Family-Friendly Dining Room

Southern Living, Mar 2005 by Sandner, Julie Feagin

Pull together a space that can be enjoyed by children and adults every day.

Since we last visited Barbie and Steve Cobb in Dallas, their family has grown from four to five. You may remember their cheerful living room decorated by Barbie's sister, Mary McWilliams (Mary Mac) of Atlanta. That story ran in our January 2004 issue. We recently returned to their home and discovered that, with three children under age 4 in a petite cottage, every room gets used-especially the dining room. "It's where we eat all our meals and where our kids do their projects," Barbie says. So, how do you achieve a beautiful room that's not off-limits to little ones? Here's a hint: Color and sturdy furniture are the keys.

First Things First

The antique red tole chandelier was the first purchase made for the room. ToIe is a lacquered metal that was popular in the 18th century. Just like her sister, Barbie loves red and was instantly drawn to it. The same hue is used throughout the connecting living room, so the chandelier bridges the two rooms nicely.

Beautiful Blue Walls

Barbie could hardly believe her eyes when the room's first coat of paint went on. "It was 100% Tiffany blue," she explains. But Mary Mac had a plan to tone down the color with a mixture of chocolate- and caramel-colored glazes. The subtle faux finish added dimension to the walls, bringing them to a gorgeous robin's egg blue.

Mixing Furniture

Traditional furnishings form a collected look. Sturdy reproduction Windsor chairs were grouped around a simple farm table, all centered on a colorful Oriental rug handed down by Steve's grandmother. The result is a lovely room that stands up to everyday wear and tear. JULIE FEAGIN SANDNER