Oh my gosh! You're a Dan Fogelberg fan!
...Gets you wet and sometimes cold

Actually your analogy fits many a homemaker in decorating their home if you think about it. I know I've changed "horses" many times in just what I want to do with out home. And as Dan wrote, if you change faces in the middle of a dream, like in decorating trying to find your style, can get you feeling old anyway.

Lyrics to Dan's Changing Horses:

Changing horses in the middle of a stream
Gets you wet and sometimes cold
Changing faces in the middle of a dream gets you old
Oh, gets you old

Looking farther than you'll ever hope to see
Takes you places you don't know
Search for someone you can't ever hope to be
And still you go
Oh, still you go

Don't you think it's kind of sad to say
Don't you think it's gonna change
Makes you think you'll have to stay inside for a while

Changing horses in the middle of a stream
Gets you wet and sometimes cold
Changing faces in the middle of a dream gets you old
Oh gets you old...gets you old... gets you old...gets you old

Here is a link that might be useful: Chaning Horses

Well, I'll chime in on this discussion. What I am learning about myself is that my taste is evolving/changing. And actually I expect it will again, which I am going to take into account as I make the decisions this time around.

There are some rooms I want to decorate and let be, such as my bedroom. Fortunately, I still like the look of that room a decade later and might end up just freshening it with the same color of paint and calling it good. (Interestingly, that's also the only room I painted white and held myself to following the inspiration picture very strictly while decorating the room, Coincidence? Maybe.)

When I decorated the house 10 years ago, I was in love with yellows and golds. Living in Alaska, I still do think the warm tones offer distinct advantages, and I love how yellows/golds look cheery and bright by day and cozy at night. But, I'm seriously considering something very different.

I went with sort of a layered, casual, cottagy look that bent different directions in different parts of the house, i.e., towards Tuscan in the kitchen/DR, french country in the living areas, British Colonial in the bedrooms. Now, I find myself attracted to a more zen, simplistic, even linear(dare I say modern?) aesthetic. Less feels like more, as long as it is substantial and interesting. Still loving the old, but wanting bigger, chunkier, fewer things.

Hated earthtones a decade ago - now I am drawn to them not only in color but in materials, i.e., rocks/pebbles, bringing the outside in through color choices, etc. Also loving some of the modern, neutral, muddy tones - which I rejected soundly a decade prior. I'm even liking grays, which I would have bet my savings would never happen.

The challenge for me is to ensure I stay true to myself, don't get caught up in trends I am going to regret later, and make sure my major purchases are either timeless items I can work with when my taste inevitably changes again or buy it cheap with the expectation of buying something new in another decade. I also learned the last time around to find an inspiration pic/vision and STICK WITH IT for that room anyway, even when I come across something so intriguing it seduces me into wanting to change directions or have it at all costs.

The other great point you make is that what we want our houses to feel like may very well change seasonally. Many people make their design/decorating choices with that very much in mind. It seems that number includes you to a very large degree, given the neutrals you have chosen for the major items. Utilizing accessories to create different feels by season or even just on a whim can be a great, freeing option for those who like change - and have the storage for all of those out-of-season goodies!

I went through a life-altering illness during this time period, also. It has been *the* driving reality of my life for my late 30's until now (mid-40's). I've given quite a bit of reflection of the role that is playing in my taste evolving to a decluttered, simple, spa-like, natural, restful, organic, zen preference. It's hard to know, as certainly that has also been a dominant trend in the design world during the last decade and maybe I picked up on that. But, I have not spent my time watching HGTV or reading design magazines over this decade, I can tell you that. The house was the last thing on my mind, and the last thing I had any energy for.

It's an interesting question, though: What does drive change? When is it internally driven? External? Environmental? Successful marketing? When is it genuine personal evolution - versus reaction to trends/fads/the herd or simply a temporary whim? I'm curious to see what folks think.

Thanks for jumping in so quickly, justgotabme and Steph. The minute I sent this post, I thought about the buffet lamps on my mantel, which have black & white toile shades. I love those and how they pop against the red wall. So, I do love the look I have now. It's just that I love other looks too. Can't have your cake and eat it too.

