Here are some looks I really like...

I have a 2 year old and one on the way, so I have to make sure what I choose is "toddler friendly." :)

I think you're very lucky to have such an ambitious husband! The inspirations you have chosen are really beautiful as are the bed and bedding you're considering. I would try to match the lightest blue/gray in the bedding to put on the walls and have off white silk draperies, maybe some glass lamps.

You could paint the room a soft blue or the very light taupe or linen shade that is in the background of the bedding. You can add darker taupe, white or blue draperies. Per your inspiration pictures, I think either direction would work well and provide a nice contrast to the dark wood of the bed. Pick a paint color and fall in love with it. Don't overthink the decision and get stressed out. I can't wait to see what you decide.

Don't panic - the ONLY thing you have to have by Monday is paint. If you have time to identify your bedding by your (DH) deadline, find a paint that looks good with it. I will ditto what forhgtv said.

I wouldn't stress too much over the paint matching the wood as long as you know you you are going with dark. You can take your time on drapes, the rest of the furniture, and accessories. It will all come together!

Tuesday

Just got back from Restoration Hardware. The bedding is very pretty and "soothing." (just what I needed, lol!) I have two concerns with it- the bed we are about to order has a lot of "black" (or very very dark brown.) Will that look okay with these light neutrals?
And my second concern is that the bedding is too fluffy. I like a very clean, crisp look. And since the foot board of this bed is so low, I'm not sure that look can be achieved with a fluffy duvet. Thoughts? What type of bedding do you think would look best w/ this bed? (for what it's worth, we live in a warm climate; South Texas :)

I am thinking a light, neutral wall. Our room is only 13x16 w/ 9 ft. ceilings, so not a huge room at all. The bed will be between 2 windows, very much like my first inspiration photo. And I want to hang drapes close to the ceiling, like the second photo. And I love the idea of clear or acrylic lamps. I think that will look great!

I will also need a rug as our floors are cherry hardwood.

And yes, I am a lucky lady to be married to such a hard worker!!! I need to remind myself of that every once in a while!! :)

Rather than a duvet, you might want to consider a matelasse coverlet. The good ones are heavy enough to give a finished appearance to your bed, they are washable and usually don't have to be ironed afterwards. Here's a link to one that comes in several colors. This one is pricey, but they are available in all different price ranges. I only linked this one because I knew I could find it quickly. With this sort of coverlet in a neutral, you can choose to add color with a throw or decorative pillows.

Here is a link that might be useful: Horchow

I'd pick the paint, buy the bed and then take my time with the rest of it. If you force yourself into choices you may not make ones that you will like long term.
Decorating is not marathon run with a endline it's a process that very often evolves over time.

If you are not into fluffy bedding maybe what you need is a quilted spread. Not a fluffy one like grandma would make but a more modern one maybe only a 1/2'' thick at most.

I would tell my husband it's not enough time on such short notice; even if I had to paint it myself.. which I do 90% of the painting anyway.

Have you looked at Kohls or Penney's? I've actually been loving your bed; especially after watching Joan Rivers new reality show; she has a bed like that & did a beautiful job on the bedroom; wish I could find a pic of it. The 1st few are what I would do if I had that bed. I'm tired of what we have (bought to sell old house) & need a change.

Kohls has pretty good prices; they have sets that come with a lot for a decent price

Felicity grayish

Felicity pink

Felicity blue

Floral bedding

color block bedding

Madison Park

Madison Park (different color)

Platinum 20-pc. Scroll Bed Set

I just painted my dd2's bedroom. She is 20, so it's not a little girl room, btw. I used BM Slip. It is an Affinity Color. It sort of looked pink in the store, but on the wall, it is a very light purple gray. Gorgeous. So sophisticated.

The color is really funny, looks white on the roller and in the can, but really does dry darker than you think.

It is just an idea.

I really like the idea of a coverlet, but I want something with a pattern. With two very little children running around, a pattern seems necessary.
Is there any way to make a duvet cover "thinner" ? Like by using a thinner duvet?

I hate to put off choosing paint bc the room is taped off and floor is covered. It is *ready* for paint.

And I just don't see choosing paint before I choose bedding. I feel like I will always be able to find paint to match my bedding, but not the other way around.

Hmmm...

You could use a heavy quilt in the duvet, I do that for our summer bedding. Works like a charm :c)

Have you checked Pottery Barn's bedding their duvets are great if you can find a print that you like. We have one and I love it.

