Any chance you could paint out the furniture to white or off-white?

Maybe go on-line and see if you can find a Martha Stewart duvet in the Coral Spray pattern in the cream color (I have the Stream color that I use in Summer & I love it). Fold it in 1/2 or thirds at the bottom of your bed. I think that white bedding would look very refreshing (just make sure it's washable!). I keep a thin white quilt pulled up on my bed as a protective cover from my cats and I really like the crisp clean look of it. It's held up remarkably well w/ weekly washings and some bleach.

Keep the black & white photo's. Any chance you might be able to swap the black frames for white one's? If not - no biggie.

I have some creamy white cheap curtains from IKEA that are wonderful and give a very casual look. Maybe some matchstick blinds that match the current color of your furniture. That would really tie in the color of your current furniture and give a very casual textured look to your windows w/ creamy curtains.

Put a small amount of shells or smooth beach stones in that glass vase. A starfish or shell on a bedside table.

Keep the table, ditch the red and see if you can use the stained glass torchier' lamp somewhere else in the house.

How about a chunky knit throw in an oatmeal color? You know - for those chilly nights on the beach?

Clear glass based lamps would look great.

Not sure about how to make the mirror work better but I know that someone else here will have a great idea for it!

OK. This is literally the first time I have ventured into the advice giving realm. I usually confine myself to agreeing with other, wiser posters. You are fortunate to have a nice large space. With interesting angles! For what it is worth, just a couple of observations. Red and black do not really say "beachy-cottagey" to me. Maybe the picture frames and mirror should be painted white? And I am wondering if the angled portion of the ceiling should be the same green as on your walls? A different floor lamp? I love your green and think it would look smashing with beadboard!!!

I am sure you will get many more ideas. I think it will be a pretty, restful space when you are done....

JR

I think the red is hampering the beach effect. Add white linen tab top drapes or curtains. Keep your colors to white and sand. I think you can keep the bed and dresser color as is. But the lamp won't work and the mirror is too dark but maybe you can paint that out. The side tables need to be hefty enough to stand up to that bed. A cream color may work.

Good luck.

Hello,

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions! I'm going to get rid of all of the red except the chaise (at least until I can find another place for it and/or something to replace it with). I'll move ahead with the white/sand bedding and curtains. I can replace the mirror, it was inexpensive. I'll look for something with an off white frame, would that work? Are you all in agreement that any tables that I add either under the pic wall, or to the right of the bedside, should/could be an off-white color?

Elaine

My first reaction is to paint the alcove ceiling the same green as the walls, as justretired suggests. I also agree that the red and black aren't cottage colors and that cream, white and sand would be good colors to work with. I think the color on the little table is good for your room. As for night tables, someone suggested on another thread that kids/baby furniture can work for that. Look at the 3 drawer chests with painted bases and oak tops. They will give you the heftiness to go with your bed. (I was impressed with that idea and am keeping it in mind.)

I love the green you chose for your walls!

Hello,

yes..I do think the Baby furniture suggestion that was given to me is a good one. I am just waffling on whether I should do 2 identical chests flanking the bed, or possibly a chest under the pic wall and a different table on the right side of the bed. Plus I am having a horrible time trying to pick a finish. I just have a very hard time making decisions in general!! LOL!
Several people mention the ceiling in the alcove..the builders painted it that way, DH doesn't want me to change it. He's been so tolerant of everything else that I do, that I think I can let him win this one.

Elaine

"Several people mention the ceiling in the alcove..the builders painted it that way, DH doesn't want me to change it. He's been so tolerant of everything else that I do, that I think I can let him win this one."

I notice some white paint on the wall in the alcove near where the slant ceiling meets the wall. (Water damage?) I am assuming that you will paint over it with the green paint.........Then, maybe you could be sneaky and paint the ceiling a white with some of the green paint mixed in it to 'tone it down'. DH might not notice. (heh-he-he.) Tell him you changed the light bulbs if he comments......just kidding. Maybe he would approve of the change if it is a very pale version of the green walls and it still give that uplifting dimensional feel to the ceiling.

Here is the previous thread on this room regarding the desired changes:

Here is a link that might be useful: BR Thread Part One

Dilly Dally - you are too funny! That area that you are referring to is a nail pop, we do need to get back in there with the green paint! LOL!!

Elaine

I remember now that it was your thread where the baby furniture was mentioned. Sorry to have repeated it...but I will repeat this...I really like your wall color!!

Elaine, have you looked at the kazillion photos in the Cottage Decor thread in the Gallery? Just close this thread, and look for the "Gallery" link at the top right of the list of topics.

Would you consider distressing the bedroom furnitue white or off white? I love white linens as well for that crisp beachy look. Then toss some pillows on the bed (a bold stripe) that would have your wall color and white in it.

How about recovering the chaise with an off white, say cream. I would put that tiffany type floor lamp in another room.

I think roman shades would look good and give a casual look in there. Decorate with sea shells and hard covered sea side books. I think any room looks fabulous with sea shells.

Your room doesn't look too large so if I wanted a table under the pictures I wouldn't put two side tables in there, just one.

I agree with others to change out the black frames to white.

I know your thinking gads that's too much white. But remember you have green walls. I love white and cream and think it looks fabulous be it formal or casual.

Good luck.....Jane

Hello Everyone,

Thank you all SO MUCH for your suggestions! I really appreciate it and the "vision" is starting to appear in my mind!

Oceanna - I will check out the cottage decor gallery, I have not done that yet. Thanks!

frazoo - I love it too! It is SW Bamboo Shoot. I also have it in my kitchen. I get a lot of compliments on my color scheme, I have the Bamboo Shoot, White Raisin and Steely Gray throughout my home. They all work great together.

newdawn1895 - no, dh would have a heart attack if I wanted to paint the furniture! LOL! It will have to stay as is. As for the chaise, I may try to work with it, when all is done if I still don't like it, I'll move it to another room and get another chair for this spot. As for roman shades - yes, I love them! I found some at Bed Bath Beyond that can be hung on a rod instead of mounted. I am picking them up today! I am getting a textured white shade. Also picking up a white duvet cover.

I'll post more pics once I have made a few changes and go from there.

Elaine