I have been thinking a lot lately about the "hows" and "whys" of change. It's interesting to me to try to pinpoint the life-altering events, or even just the gradual progression that is the impetus behind the strong desire for change. As Steph's illness played such a major role in her desire for transformation, so too have events in my life over the past 10 years played a very significant role for me.

My previous marriage became very stifling over the years and towards the end, I finally found my backbone and refused to lie down and be walked on any longer. Shedding my old self - the one that was told what to do, how to think, how to speak - gave birth to a very liberated spirit. For a time I lived in a simple apartment with very little belongings, and what I chose to buy for my space then was very simple, clean lines and minimally decorative. I kinda view that time of my life as being in a cocoon - the very beginning of becoming a new creature of sorts.

It took only one trip to Mexico with the man who was to become my DH to make me fall in love with the culture and the amazing colors - everywhere! I felt so naturally drawn to it all, and claimed it as my very own expression of the unbridled joy that was finally starting to bubble up to my surface. I felt as though it had been suppressed for such a long time.

It was a fairly swift progression to my home becoming a reflection of my state of mind. I felt happy, I was happy, and I wanted to be surrounded by bright, cheerful colors. I craved sunshine yellows and vivid reds, deep "Frida Kahlo" shades of blue, and that gorgeous rich turquoise! And so my house became an extension of myself.

Time and events have brought me to where I am today. Having lost two very dear people in my life early this year, I've found myself drawn to things that evoke their memory. I'm feeling much more settled in my personal life. I have a new job that makes me feel more like an "adult" than evere before. I feel I've developed deeper and more abiding feelings for my husband and just feel more focused on things that truly matter to me. I have a greater need for all aspects of my life to be authentic. I don't feel so inclined to view my life as a constant "fiesta." ;-) I want my house to be more true to its original form.

I still want my decor to be fun and cheerful, but I also want it to reflect a more introspective, gentleness I'm feeling lately. I really have no idea where this process will eventually take me, and really, maybe that's the whole point: Just allowing it to be a process, and to go with it and let my life truly create my home.

Whew ... that was more than anyone ever wanted to know, I'm sure!

I felt as if I were reading your personal diary, auntjen. I truly understand what you are saying. I am at the stage in my life where I crave a "happy house." Right now I have turquoise sheets on the bed in my guest room, peeking out from a white coverlet. There is a large waterscape on the wall with bright colors of turquoise, mango, and peridot. I consider my style to be French with a touch of tropical, but tropical is always trying to take center stage. LOL For years, I was afraid of color but I finally came out of my shell and discovered a bright, colorful world out there. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I know there are reasons why we decorate the way we do. Your post gave me food for thought.

"It's just that I love other looks too. Can't have your cake and eat it too."
Still not much time, but wanted to pop in and check while I'm waiting for laundry to dry. I have to reply to not having your cake and eat it too. Why not? I too love so many different styles and until we moved into our current home always decorated with basically one style.

I don't know if it's that our home now is a Victorian Revival that has given me freedom to express myself even more than before, but I feel free to do each room with it's own personality. Thanks to our daughter getting married next year and her fiance coming to visit after she's finished with a tour in S.Korea, we're back in the finish it mode.

The main level:
Our Ladies Parlor has a bit of a mid century feel with some MCM wood pieces.
The Library and Gentleman's Parlor will be on the masculine side with lots of wood in dark greens, golds and browns.
The kitchen and sunroom are blues and golds with toile one might call it French Country.
Up stairs:
The guest bedroom (once our son's room) is also in civil war themed toile with the decor aimed toward our families military history. The furniture is waterfall. One of my favorite styles.
The guest bath is also in Red White and Blue only not the toile.
Our grandson has his own room which is Disney Cars themed because, well he loves cars.
The master bedroom is on it's way to being Moroccan/exotic with a pearl/metallic gold ceiling, green walls (if I can find the correct shade) and fabrics in rich jewel tones.
The master bathroom is a bit more subtle with pearl/metallic silver walls and softer shades of the jewel tones found in the bedroom.
The laundry room is done in Southwest as a nod to my Mom since I have most of the decor from her last living room.
And the last two are "My Room" where my computer is and all my stuff. Right now it's decorated as planned for when it was to be our daughter's room, but she only lived her a couple months before leaving for basic training. The WTs are in cheetah prints and the bathroom is similar with palm trees. The basic feel when finished will be British Colonial.

