The following content may contain affiliate links. When you click and shop the links, we receive a commission this is at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
I went back and forth on what to hang on the large back wall of our dining room. Should it be a statement mirror, one oversized piece of art, or a curated gallery wall? I ultimately chose a gallery wall, pulling together a series of heron prints.
I’ve always loved the look of matching artwork in a uniform size. There’s something so calming and organized about it. Monet famously used a similar concept in his dining room with Japanese block prints, and I’ve long admired the idea of bringing that level of intention and repetition into my own space. While I do enjoy a more eclectic gallery wall of mismatched pieces, I think that style works best in a certain type of home—and it just doesn’t feel right for ours.
I found these heron prints on Etsy—there are so many beautiful options to choose from. Truth be told, I actually bought them about six years ago and originally hung them above our bar cabinet. They looked nice enough there, but the dining room wall is where they truly belong. Waterbird art adds a distinctly coastal feel without being too literal or themed. It’s subtle, and I love that about it.
The original size of the prints was much too small for the wall, so I bought larger mats[from here] to give them more presence and scale. I went with a warmer white mat to tie in with the tones of our dining table and the chandelier shades, and to help the artwork stand out against the bright white walls.
To finish them off, I chose black wood frames with delicate detailing. We have black accents in the kitchen and trim in the family room, and using black frames here adds a nice sense of continuity throughout the downstairs.
I’m still toying with the idea of adding decorative plates to the walls flanking the entrance to the dining room—but that decision can wait.
Sweetest Regards,
Nickie
Weekend Notes from New York City
It’s the weekend, and I’m in New York City with Shaun—one of my favorite places to be. I just adore this city. The energy is contagious and completely fills my cup.
Here’s a little roundup of what I’ve recently purchased, what’s sitting in my cart, and a few interesting reads I’ve come across:
– Garden Goals: My roses are seriously showing off right now—they’re in full bloom! If I want to keep the momentum going, I need to get out there and deadhead. If you’re in the same boat, [this article] is a great guide.
– Best Coffee Table Find: I still can’t get over this coffee table. It looks almost , ok I’m pretty sure it the exact same table, identical to one I saw for thousands—and it’s under $400. Needless to say, it’s now mine.
– Crowd-Pleasing Salad: I made this antipasto salad over Memorial Day weekend, and it was a total hit. Most guests went back for seconds!
– Next Read: This is my next book—by the same author who wrote The Perfect Couple. Can’t wait to dive in.
– City Style: I bought this slouchy trench for the trip, and it’s the perfect coat for summer showers in the city. Lightweight, effortless, and chic.
Have a great weekend friends!
Nickie
The following content may contain affiliate links. When you click and shop the links, we receive a commission this is at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support
The following content may contain affiliate links. When you click and shop the links, we receive a commission this is at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support
I tried styling the dining room a number of ways, but nothing seemed to click-something was missing. The space needed millwork to add definition and dimension.
I picked up chair rail and prefabricated picture frame molding, and thankfully, my talented sistercame over to lead the install while I played assistant. We're over the moon with how it turned out!
Next up: painting the table, hanging art, and pressing the slipcovers. Maybe even a rug?