrtB6a5-NTrtUugRTc29hwI9_ngFjJik_5PVi0MtMsv44j7_Vw/s640/blogger-image-1448668161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciKGTrjWP4ZYzl5Y-c5Trgmo0qCRGSXFmY27EtoHT2gzrPJAIT2xOQUu0fUvQ1b_lzS0h2ISe71pTgdIBzKDNkQOQpkrtB6a5-NTrtUugRTc29hwI9_ngFjJik_5PVi0MtMsv44j7_Vw/s640/blogger-image-1448668161.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>Everything in the store is pretty. They have so many customizable pieces, like the tassel dresser above. My sisters and I are fighting over who gets that dresser first. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCS_YXl9G9uwHZWRZN6SYxGf8oJ5yxjqC_XS7M_3VFUH3E021DEcuocCLuVkuFaSY6yoBIkBnp9by9-gEc8ReSmCkvlcMOB6RobiyzgsxdMeUuGtj9FNeRYqm8AeaH1VXeCaYcW2sFLMI/s640/blogger-image--1491248973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCS_YXl9G9uwHZWRZN6SYxGf8oJ5yxjqC_XS7M_3VFUH3E021DEcuocCLuVkuFaSY6yoBIkBnp9by9-gEc8ReSmCkvlcMOB6RobiyzgsxdMeUuGtj9FNeRYqm8AeaH1VXeCaYcW2sFLMI/s640/blogger-image--1491248973.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So many great gifts and accessories. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvFSWNFUSGMpLmaMvxKB2Jw-1eYLUVB0rBwxypalYxXyAMDwEn3f-Lnpj8e36mquHjQrtfrY-mt0NeHnkP5HQ2RRhLRAnbGDtXwosa278wLJNKHpAZJYjVGb9daxQwgatjHL-yJg8QFk/s640/blogger-image--2055433598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvFSWNFUSGMpLmaMvxKB2Jw-1eYLUVB0rBwxypalYxXyAMDwEn3f-Lnpj8e36mquHjQrtfrY-mt0NeHnkP5HQ2RRhLRAnbGDtXwosa278wLJNKHpAZJYjVGb9daxQwgatjHL-yJg8QFk/s640/blogger-image--2055433598.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And then there's Little Bean! The tutus alone make me want to go back in time and up my twirly dress game.  My boys went straight for the noisest toy in that room, of course.  My sister-in-law has the best eye for chic children's stuff that kids will actually like. From toys to clothes to nap mats, it's all very high quality, but not too precious.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28npafHQ2sq3CPy5-AkPL4OERQeLa7fSHw9hQ26kJEuuSpwXtwRjr1BgK_r5Jazj-LF-bZNXyF4k4FXFgtG3-c55x9HgrT6ivmJDucBlkokQbJPgQPUOOr8ar_ggmXeP00ZKn_bmLDDU/s640/blogger-image-2048768272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28npafHQ2sq3CPy5-AkPL4OERQeLa7fSHw9hQ26kJEuuSpwXtwRjr1BgK_r5Jazj-LF-bZNXyF4k4FXFgtG3-c55x9HgrT6ivmJDucBlkokQbJPgQPUOOr8ar_ggmXeP00ZKn_bmLDDU/s640/blogger-image-2048768272.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>So many great, unique clothes and toys and accessories.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrbSoyFoChjOPLNl5oNXq0M30By0mr4VYB0KBTlB8DinTOokw5Y6_ygIcOo_KfMZc6WdsBxVva2jMts1f9sqWsU3OCmKED5TimVMKusWbAeQllP3726n35GBkHCCVEaSzGjgmQsHkQuU/s640/blogger-image--1280208567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrbSoyFoChjOPLNl5oNXq0M30By0mr4VYB0KBTlB8DinTOokw5Y6_ygIcOo_KfMZc6WdsBxVva2jMts1f9sqWsU3OCmKED5TimVMKusWbAeQllP3726n35GBkHCCVEaSzGjgmQsHkQuU/s640/blogger-image--1280208567.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I love how you can really see the attention to detail in the nap mats when you see them up close.  My boys don't really need nap mats at school, but it occurred to me that these would be perfect for when we travel.<br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiYGbFap_U5OJNTUEEyxmp4J9zh6CTnLCD7-srJ_XpVmEt8hooHN5w8chi9nIMZuJn8TDWUZmLXBZapvRnqtPeFwgndZPCwFMohZPOgW5dAga-jUElyHSG5-cOvf_oKYspR6uOkbfc_qY/s640/blogger-image-1809502718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiYGbFap_U5OJNTUEEyxmp4J9zh6CTnLCD7-srJ_XpVmEt8hooHN5w8chi9nIMZuJn8TDWUZmLXBZapvRnqtPeFwgndZPCwFMohZPOgW5dAga-jUElyHSG5-cOvf_oKYspR6uOkbfc_qY/s640/blogger-image-1809502718.