So for me? Nope you don't have to stick with one style.

OT to Justgotabme - While I do love soft green, it's a bit hard on my old eyes to read the shade you're posting in now. While I appreciate you "justgotabyou", would you consider a darker font? I swear, I think my eyesight gets worse by the day, and this with decent corrective lenses!

What a timely post, stargirl, and a good one ! Auntjen , I love how you've changed, and explained why and how.

I just recently came back from Florida and the place I come back to is home,
it's where our family lives, etc... The condo feels stale to me now, I want to make a few changes. This condo is an amalgamation of furniture we've had in our previous family home and another downtown condo we owned at the same time. I kept the better pieces, added a few, but I now should purge more and replace a few things.

This winter we renovated a 10 year old condo in Florida and furnished it from scratch, I indulged my whims and went with a style I describe as
"miami bling bling" lots of white, chrome, glass, black , grey, and a few wood pieces and linen fabrics...... This decor makes me feel free and glamorous, I love it, it seems to be what I needed........
so coming back to our Montreal condo, I want to bring in a bit more white,
less yellow and red, toss cushions specially.

I like what was questioned above:

"What does drive change? When is it internally driven? External? Environmental? Successful marketing? When is it genuine personal evolution - versus reaction to trends/fads/the herd or simply a temporary whim? I'm curious to see what folks think."

I think in my case , it's a combination of all of the above; last year, I was feeling no need for change, now I do.

Glad to see you here, Mitchdesj.

Don't know what it is but I think that a house must flow -- that is, the entire space must reflect a certain feel. But, I know that's not for everyone. When I first started decorating our little river place, I wanted it to look like a chalet in France. But I've always been drawn to British Colonial or an "island style." So I will begin decorating a room in French Country and, before I know it, I am attracted to something in a flea market that would work perfectly in an island style room. Then I become confused and have trouble focusing on the look I had intended for the room. Maybe I should be more like, justgotabme, and decorate each room differently. By the way, a forum friend sent me a book entitled "French Island Style" so I know it's possible to combine those two styles. I'm just not sure I know how to do it! Auntjen, do you intend to change every room in your home to reflect your love for cottage? Mitch, I know your condo in Florida was heavenly.

Do you also find that the house you live in isn't conducive to a style that you like?

I like Malibu beach style with an ocean view - white, sand, and blue tones mingled with a variety of wood tones. Unfortunately, I live in Fargo, ND in a one-story twinhome. Without the constant sunlight and view of the ocean - that style just feels "cold" in the middle of gray, dark winters. :-) LOL! Also love Mediterranean and Tuscan, but they don't really work with the features that are already part of this house. And then, there are the styles that I THINK I would love, but realize that I probably can't live with "comfortably" - meaning relaxed and at home - if that makes sense.

I know EXACTLY what you mean, Kees Lover. As I mentioned in my post, we live on the river. If I decided to decorate every room in a breezy, island style, it would look wonderful -- in summer. When it's cold and the river looks "icy" and there are no leaves on the trees, which are draped in Spanish moss during the hot months, it looks a bit odd to have a coastal or tropical style. A lodge look would be more appropriate! But there are some who would say that it's perfectly acceptable to decorate in any style you like, despite where you live.

Another example - I like Craftsman architectural style, but my house isn't architecturally suited to be done in that style - not without a HUGE windfall of money to re-do everything.

For the record, I like the layout of the rooms in my house as well as its location and size. It's just that I'm drawn to some styles that wouldn't "work" here.

The condo that I lived in before this house lent itself to the light-colored "beachy" furniture selections and textile choices that I made 15 years ago. The look doesn't transfer so well to this house. Slowly working my way to a style that I like that works better with this house. :-)

Stargirl - absolutely! I am currently feeling that I am changing horses...!

Kees_Lover - I know exactly how you feel. We once owned a 1929 Spanish Colonial bungalow in a semi-urban section of San Diego. We now have a cookie-cutter not-sure-what-kind-of-architecture brick house in a master-planned community.

