SFGate

jannielee You really do have a blank slate. Looks like you need some substantial bedside lamps, good sized art pieces above the bed, new linens, pillows, etc.

My recommendation is to go find any one item, like the art or a rug. Make sure it's something you really love and has a feel of something restful that you want to live with and rest with in the bedroom ( so probably not reds or oranges). Let that item that you truly love take the lead then find things you think will go with it. Then find the paint color that compliments all of it.

Think of what makes you feel comfortable and restful. Would it be a zen like pale orchid and soft celery combination with white? Would it be natural, cozy earth colors of browns and fern greens? As long as you feel relaxed and not enervated by the inspiration piece and colors then it will be the right choice for you. Check out the radiographic art prints of botanicals by Steven Meyers on art.com to see if they inspire you. if you can't find bedding that you feel matches your inspiration piece, go with pure white sheets and a beautiful matelasse duvet or coverlet like you'd find in nice hotels and add color with pillows, a throw, draperies and accessories. Everything doesn't have to match. More interesting not to.

If the room still feels flat and you can't find artwork you love for over the bed, consider a bold lattice pattern wallpaper just on the wall your bed is on.

If you have room, consider getting a comfortable upholstered chair, side table and reading lamp for a cozy nook in your bedroom. The chair upholstery could even be your inspiration for the whole room. Check out HomeGoods for their odd chairs at good prices.

Good luck and have fun.

toot4roll Thank you. Really great tips. I will look them up and see what I come up with. It's should be exciting.

michigammemom Take a look at Pottery Barn for duvet covers and shams that can be layered, mixed and matched. Their website has a feature that allows you to coordinate linens and view them online prior to purchase. I like the warm clay color of this Alessandra bedding with your dark wood. I agree with jannielee that a matching pair of night stand lamps are needed as well.

MAlps Hotel style beddiing is a beau tiful choice! It's neat, fresh and luxurious. It will also add some light to your dark furniture! I have it in my own bedroom, and I monogrammed it in huge in the center of the blanket.

MAlps And for the monogrammed look

toot4roll Amazing pictures, all of them - thank you.

Would you recommend a solid neutral for curtains or a fabric with patterns?

michigammemom Window treatments, especially custom draperies are a considerable investment whereas bed linens might even be changed seasonally. Solid neutrals will have more longevity and versatility in my opinion.