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Madre has the most adorable nursery items! If my baby wasn't standing on my coffee table threatening to jump as I write this, I might think about having another little one just to shop their nursery bedding.<br /><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjSPNlyQJc0G_MaPJlFDd3F47MnAOFAxRTmcxV0eLxWaVnX0Kr2C6OZf4NGrbaPmFaG0MYCVZ6Ya_HjI88oIWu-i8LDz2aMPhtEO3IKDMyKjjbMztosfmbFnSvcznWP7hztH54sBmMoI/s640/blogger-image-433798095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjSPNlyQJc0G_MaPJlFDd3F47MnAOFAxRTmcxV0eLxWaVnX0Kr2C6OZf4NGrbaPmFaG0MYCVZ6Ya_HjI88oIWu-i8LDz2aMPhtEO3IKDMyKjjbMztosfmbFnSvcznWP7hztH54sBmMoI/s640/blogger-image-433798095.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="" style="clear: both;">I love that lamp. A lot. A lot a lot.  And the wallpaper.  And there's even a chic dinosaur!  It's such a happy place. I wonder how many times a day they hear "can I just live here?" from customers. </div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ok have I gushed too much? <a href="http://www.madredallas.com/about/">Madre</a> is definitely a must-visit if you're in Dallas! And if you're not in Dallas, <a href="https://instagram.com/madredallas/">follow them on Instagram</a> for some serious design inspiration/envy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">See more of Madre <a href="http://dhome.dmagazine.com/2015/03/madre-is-now-open-on-west-lovers-lane/">here</a>, <a href="http://gotidbits.com/dallas/madre">here</a> and <a href="https://instagram.com/madredallas/">here</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Shop <a href="http://www.littlebeanshop.com/">Little Bean Online</a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><br /></div><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8081105280448879922%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D674632054859565815%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Dkcx3__9qBI%2FVXZF3mxeYEI%2FAAAAAAAAam4%2FJgCVv96iDhE%2Fs1600%2Fcn_image_3.size.madre-dallas-store-02.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 80px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1805px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8081105280448879922%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D674632054859565815%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Dkcx3__9qBI%2FVXZF3mxeYEI%2FAAAAAAAAam4%2FJgCVv96iDhE%2Fs1600%2Fcn_image_3.size.madre-dallas-store-02.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 80px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1805px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8081105280448879922%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D674632054859565815%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Dkcx3__9qBI%2FVXZF3mxeYEI%2FAAAAAAAAam4%2FJgCVv96iDhE%2Fs1600%2Fcn_image_3.size.madre-dallas-store-02.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 80px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1805px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8081105280448879922%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D674632054859565815%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Dkcx3__9qBI%2FVXZF3mxeYEI%2FAAAAAAAAam4%2FJgCVv96iDhE%2Fs1600%2Fcn_image_3.size.madre-dallas-store-02.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 80px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1805px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>