The 2 could not be further apart and I just can't reconcile the feeling that I can do the Spanish look in this house. I need beamed ceilings and arches and plaster lathed walls. *sigh*

Until recently, I wanted to do breezy, island colonial asian style (think Bali without the kitsch - no tiki) but I suddenly feel this need to do turquoise.

I guess I'm departing from the colonial asian style because there are plans in the future to add on an addition for my parents. My uncle, an architect, has the preliminary plans and it is likely that he will be doing exactly this style. The furnishings - 1970s Scandinavian hardwoods that are really timeless - will move into our living space.

Until then, I want to do something different that appeals to me. I love so many different styles and this is probably my one opportunity to do something before the reno.

binsd, turquoise is my new favorite color. It has always been my favorite color to wear, but I never considered it for decorating. You know what those designers say about looking into your closet when deciding on a color to decorate your house. I have one bedroom decorated in a breezy, islandy style but that is the only room that has this feel. I find myself wanting more of this look but I don't want to change everything in my home, because I do like what is going on in the rest of my home. Plus, it would be expensive to start from scratch. However, my screened-in porch is definitely breezy islandy. The brown rattan furniture has orange and red wide striped cushions. I have tin art of brightly colored parrots hanging on the wall, lush palms, bamboo wind chimes, etc. I love my outdoor space. Just wish I had more of this feel inside.

Jen wrote: "While I appreciate you "justgotabyou", would you consider a darker font?"
Sorry about that Jen. Just learned a bit more HTML so I "justgotatryit". Ha ha :^D

Though I'd love to travel the world it's not going to happen in my lifetime as far as I can tell. I think that's why in our current home I wanted a variety of "world styles". I've always loved many different decor styles and colors. I feel our current home welcomes variety with open arms. By what I've learned of Victorians they loved to decorate with things from around the world whether they were brought back from their own travels or purchased things that were imported.
We're not spring chickens anymore so there's a possibility we'll move somewhere smaller without stairs to the only bedrooms in our home. I'm sure I'll be changing horses yet again, though I'd rather just get a loveseat stair lift for hubby and I to manage the stairs when that time comes. That's not likely to happen unless we have one custom made.
I do understand ones feeling that a house must flow, but to me there's different ways of flowing. Our home flows in that all rooms have rich stained woods, soft fabrics and warm/bold colors. I can certainly understand where some might think our home is a mix of styles, and it is really, but hopefully when it's complete it will have a certain type of flow to it.
If when that time comes and I don't feel it does, you can bet I'll remember Lessons Learned and realize I Better Change. So just Give Me Some Time to put on my Dancing Shoes and consider So Many Changes that Along the Road I may have Gone to Far. Maybe even Beyond the Edge sometimes. It's Hard to Say, but maybe I just need to Face the Fire and Go Down Easy, back to the Innocent Age when More Than Ever I need to remove all the Souvenirs of my past to make it Part of the Plan to live a simple life.

Thanks for sharing that, justgotabeme. You certainly have a way with words, as well as decorating. When I said that I felt a home must flow, I just meant my home in particular because it is so small -- only 1,100 square feet. I, too, love a variety of styles -- island, French Country, Moroccan, cottage, shabby chic, etc. In fact, I love all styles except industrial, extreme modern or contemporary. So, in my small space, it would look odd to walk from a French Country kitchen into a bedroom that is of a different style, since the entrance to my bedroom is via French doors which lead from the kitchen. Our home basically has an open floor plan, with bedrooms off the main area. I find it is not as jarring to the eyes when I use colors and styles that relate. The one bedroom which has an island feel isn't as visible from the main area as our master bedroom. Sometimes I wish I had more space but it's hubby and I so need to have rooms that need to be cleaned.

Justgota, you're not quite so "pretty" now, but I have no problem reading you. ;-D Nothing makes you feel like a middle-aged old frump quite so much like squinting at a computer monitor all day long through freakin' reading glasses. Ugh. I want my youthful eyesight back again!

Are those all Fogelberg songs? Wow! Well done!

Ditto to your last statement, auntjen.

What an interesting discussion! I've enjoyed reading about your life journeys and the impact on your decorating.

