That's a great space and there's so much you can do! (Depending on budget of course.) If it feels cold, how about picking out some nice warm colors for the walls? I'd consider 2 colors and paint each color on facing walls (e.g., color 1 on north and south; color 2 on east and west walls.)

Bigger pictures on walls. If art is cost prohibitive, maybe your kids can create something? Or have a friend take a pic of you with the kids and have it blown up large and framed. You can do cool effects now with software -- make it look like an oil painting, or sepia toned, or an Andy Warhol look, depending on what you like.

It's YOUR space so celebrate you and get colors you love. Maybe jazz it up with some new fun drapes (Crate and Barrel now sells Marimeko by the yard. And IKEA has some fun things too.) It looks like you have an extra curtain rod up? You can remove it or put up a scarf or valance.

The wall across from the window looks kind of bare, so I'd consider putting a dresser there. And if it feels cold, I'd swap out the rocker for a nice cozy arm chair with an ottoman, so you can curl up and read. (I have a lovely wooden rocker in my MB too and have yet to sit in it.)

If you don't use the ceiling fan, a lovely light fixture could add a nice warm glow.

A good way to start is by leafing through magazines and catalogs or browsing online, and starting a folder of looks you love for ideas. Check Craig's List, eBay, and Costco if you're a member for furniture deals. (We got a lovely BR set from Costco: king storage bed with headboard, chest, dresser, 2 night stands and a huge framed mirror) for a great price and the quality is terrific.

Highlights

You've got a lot of different color woods in that room. You can tie them together by painting the walls a warm color, like apricot.

Here's a link to Phoebe Howard's website -- with LOTS of inspiration photos -- just click on one of three big photos at the beginning of the site -- and then follow the links .....

Check out decorating mags to find an inspiration style or photo -- any kinds of "leads" can help us to help you ....

For example: check out the pottery Barn website -- look at their rooms -- see if any of their ideas might appeal to you ......

Just some thoughts and ideas to get you started!! :)

Here is a link that might be useful: Designer Phoebe Howard website -- inspiration photos

I like the Eastlake dresser a lot.

When you get new bedroom furniture you could go a bit taller on the headboard and bigger on the night tables. Also bigger on the lamps.

I would look for art work that is about four times the size of what is there currently, and I would not follow the line of the ceiling when hanging it, it kind looks like the whole room tilts, then.

I don't mind the current color, it just needs to be brightened up with accessories.

As far as layout, a measured drawing of the room would help: its hard to determine the shape of the room just from the pictures.

I love the pale apricot on the walls. I've lived in that color before and it was always uplifting to the spirits.

Have you looked at our Bedrooms thread in the Gallery? There are a few hundred beautiful bedroom photos there. Also see the cottage decor thread in our Gallery. To get to the Gallery any time, close this and see the link at the bottom of the page. Highly recommended!

Here is a link that might be useful: Bedroom inspirations

First of all, do you know what style you like? Do you want contemporary? Traditional? Do you like antique pieces? After I got divorced, I fell in love with this room:

I've done what I can to create a similar look in a much smaller space and I just love it, because like chicagoans said, it's "MY" space.

Laurie

Msrose, I've seen that room before, and agree it is really lovely!

For the OP, I'd echo what others have said. It looks like the basic furniture arrangement is the only option, except that the Eastlake bureau would look better on the large wall opposite the window. Depending on your needs, one of your bedside tables could be wide drawers, and the other could be a wide parsons style desk, with a comfortable chair.

I like the room's wall color - it's a sophisticated backdrop and coordinates well with the bathroom. Softening the room with ceiling-height drapes extending beyond the window opening would really feel luxurious. Your existing spread and shams are great, but could be supplemented for more luxury and warmth. If it's in the budget, an upholstered bed would be the cat's meow (I see the cat hiding at the bottom of the bed!)

As others mentioned, just a few accessories such as larger scale art (could be affordable fabric art) and larger scale lamps (maybe colorful glass) could add a bit of color to the otherwise serenely gray room.

As for that shelf - got me! Why do builders do that?

You have a nice big bedroom and I love your antique bureau. Have you looked at the Bedrooms thread in our gallery?
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/decor/gal0407212710549.html?68

Another one you might enjoy is the Cottage Decor thread.
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/decor/gal0407212710549.html?68

Each of those threads has a few hundred pretty photos. You will find some great inspiration and ideas there.

Here is a link that might be useful: Bedroom Inspirations