My Trip to Madre

www.madredallas.com When I was in Dallas to surprise The Suze for her birthday, I knew I had two missions: 1) Favor all of my favorite rest...

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5 Ways to add interest to a dining room

When someone says dining room, what picture appears in your mind?  Try  it.  List the elements.<br /><br />For many of us these words conjure up a dining room set with everything matching, a chandelier and some sort of hutch or maybe buffet.  Probably a picture of some sort will be included.  I bet matching is the most obvious characteristic. <br /><br />It doesn't have to be that way unless that's what you like. <br /><br /> Here are 5 ways you can  make your dining space stand out a little.<br /><br /><h4>Mix and match your chairs and table</h4><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqlZSk94WdxZHxp1VJCbjtEDWEXZVo_qSEQ_tCoHf23c_jmnhmaMFojkXJTnmcPkMiWthPIM1CbQJ3VUu2QUrUOCsL-HJ8BuLV85LrcRYUOYbZeTNMLO2qDf8cnF13Og5NhH4UHKjb0g3/s1600/different+dining+chairs+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="dining table, upholstered chairs, " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqlZSk94WdxZHxp1VJCbjtEDWEXZVo_qSEQ_tCoHf23c_jmnhmaMFojkXJTnmcPkMiWthPIM1CbQJ3VUu2QUrUOCsL-HJ8BuLV85LrcRYUOYbZeTNMLO2qDf8cnF13Og5NhH4UHKjb0g3/s1600/different+dining+chairs+.jpg" title="Designing Home: 5 ways to add interest to a dining room" width="261" /></a></div><br /><br />The days of dining sets have moved behind us.  In many magazines you will see all sorts of mixing of styles, materials and colours. I love the look of upholstered chairs with a wood table. They soften the hard edges and provide some relief in the "wood" department. Some adventurous types will go for two different styles of chairs.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zb6YtBhfUjXjJoRC5b7cQU3Gv1Phn3NGQNb-cBv121jhukN0rClJL80rcRxn_OW_c5RgvaKsKxPZ2IGARv0Xi0cGZkABXG8ecpa0EEY0jJQxKR09GHMoRqaOsw6vuX7M0y9D7GyShnxD/s1600/how-to-mix-and-match-dining-room-chairs-adore-magazine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mixing modern table and traditional chairs" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zb6YtBhfUjXjJoRC5b7cQU3Gv1Phn3NGQNb-cBv121jhukN0rClJL80rcRxn_OW_c5RgvaKsKxPZ2IGARv0Xi0cGZkABXG8ecpa0EEY0jJQxKR09GHMoRqaOsw6vuX7M0y9D7GyShnxD/s1600/how-to-mix-and-match-dining-room-chairs-adore-magazine.jpg" title="Designing Home: 5 ways to add interest to a dining room" width="333" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Adore magazine</div><br /> Another option if you aren't too adventurous is to upholster each of your wooden chairs with a different, but co-ordinated fabric.  Note how this room sports more traditional chairs with a very simple table. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUduNkZyBhDSKRLrI-GwyQ2K_977lg2-tfwZRhyphenhyphenu8Te1G8cFEnRFEgua-hTXOLD5vzKqGiN79Wh96Llr_-UuGo43gWJzD-JkBanlXSiMCLfefsjepQFYd3AUM85R4HS0t4cNfNctg7jBBK/s1600/dining+from+doorway.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mid century modern dining chairs, charcoal dining chairs, buffets" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUduNkZyBhDSKRLrI-GwyQ2K_977lg2-tfwZRhyphenhyphenu8Te1G8cFEnRFEgua-hTXOLD5vzKqGiN79Wh96Llr_-UuGo43gWJzD-JkBanlXSiMCLfefsjepQFYd3AUM85R4HS0t4cNfNctg7jBBK/s1600/dining+from+doorway.JPG" title="Designing Home: 5 ways to add interest to a dining room" width="308" /></a></div><br />In the case of my own dining space, I painted my matching chairs charcoal  and upholstered them with a much lighter fabric to make them the centre of interest in  my sea of golden tones. I am trying to get up enough nerve to paint the solid ash buffets the same colour.   I'm not there yet.  It's difficult when your furniture is all hand made with love. <br /><br /><h4>Look for a harmonious  buffet </h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Forget about having a matching buffet (I wish I could!).  Look for one with the same undertone as your table  or chairs and similar lines if you like, or go for something painted or a different style entirely.  Some element of it should relate it to the room as a whole: wood tone, style, or colour of other objects in room.</div><br />Here are two I would choose for my space to work with my chairs.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4DDCBxkgrwLsTpcsna3CGim83g3ylD9D7A9Kia55aXdtrG0t5VnvUL4yR-JOwAeK7frgYZsRQlnrFXegy3oKYxttJj1fMW2GYSX0o4597JleBBkrFNuNNgLr7nC8DEz8NtYW4aGC8osP/s1600/geo-charcoal-buffet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4DDCBxkgrwLsTpcsna3CGim83g3ylD9D7A9Kia55aXdtrG0t5VnvUL4yR-JOwAeK7frgYZsRQlnrFXegy3oKYxttJj1fMW2GYSX0o4597JleBBkrFNuNNgLr7nC8DEz8NtYW4aGC8osP/s400/geo-charcoal-buffet.jpg" title="Designing Home: 5 ways to add interest to a dining room" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEtDhewFk_iJgbt5MCdw3-6ZgbUxegVrcBnTva6E67GKuhdmRjYAFAGiqarVN7FzxaTZvWwDpaO_R7qOLsbCW4nwfWIRRR799FmrZmWuGSFqndD6gr2B8uwrteRF2pZF9UcTZj5xi5sti/s1600/5-Jessica-Hasten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEtDhewFk_iJgbt5MCdw3-6ZgbUxegVrcBnTva6E67GKuhdmRjYAFAGiqarVN7FzxaTZvWwDpaO_R7qOLsbCW4nwfWIRRR799FmrZmWuGSFqndD6gr2B8uwrteRF2pZF9UcTZj5xi5sti/s400/5-Jessica-Hasten.jpg" title="Designing Home: 5 ways to add interest to a dining room" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They certainly harmonize with the darkness of the chairs, the style is mid centuryish like the table and I like the fact they are both raised off the floor.  