I think I am influenced by what is in the marketplace as we are bombarded with images and great lifestyle marketing campaigns that persuade our brains that we want what is being sold. If everywhere you look, for example, you see turquoise and it is accompanied by happy, smiling people and images of sea and sky, how could you not feel attracted to turquoise?

While I am not a follower of extreme fads, I see no harm in enjoying adding a bit of what's popular to make my home feel current and fresh. If that means adding some turquoise pillows, dishes, table linens or bedding, why not?

On the other hand, I won't be replacing all of my medium toned wood with either espresso or Belgian grey. That's too much of a departure from what I already love.

Stargirl, maybe you can build your style based on combining aspects of each style you love rather than having a literal version of each style in each room. For example, it seems to me that French country jacquard kitchen and dining linens could co-exist quite comfortably with teak island-inspired furniture. In fact, many of the jacquards are currently available in turquoise and purple in addition to the more traditional yellow and red.

I think Auntjen has done something similar by adding a more cottage inspired wall color to her Mexican-inspired living room. Stargirl, you can decide which style aspect will be most dominant in each room while maintaining some cohesion through other elements.

Thanks for joining in, forhgtv. Actually, I've been trying to combine the two styles I love. I think "color" is the common denominator. For instance, in my living room, I have a black and white zebra area rug, but I also have toile valances atop bamboo blinds. Thus, I have the "exotic" with French Country and it works because of the colors -- black & white. I'm learning....but it's a trial and error process. Wish I knew what to do with the master bedroom. I have an old French-style dresser which I just pained a creamy white. The base looks like a credenza and the tall mirror has an inverted-shell motif at the top. I want to start from scratch with this room. My walls are ivory and I think I want to keep them this color. Does anyone have ideas for a headboard, bedding, etc. Right now I have an old iron headboard in a gaudy silver/gold marbelized finish, but I'm thinking about an upholstered headboard -- and I think I can make one. Just not sure about colors, bedding & accessories for this room.

Stargirl, I did a search on turquoise and red bedrooms and got some interesting pictures that might inspire you.

Here is a link that might be useful: Turquoise and Red

Stargirl - Can you post some pics of your room. I'm sure you could make a headboard easy. I have instructions saved from Bestyears, when she made one. I can post them if you'd like. In the meantime, you could spray paint the iron bed for a temporary fix if you're not feeling the color.

I try not to look at too many different styles of magazines and decorating books because I can be influenced by stuff. I start looking at lots of Pottery Barn and next think I know I want a large chunk of coral which doesn't go with the overall look and feel I truly want for my house. Good news is my sister is decorating her house in a more casual beachy/Pottery Barn type look and helping her is working for me, ha!

I do find myself wanting small seasonal changes. - I'm talking a few vignette and changing out the hand soaps and candles. I would like to do something different with my throw pillows in the LR. The silk isn't exactly people/pet friendly! I think it would be nice to have different ones to change out twice a year.

Sometimes changing something like paint can cause that domino effect and that usually =s $$$.
My taste has evolved quite a bit over the past few years and overall I'm content with its current look. Except... I really want to replace my foyer mirror. I used to be in love with anything super ornate. I'm at the point where I actually don't like it. Sigh, it's just too formal, too resin, too wide, and not tall enough. Found a mirror recently at the flea market that would look beautiful in its place but I don't "NEED" a new mirror and DH isn't grasping what's wrong with the other, lol. You probably didn't want to know all that but I've been really wanting to share this story and you guys get it.

And AuntJen I love the changes you've made to your home. I liked it before but am really loving that green.

Star girl our last home was 1,150 sq ft main level. We did have a family room in the finished basement give about seven hundred more sq ft with the bathroom too. Maybe that's why I did that home basically all in the same style. Our children's rooms were their own style when they were young though they still flowed with the rest of our home. Our current home is over three thousand sq ft with extra rooms. Weird since the kids are both grown that we have all this space, but hubby always wanted a large home and we thought our children would live here while going to college, but 9-11 changed that. Our son was deployed before we moved in and our daughter joined the Air Force. Oh well...

