I don’t know about you ladies out there, but decorative pillows on the bed is a common argument at my house. "Why put the pillows on during the day if you’re just going to take them off at night?" my husband asks. "Because they’re pretty," I answer. And we agree to disagree (and the pillows stay on the bed).

I couldn’t help but think of this yesterday when I attended a preview for the SMU Meadows Museum‘s new "Tile Design in Valencia" exhibit, which opens Sunday. A director from one of the three Spanish museums that are lending the pieces pointed out that the tiles are not only beautiful, but they were used in everyday life as well. Pretty AND functional — now that’s something both men and women can appreciate.

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First of all, this exhibit is fun to look at, even if you’re like me and not that art savvy. The most impressive piece is a roughly 20- by 23-foot tile floor from the living room of an early 1800s palace. And these pieces, from the middle ages all the way to the art deco style of the early 20th century, have never before been shown outside of Spain, and are on loan mainly because one of the museums is undergoing renovations. So it’s a rare chance to see them.

Also, the Meadows Museum really is a great place to spend some time. The architecture makes you feel like you’re somewhere in Europe, and the permanent art and exhibits I’ve viewed there are always just beautiful. I don’t know how much traffic the museum receives, but it probably deserves more. If you want to try it out, go on a Thursday night between 5 and 8 p.m. when admission is free. It’s also fairly easy to find on the sprawling SMU campus; just turn north onto Bishop off of W. Mockingbird.

One more tip: The museum’s restaurant, which is open for lunch, is yummy. Try the lemon bars — trust me on this one.