This openness will give the illusion of space, always an added plus in a small room. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h4>Have at least one hand made/original item</h4><br /> We live in a mass produced economy where the answer  to everything is in a big box store.  Not so.  Save your pennies, visit an antique shop, a fine craft store or gallery.  Look for something you love, made by the hand of an artist, and place it with pride knowing it's unique.  It doesn't have to be large.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypMB_WQY9FWrukdYgM2RQCOP37UN5MyYlE_2y-6eCW2Z4s4uXyyblUdoTx5hXxe0VcNXN9CSRDtniPJCbG579X96zH9gyMwdWZy0wm6avfXCXJNWjH6wDWJr2Ysb5mjM5CfpD-KGvI0lC/s1600/DSCN0904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ceramic pot, Anita Singh, barnacle " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypMB_WQY9FWrukdYgM2RQCOP37UN5MyYlE_2y-6eCW2Z4s4uXyyblUdoTx5hXxe0VcNXN9CSRDtniPJCbG579X96zH9gyMwdWZy0wm6avfXCXJNWjH6wDWJr2Ysb5mjM5CfpD-KGvI0lC/s400/DSCN0904.JPG" title="Designing Home: 5 ways to add interest to a dining room" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This month I have a lovely pot on my buffet created by an artist friend, Anita Singh.  I love her work </div>because it always relates to the natural world.  Barnacle is always a conversation piece.  It is also the perfect example of my next point. <br /><br /><h4>Use a variety of textures</h4><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJiN-Uh91guBfWqjR9bpvRHS261epV0d0HmBmJ2GLNvepQtypli6qITMfleJFLf5MEKqODiPZC2fjLqQQja23hYkTlZfqeDSppqViKPrHxrbSrui6136uvfWQlF8OoF7IZ7n2ioRNXC0-6/s1600/vase+and+candlesticks+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="white textured vase, silver candlesticks, mother of pearl" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJiN-Uh91guBfWqjR9bpvRHS261epV0d0HmBmJ2GLNvepQtypli6qITMfleJFLf5MEKqODiPZC2fjLqQQja23hYkTlZfqeDSppqViKPrHxrbSrui6136uvfWQlF8OoF7IZ7n2ioRNXC0-6/s400/vase+and+candlesticks+.JPG" title="Designing Home: 5 ways to add interest to a dining room" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNU3ar3QhNdsSzsepMot_fHLdUUe3MWBewne0oYaSRNWgQEpdDP7_nGQzeJSAwQ8_DvPKzIzW5FtbDmvkSseizI_9c33iRmB55wBqfEqstI2wMjdQWmKwYg3oX0zqEiteRl7tLLO6JX6Aw/s1600/DSCN0901_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNU3ar3QhNdsSzsepMot_fHLdUUe3MWBewne0oYaSRNWgQEpdDP7_nGQzeJSAwQ8_DvPKzIzW5FtbDmvkSseizI_9c33iRmB55wBqfEqstI2wMjdQWmKwYg3oX0zqEiteRl7tLLO6JX6Aw/s400/DSCN0901_01.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Textures make the most interesting addition to spaces, and it is the element that I see under-utilized  in homes. In my space I have silk drapes, lots of wood grain, a highly textured plant container made from ceramic, a white wavy vase, metal candlesticks with mother of pearl, and two plants.  I love texture!</div><br /><h4>Choose one unexpected element</h4>Right now the pot my ferns are in is my an unexpected item.  It is so rough and worn looking and I have it paired with silk drapes. Other options could be your light fixture, a painting, something on your tabletop or a small piece of furniture in a corner.  Some would say it should have bling, but I'll leave that up to you.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfCpEQw0Rw6XIeRVb04sCT7TZDjC0pjezhzBKIWfHXmd-Tbevckd6w5ZctjN0hTa4mJDhviLe1VywKeVjSR4bLCL8vpkwmPKmbGFsC6g4dhrVfb7Xfm_dMnwrO1D2IyaFae8Iw7I0VySP/s1600/DSCN0905+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="textured trough, boston ferns " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfCpEQw0Rw6XIeRVb04sCT7TZDjC0pjezhzBKIWfHXmd-Tbevckd6w5ZctjN0hTa4mJDhviLe1VywKeVjSR4bLCL8vpkwmPKmbGFsC6g4dhrVfb7Xfm_dMnwrO1D2IyaFae8Iw7I0VySP/s400/DSCN0905+2.JPG" title="Designing Home: 5 ways to add interest to a dining room" width="300" /></a></div><h4>What's your "interesting " score?</h4> This is a very arbitrary checklist, based on what is "current"  in my  decor reading and viewing.   Hardly scientific!<br /><br />No my dining room isn't perfect but hopefully it is interesting.<br />Just because I write about design doesn't mean my space is perfect (whatever that means) or that it even lives up to what I know about the elements and principles of design.  There's the small matter of competing priorities including: budget, interest and energy, connections to objects and furniture, beliefs about your role consuming and junking, and the desire for good old predictability in your environment etc.<br /><br /><br /><br />

5 Ways to add interest to a dining room

When someone says dining room, what picture appears in your mind?  Try  it.  List the elements. For many of us these words conjure up a dini...

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