Jen I'm glad this is better for you to read. I'm 55 so I know the old age eye syndrome. I finally broke down and had my eyes checked and now wear tri-focals. Best thing I ever did. Okay well not that best thing, but for my eyes it was.
And yes those are all Dan's songs. I've been a huge fan since I first saw him open for the Eagles in concert in '74 in Omaha. I went out the next day and bought the two LPs he had out at the time and followed his music ever since.
Last September on the way home from the Air Force Marathon we stopped and visited his Memorial in his home town of Peoria, IL, Drove on Fogelberg Parkway and stopped in the "grocery store" from his song Same Old Lang Syne for a six pack of beer and and drove by the amphitheater he preformed in during his early days. Though I never met him it was very emotional. Longer is our song, though his A Love Like This fits us so much now after 31 years of wedded bliss and I plan on using it at our daughter's wedding next year as a tribute to their love.
So thank you Jen and Star for your comments about my use of Dan's song titles. I've done it before. His songs seem to fit so much of life. He was brilliant and such an amazing talent. I hope his wife continues to go through his music and has it mixed so he can live Ever On.

Okay sorry about that, but you got me started with the title of the thread. LOL

ForHGTV, you comment about being bombarded with images etc, is just why I avoid decor magazines and shopping at the big home decor stores. I know I'd be influenced and I want our home to reflect us and not what's popular at the moment. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Been there, done that to some extent in fact, though I've always had my own twist to it. Heck I can't even buy a cross stitch kit or work from a chart and not change things to make it suit myself. My color choices have rarely ever been the "now" colors. When they have it's only because the "now" colors fit my all time favorite color combos.
Other than solids I've never purchased quilts or comforters for our beds or window treatments. I've just recently used purchased window treatments with a pattern. I've always made most of our bedding and window coverings.
I completely agree with you that Star should try to incorporate a bit of both her favorite styles to make one of her own. It might take a bit of work at first, but using colors can be a big help in blending two styles. And yes, Jen did it wonderfully. LOL I just read Stars reply to you. Yep, you got it going already there girl! I love ForHGTV's color combo for you bedroom. I can see your French dresser painted turquoise with a brown glaze to bring out the details.
Sheesh I see you have the same problem I do when looking at PB. I love that style, but it's really not me so I need to keep away! We even have a PB store in near by Omaha that I've not allowed myself to visit yet.

Here is a link that might be useful: A Love Like This

forhgtv, thanks for the great inspirational pictures. Take a look at the last picture on the second row. My iron headboard is very similar to that, and I have a chandelier, just like in that picture. A friend told me that my iron headboard wouldn't work in a room with French-style furniture but I'm thinking that an iron headboard would work with any style furniture, that is, if the headboard isn't ultra-modern.

Sheesharee, I wish I had pictures to share of my bedroom but, alas, I don't have that capability. Just imagine a small room with a bed on one solid wall and across the room is the dresser, centered between two, tall narrow windows. Walls are ivory and the floors are oak parquet. As I said, I want a different headboard OR either paint my existing one. I prefer matelasse coverlets (white or ivory) or solid bedding, and have accent colors in accessories, throw pillows, etc.

Justgotabeme, I LOVE your posts. You should be a writer.

Ha ha ha Star. I've never had anyone accuse me of writing well before. In fact more the opposite was true. When I was ten and my sister was in college, as an English major, she used to correct my letters to her. Needless to say I stopped writing her after awhile though I did continue to write my Grammy B. She loved my letters and even sent me dimes in each of her replies so I could buy a candy bar and an ice cream cone! Not sure if my lack of progress was the cause of my sister's change in major, but change she did, to elementary education.

Oops forgot to add link to the picture of the bed. It wasn't the end of the second row for me, so I wanted to make sure it was the one similar to yours? If so it and the chandelier are gorgeous and I think you can definitely make them work with both the FC and Island inspired look. I can see bamboo roman or roll up shades along with some sheer billowing panels in either an off white or pale blue or green. I'm sure the french have coastal homes that mix these two styles. Have you searched for island french style?

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:1724419}}

If the picture that Justgotabme posted is the one that represents your headboard and chandelier, I agree that they would look great in an eclectic romantic (French decor always seems romantic to me) island room.

