I never in a million years would have imagined I would paint (and actually love) a room so dark. Moreover, I will never understand why I have the desire to do such things before I host a baby shower.
Nonetheless, Anisa had fun with all her friends and family so that is what matters! Her new little smiggin will be here in just a few weeks.
Here is our new “cracked pepper” dining room (a work in progress, of course)
Anisa had the brilliant idea of moving our kitchen light for this room for contrast.
In theory my idea of the custom burlap table cover was good, but it isn’t so soft. Sometimes I choose form over function (much to husband’s dismay).
My favorite thing is pairing the light with dark. We got the buffet at a discount due to the broken pull (at The Queen of Hearts where our booth is 
The lamps I switched from our bedroom.
We found a vintage crystal chandelier (also at The Queen) which now has new life in our kitchen. My designer friend, Lindsey Hene, scored the set of cane & chrome chairs for $25. Yes, 4 for $25!
I wish I had taken pictures before or during the shower. Five of us threw it together, so there was much cuteness to be had. Really my only decor contribution (besides some balloons) was this garland I made of cupcake liners and twine. Thanks, Pinterest.
My boys love playing with the balloons the day after, regardless of color.
When I don’t have a lot of time for arrangements, I just buy the grocery bunches of flowers and pair like with like. Here is a simple wad of baby’s breath…
We are currently enjoying them this chilly morning along with a fire. Oh, I love a fire.
I trim and de-leave (that a term?) the roses and put them altogether, too.
Anisa’s friend, Chrystina, made this lovely display with twigs & branches and gave each guest a bag of wildflowers to plant in honor of the baby. Too sweet. Crafty, I am not.
Enjoy your Sunday,
Julie
Interior Designers, Alpharetta, GA
julie – your second sentence absolutely CRACKED ME UP!! It’s so true!!!
Love your entry hall – would you mind saring the source of the black and white floral wallpaper?
thanks – Jenny
I posted about it a long time ago–definitely affordable (either home depot or Lowe’s!)
I Found the floral wallpaper online at Lowe’s after typing in black white wallpaper into the search box. It is a great price! About $40.
Your dark dining room with all your accessories looks fantastic. We recently painted Noah’s room Peppercorn – (SW) It looks so good! Haven’t blogged it yet. Any how – I like the way your new room looks in the reflection of your foyer mirror too! Great job as always!
Peppercorn was my second choice. Don’t you love it? You gotta post it, Lynda.
Can I just say that ever since your blog post showing the first glimpse of your dining room going dark, I have been hoping so badly that you would post pictures. I LOVE it and it gives me the guts to do it too. After your post a couple of weeks ago, I went straight to Home Depot to get a swatch of Black Pepper and one shade lighter. I almost wrote to you to ask if you would post pictures, but you beat me too it. I am always drawn to white, but am craving contrast and drama and now that I see how great it turned out in your home, I just have to go get a gallon tomorrow!! So lovely!!!
I love how you can see the dark walls in the entry mirrors reflection. Thanks for inspiring me!
I got that mirror at Queen of Hearts Antiques in Alpharetta (I already sold it!) You can always find one similar and paint it gold. Ralph Lauren has a great gold paint. Send me pics of your dramatic room when you’re done! Thanks for reading, Julie
May I ask where your gold mirror near the kitchen table came from? Thank you!
I am referring to the one which is in the polaroid style photograph at the top of your blog page. Thanks!
How fun it must have been to host a babyshower! Your home looks wonderful with beautiful placement, design, and textures. Your gold mirror is a wonderful piece! Enjoy your Sunday ~
xx
leslie
I love dark rooms! My bedroom is dark, java float, and so is my boys room, magnet dapple. It’s great for a moody, cozy feel. I love the floral prints and your new chandelier in the breakfast room.
LOVELY! I’ve been anxiously awaiting the reveal since you posted the tester on the walls a few weeks back. I love dark rooms, but yours seems so light and airy with all the contrast. Great job!
I am thinking of a gray for my dining room but not sure. Don’t the “experts” say that dining rooms should be dark?
Julie, your home is more and more beautiful every time I see it!!! Thanks for sharing all of these updates with us. I’m so impressed by your use of dark color. I love all white and neutrals, but that room is AWESOME! Way to go – you inspire me to be braver with my decorating!