room inspiration: mourning dove

Today, September 21, is the United Nations’ International Day of Peace. The symbol of the day is a peace dove, and so I decided to put together a little dove-themed inspiration board in honor of the occasion. Here in Missouri, mourning doves are everywhere–those beautiful, soft gray birds with a pretty coo. I used to own one, actually–Angel. Sweetest bird I ever had.

While at first glance a mourning dove’s coloring might look pretty straightforward, they actually have a dazzling array of shades in their feathers–from pale, peachy ivory to warm French gray to deep slate blue, and even black in their spots and beak. This suggested to me a tranquil, cozy bedroom that still retains a modern feel. Let’s check it out:

The paint colors are “Dove Wing” (ivory) and “Evening Dove” (blue-charcoal) by Benjamin Moore. “Dove Wing” is neutral and bright enough to make the most of the space, while “Evening Dove” would be great for small details like built-in bookcases, alcoves, or closets. For the really adventurous, I think Evening Dove would make a gorgeous ceiling, especially when it mirrors a hardwood floor.

1. The inspiration: a beautiful mourning dove. Mourning Dove in Snow by mingtaphotography on Etsy, $100.

2. These circle-print ivory curtains evoke the spots of the dove and provide a warm ivory accent to the room. Wood-circle print curtains, West Elm, $27 each.

3. Unobtrusive yet eye-catching little table lamps in rough wood mimic the dresser and fit perfectly on the nightstands. Sphere table lamp in Sheesham, West Elm, $99.

4. To keep the room from looking too feminine, and to bring in the deep gray-black of the dove’s spots, these cubes from Crate & Barrel make great nightstands. Mimic Smoke cube, Crate & Barrel, $79.95.

5. The serenity of the room could be compromised by too many busy patterns. To keep it interesting without introducing too much, a highly textured single color bed set is perfect. Nimbus bedding, Anthropologie, $308.

6. Simple slate blue and ivory striped ticking in an interesting shape provides a backdrop for the printed pillow. Bolster pillow, Octavi on Etsy, $45.

7. A simple cream linen pillow with a single gold feather draws attention against the soft brown-gray bedding. Feather pillow, gracedesign on Etsy, $26.91.

8. An antiqued mercury glass lamp with a burlap shade provides a little glamour while sticking to the palette. Source unknown, but check out a tutorial to DIY the look here.

9. A vintage (or vintage-inspired, in this case) rough-hewn wooden dresser lends a bit of rustic toughness to the room. Go for bona fide vintage if you can, but if not: Atwood chest, Crate & Barrel, $1,599.

10. An ornate vintage mirror contrasts beautifully with the roughness of the wood and jute. Large Syroco mirror, lifeslittlejems on Etsy, $75.

11. Natural jute in organic oblong shapes evoke the forms of feathers, and the colors coordinate beautifully with the walls. Allegra Hicks Harlequin jute rug, West Elm, $199.

12. A simply-upholstered armchair in a classic yet modern shape makes a cozy spot to read. Sweep upholstered armchair in Steel Blue, West Elm, $599.

So that’s the room! What do you think? Have a peaceful day, folks.