You can use a blanket inside the duvet cover, which would fill it out a bit, more than if you just used the cover without anything inside it.

I second the suggestion for a matelasse coverlet or bedspread. It is very easy to wash and size to fit in a washing machine is a definite concern. While duvets are also washable, it is more time and effort to take them in/out of the cover--and should the baby spit up (or worse) on the duvet, you will need to wash both the duvet and cover and most likely, a king sized duvet insert is not going to fit in a washing machine. You can add more color and pattern with decorative pillows, a duvet/comforter at the foot of the bed which will only require infrequent washing as well as a rug. The solid coverlet (in an offwhite, cream color) will buy you time to decide the patterned elements at your leisure and not be rushed into anything you may regret further.

Based on your inspiration pictures, I'd suggest some of the following paint colors: BM Paladian Blue or BM Wedgewood Grey.

Keep in mind you will also need to select a mattress and don't be rushed into that one either. If possible you and your DH should shop for one together to make sure you both find it comfortable.

And I just don't see choosing paint before I choose bedding. I feel like I will always be able to find paint to match my bedding, but not the other way around.

Lauren; that's why I said it's not enough time because finding bedding or window treatments can be harder then picking a paint color you like. You want to do everything right the 1st time; you don't want to have to paint again either like we did in our last house. We used a color called malted milk that was peach on our walls.

Tell him you'll try your hardest to be ready by then but if not; ask if he'll give you more time. You're spending a pretty large chunk of change on bedding & WT if you're buying those too. You want to make sure it's what you want.

My mother-in-law sews beautifully and will be able to make window treatments... so that can be last on my list :)

I really like the *idea* of a coverlet... I think that's the look I am going for. But I do not like the idea of a solid color, especially w/ a baby. I am a clean freak and I would be washing that thing every other day when a spot appears. At least w/ a pattern/print, any potential small spot will be disguised.
So I'm thinking I have 2 options. (though in reality, I probably have a dozen ;)
1. Find a printed coverlet. Where? Any recs?
or 2. Use the duvet cover from Restoration Hardware with a quilt or blanket inside so it's not so fluffy. But will that give me the clean lines I long for?
wdyt? I really really appreciate all your advice. I cannot say that enough! :)
~Lauren

I'd tell DH you need at least another week. With a 2 yr old (and one on the way) it's not fair for you to have to make these decisions in 3 days.
If he's persistent, then tell him you need the help of a interior decorator and ask if he's willing to pay for it.

The link below has some beautiful bedding......

Here is a link that might be useful: Horchow

This may sound wacky but it is what I do. I use a matelasse coverlet, then an empty duvet folded at the end of the bed for color. I love the look of the white coverlet and they really wash and wear great, even use bleach if needed. Because every color/pattern I liked was a duvet, this allows me to introduce color/pattern and change with the season. Also my husband hates the messed up comforter inside the duvet so this suits us both.

You are all swaying me towards using a coverlet. So talk to me about them- currently I have a comforter, a quilt, and a top sheet. What do you use w/ a coverlet? Still a blanket between that and a top sheet?
Any recs on brands of coverlets that you have been very pleased with?
72 hours until my decision needs to be made!

One more question- since my MIL does sew beautifully, she could take the duvet cover and make it into "something" (not sure what) that would be at the end of my bed.
I don't expect her to sew anything that would need to be washed regularly, so I don't want her to make a coverlet... but something using the print might be a very good idea.

lebwhite- what size duvet cover do you use and what size is your bed?

If you like that Pottery Barn look, check Kohls and Target, stores and website. They have a lot of the PB look, but usually much cheaper, thus lighter weight. Not sure that they have any thing in that blue/gray look, but I'm betting they will - it is a current look.

My DD has had two comforters, one from Target which was a wedding present, and recently got a new Kohls. She likes the fact that they are light enough that she can sleep under them.

Tuesday

Are you planning on getting the bed from RH? If so, is your MB huge and have you measured it out with tape? Their furniture is enormous. We ordered a bed from them a few years ago and had to send it back because it was way too large for the room and we had a pretty big bedroom at the time.

I also believe in picking your bedding before the paint. I find it soo much harder to find a bedding a like than the paint color. Good luck and post pictures!