YES, that is the headboard and chandelier. In fact, whenever anyone enters our bedroom, they are shocked that we have a chandelier in a small bedroom in a river cabin. Picture entering that particular bedroom that is like mine, from French doors leading off the kitchen. My bed is placed on the same solid wall -- right side of the room. Directly across from the bed is the triple French-style dresser I was telling you about -- the one I painted creamy white. As I said, that is all I have done to the room, except that I DO have bamboo blinds at the two windows on either side of the dresser. So how do you guys think I should dress the bed, and what type lamps and accessories should I use to create a romantic French Island style? Oh, yes...I will be painting the headboard...what color? Should it be an antique crackle finish or what? And, do you think I should paint the wall behind the bed turquoise as in the inspiration picture, or should all walls be turquoise? I'm so excited about the possibilities for this little room. Thanks for your help.

Yes painting the wall that shade of blue would be so pretty! I think I'd paint the bed an off white. Maybe those billowy sheer panels I mentioned earlier would look pretty to match the wall behind the bed.
Bedding would be very pretty in shades of white and a paler turquoise than the wall.

How exciting. I love the idea of a turquoise wall with a white antiqued version of your headboard, but if that feels like too big of a commitment, you could hang one or two curtain panels or saris in turquoise from the ceiling behind the head of your bed, use white bedding with pretty edgings and a turquoise accent pillow. For lamps, what about filling two of those glass ginger jar or hollow column type lamps with sea glass? That could add another shot of turquoise and would reference the beach.

FWIW, I wouldn't paint all of the walls turquoise, but you could paint the wall behind the dresser turquoise and add fabric behind the bed as I described above. Alternatively, you could paint the dresser and the wall behind the bed turquoise. Did you notice this dresser when you were going through the inspiration pictures?

Here is a link that might be useful: Turquoise Dresser

Love that dresser, forhgtv!! The only conern is that my room is small and it may be better to leave the dresser the creamy white I have just painted it. And, justgotabeme, the only difference in my headboard and the one in the inspiration picture, is that my headboard is a little more scrolly and it is arched in the center. In other words, higher in the center than on the sides. What SHADE of turquoise should I use if I do decide to repaint the dresser and also what color turquoise should I use to paint the focal wall?? I also love the idea of a seafoam green, but I think I like turquoise better. I already have some large glass apothecary jars and I have sea glass too. Also have a large collection of shells. I have one wall that I can use art work on -- what do you suggest? Y'all have been so helpful and I appreciate it.

Just realized I could add the picture of the bed and chandelier here using HTML.
{{gwi:1724419}}

Love forhgtv's idea of a glass lamp, but what about making your own out of a wine jug like this one....

A lamp like that would be beautiful. Love it! You have such great ideas. I have lots of white bedding -- matelasse coverlets, duvet covers, etc. so I'm pretty well covered in that department. Where do you suggest that I look for breezy turquoise panels? And...one more question, what type paint should I use to paint the headboard. I love the shabby chic look of the headboard in the inspiration picture. My chandelier is quite glitzy and the metal finish has an old, tarnished look. I really love it and picked it up for a song at an auction. It isn't directly over the bed but closer to the foot. I remember that I have white mosquito netting -- those round hoops that mount from the ceiling with white sheers hanging down. Would that be too feminine for the room?

Fabulous inspiration pic(s)! See that soft green on the little owl on the table? That has become my latest obsession! I absolutely adore how that shade meshes with aqua/turquoise hues.

Stargirl, I'm envisioning your room in my head and I know it's going to be absolutely gorgeous! I love how you say that you wear a lot of turquoise. Me too. That's the color that never fails to grab my attention when I'm shopping for clothes!

Oh I'm glad you like the lamp. I just came here because I was second guessing that idea, wondering if it wasn't too rustic with the French Provencal furniture.... Hmmm.... Okay, I'moverthat. I've got it pictured in my head now and it's working. In fact it should work quite well with your bamboo shades and fresh white bedding. Yep, I should remember never to second guess myself. Ha! Just kidding.
I know how to get your bed to look similar to the inspiration picture, but need to know what finish it is now please.
As for the sheers I was thinking a solid, but with basically solid bedding I'm thinking possibly something like these pretty (semi) sheers. Reminiscent of forhgtv's idea of a Sari.

Hey Jen, just adding that the first picture is Star's inspiration, but thanks about liking the lamp idea too. As you read I was second guessing myself for a bit.

Beautiful ideas, Justgotabme! Sorry that I can't help with the how-to-paint, Stargirl. I'm a complete duffer when it comes to DIY. I have mixed feelings about the mosquito netting. It definitely adds to the island feel, but the circle at the top might be too much with your chandelier and it might take romantic too far into the realm of princess. You can always try it with just some painter's tape to see if you like it. Hey, I wonder if you could use the mosquito netting as sheers on your window?

Jen, isn't that little owl the celadon color that is Martha Stewart's trademark color? I love it too. Since my hair is very light and I have fair skin and blue eyes, turquoise is the color that looks best on me. I always gratitate to it when I shop. I have just never thought about using it in my decor. I also have a lot of fuscia and peridot in my wardrobe.

justgotabeme, my bed is iron and is the weirdest color -- it's a marbelized silver/gold finish, like someone had mixed those two colors and swirled them on the iron. The style of the bed isn't modern at all but very similar to the inspirational piece. It has thin spindles just like the picture and, as I said before, the headboard is arched in the center, and lower on the sides.

I just thought of something that I'd forgotten to mention. I have one more piece in the room but it doesn't have to stay. It is a ladies Victorian parlor chair that sits in the corner next to the dresser. The wood part is a light ivory finish and it has carved rosettes at the top. BUT, the upholstery is raspberry pink!! The only reason that I have that chair is because I got it for $20.00 at an auction. Can you believe that! It is in perfect condition. I can move it to another room though. Don't think it would work with the look we're going for.

One more thought....if I opt to use the white mosquito netting, I could still have a turquoise wall behind the bed, right. Can you suggest the "perfect" shade of turquoise?

Thank forhgtv. If I only got this busy finishing our own room! Well I did start working on it yesterday thanks to Star.
Oh pooh! I forgot to ask if the bed has a shiny finish. Well either way it's always good to use a primer. I'd suggest a spray rust colored primer. Even a cheap brand will do. Once that's dry I'd flick on some steel gray so it's splotchy. Let that dry at least over night.
Using either a candle or a bar of paraffin wax go over areas where you'd like the rusty/steel to show through as if worn off over the years making sure not to over do it.
Now you're ready to paint it the desired color. Latex wall paint would work fine at this point. Once painted make sure to let it completely dry, I'd wait a few days at least if not a week, then with a clean soft lint free cloth carefully wipe the whole bed down. This should remove any paint that might have halfway stuck to the waxed areas and the wax. For an added touch of age you can go over the whole bed with brown cream shoe polish or a colored wax. Buff and your done!
And yes, the netting would work nicely with the turquoise wall behind it.

I'm really wanting to paint that bed now!! By the way, it doesn't have a shiny finish. So I will have an antiquey white bed, a turquoise wall behind the headboard, and white mosquito netting above. As I said, i have bamboo blinds at the windows now. Do I even need billowy sheers. If so, what color? I will be using white bedding.

You don't need them, but I thought they'd look pretty and add to the island feel. I posted a link of ones I liked above, but if you were thinking solid it would be nice to bring the turquoise to the other side of the room.
You will need to find a friend with a camera to share pictures though. I'm dying to see your room! Does your cell phone have a camera on it?

Well, we had a cell phone until last week when my sweet hubby dropped it into the river while fishing! LOL But, we're getting another one. Can't live without that. It will take me a little time to get the room together, but I will be happy to share pictures when and if it's ever done! I'm so bad about starting a project and then jumping into something else. I need to keep focused. Again, I appreciate everyone's help.

Auntjen, if you're reading this, I'd love to see pictures of your kitchen when you get it like you want it. I know it will be spectacular.

Nothing more to add except about the blue clock in the above picture. lol.

I have one just like it, but it's a rose color. They're Moon Clocks and give out a gentle blinking light before the alarm goes off. And if you lose power, it has a backup battery!

I can't imagine life without a cell phone. I used to carry my digital camera with me everywhere, but now that I have a pretty good camera on my cell I leave it behind. You can always take progress pictures for encouragement here Star.

That Moon clock sounds near Oak!