Lauren,
Your first picture is what I based my bedroom decorating on! Good choice! The paint color I used is Sherwin Williams Rainwashed. It is between a blue and a green. Very soft and soothing. My furniture is black. I bought my comforter on clearance at Target which matches the one in the photo. My drapes are these (from Target as well): Fieldcrest� Luxury Taffeta Stripe Window Panel - Blue

Good luck and I am sure what you decide on will be beautiful!
Pam

For sure if you like clean lines and a clean look, don't go with a duvet. The sides look messy, they don't hang straight and it can be lumpy with the comforter inside it. Even with something flatter I can't imagine it would lay nice and flat. I have one and at times it bothers me trying to get it neat looking. I love it for its lightweight warmth but to me its not neat looking unless you work at it.

In the summer, I generally use just a coverlet atop my flat sheet, but you could have a blanket between the coverlet and the flat sheet.

My coverlet is by peacock alley. I am in Mississippi so most of the year only use a sheet set. My bed is king so all my bedding is king. The beauty of using the folded duvet is that it washes easily. I also switch to a darker quilt for winter. The coverlet let's me change my color whenever I want. I use silver/blue most of the time but add in dark gray and black for winter. I have the coverlet and king shams and dust ruffle in the white.

I think you are all right- while I love the print of the duvet, a coverlet is the "look" I am going for.

Right now below my coverlet I have a down blanket for warmth. In summer I just use the sheet and coverlet; DH just the sheet. What I also like about it is that DH and I have different needs in terms of warmth so having layers allows for more flexiblity than using a comforter which is often too hot for my DH. I also wash mine very frequently--about 1-2 times per month, along with my sheets.

There was a recent thread on matelasse bedspreads which might be helpful to read. Some brands had quite a bit of shrinkage which may be a concern for you. Some coverlets have a scalloped edge, some a straight edge. There are also many different designs on the matelasse coverlet. Mine is a floral design, though my shams have a paisley design.

Your mattress/boxpring selection will also be a concern in your final choice as you need to check the measurements to make sure it comes down low enough on the sides. Many mattresses are quite thick and so some prefer a low profile boxspring (5" vs. 9") which is standard. This choice will affect how far your bedding comes down on the sides.

Found it. This was more about matelasse bedspreads, but much of it would apply to coverlets as well.

Here is a link that might be useful: Matelasse bedspreads

Thanks for your help!!! So what is the big deal about these Matelasse bedspreads vs. other quilts and coverlets?

So I've come to some conclusions. I am now leaning toward a coverlet of some type. Something neutral- like this one (see link below, in FOG.)

Then maybe I'll get a printed duvet cover that matches and see if my MIL can sew something so that we can drape it over the end of the bed for some pattern. I will also get patterned shams.

So maybe, just maybe I can go choose this (we have a RH here in town) and choose some paint. The DH can paint on Monday.

AND... I will not take any tags off anything until we get the bed in. And I'll lay everything on the bed and see how it looks. If I love it- great! If not, no biggie. We *can* repaint... it will not be the end of the world nor will we be out a big expense.

But I would like to get some paint on the walls Monday, just bc the hard stuff it done- walls and trim taped and floor covered. Painting is easy ;)

:) Feeling more calm
ps- 48 hours!!! ;)

Here is a link that might be useful: RH Matelasse bedspread

The quality is the big deal usually when choosing a matelasse. One made in Portugal like those should be great. You want it to feel good. Bedspreads are designed to be used without a dust ruffle although if you have a high mattress you can use them to add the extra length on the sides if a coverlet is too narrow. I think you are on the right path, with the solid basics you can change your pattern and get a new look very easily. I do change my duvet and 2 shams or throw pillows seasonally or sometimes for no reason. Good luck

Any updates on your room? Is it done?

lauren0319....I'm also curious and would love to see what you decided on for your bedroom!

curious too about an update

HI all!!! Lots of progress to report, no pics to share- YET! :)

So hubby came home last Sunday... I did pick bedding and paint from RH. The paint is a very calm grey- called Prairie by RH (but we had it color matched by SW.) So we (errrr- HE) got the room painted, new baseboards in, and crown moulding hung.
New bed gets delivered on Thursday (3/31) and as soon as it gets here, I'll be able to "test drive" bedding and see what we like ON the actual bed. I will be sure to take and post pics.
From there we will continue to look for a dresser, chest, and night stands. I just want to see how the bed looks in our room BEFORE we make any more decisions. I will say, our room looks SO much better now that that horrid color blocking is gone... I can't wait to see what the actual bed looks like in here!