I would find a new piece of art, a pretty pillow or fabric for some curtains, something that has colors that you would want to see in the room or inspires you. Then pull one of colors from that for the walls. If you still have problems figuring out a color, post a pic of your inspiration and folks can pitch in with suggestions but at least that way there will be something to start with.

lukkiirish,

Great suggestion about the color. I keep thinking that I want something soft, muted, possibly all white,. Of coure the piano is black but I really want a restful, relaxing look. I don't know if I can do it or not. But I'll look for some pictures.

Thanks for helping me.

Because you said restful, and maybe all white, I thought of this carpet (actually FLOR carpet tiles):

Here is a link that might be useful: FLOR carpet squares

Great suggestion so far! That always helps when you just don't know where to begin. Find something you do like, and pick colors from there.

I am NOT a decorator, so takes this for the little that it's worth. The pieces that stand out to me that I like are that mirror over the piano, the plant, and that fabulous vintage chair. What color is that chair (it looks like a pale salmon from here) and is the fabric in good condition?

Here's what stands out to me as areas of opportunity: That coat rack that seems to be blocking the door. Could you use hooks mounted to the wall instead, so you don't lose the floor space (and block an exit)? The curtains seem very bold and graphic for the softer vintage pieces that you have. I would choose something much more subtle. You have two lamps that don't seem to coordinate or enhance the space much. If you need them for task lighting, I'd look for something else. You're considering new flooring? Carpet, tile, wood? I would consider how changing from carpet to a hard flooring might change the accoustics.

What style of things do you like? Antique? Vintage? Modern? Traditional? Funky? Simple clean lines, or a little more ornate? Does the room have to function as anything else besides a music room, and is it shared with anyone besides you?

More random thoughts... for interesting (and cheap) art, you could frame your favorite sheet music, or a print of Bach. Go big...use a big mat and a pretty frame. Do you compose at the piano, or sitting in the chair? Maybe a small side table and a floor lamp next to the chair? It looks like you have great lighting, can you add more plants?

I hope that helps. I know how hard it is to just look at a room and think "Ugh...where do I even begin?"

gwbr54
Thanks for your suggestion about carpet tiles. Believe it or not, I have been looking at carpet tiles . A while back I asked for anyone to post pictures if they had tiles but got no response. The picture is beautiful.

franksmom
Thanks for your suggestions, too. Yes the chair is vintage and super comfortable. I think it needs recovering. the fabric is still good, but it is that itchy stuff from the 50's! I believe I tend to go for the more traditional look. I do have some music prints, a beautiful bust of Mozart that might fit in. Yep, you're right about the bl/white valances! they have to go. Bear in mind, this room has been the same for 25 years! don't you think it's time for a change?

thanks again and I will continue to search for some ideas. You've given me some good ones.

I would also like to suggest you visit the Houzz.com site. It's a site with an unlimited supply of designer rooms. You don't have to join to scour through the 1,000's of photos. Maybe there is something there that may have the color tones or feel you're looking for. :c)

Here is a link that might be useful: a favorite site for many folks

lukkiirish,Thanks for the site information. It is beautiful and I had never seen it. I'll take the time to look...so much to see.

to gwbr54,
Coincidentally, I met someone this morning that just put carpet tiles in her bedroom. She couldn't rave enough about how much she loved them, the simplicity of installation and the fact that she had already replaced one from a sick dog! Sounds like a good idea and I'm going to pursue it.

If it were me, I'd do the walls the palest of aqua and I mean very very pale and then add gauzy sheers and extend them wider than the windows Do the floors in wood or a very light tan carpet. That will set the mood for serenity. I agree with Lukkirish and get a fairly large print in soft tones to put on the far wall to the right where the chair is situated. Put the print in a white frame and keep most of your accents in white or shades of beige. Think about a print of outdoors as it gives a feeling of restfulness. The chair would even work in the color it is now, find a round white side table for it and a standing lamp for behind it. Place it in the corner under the print at an angle so you can view the entire room and also look out the window. I would paint all the woodwork including the door a nice fresh white. Add restful pieces to the room like a large seashell, a soft throw on the back of the chair etc. The room has lots of possibilities.

I'm not a decorator and I don't have many skills... but I read lots. ;-)

I don't think it matters that you want a calm, restful palette and that your piano is black, however whatever is the contrast in the room is where the eye will go so in an all-white room, for example, the piano will definitely get the attention... and maybe that is what you want. Is there any other spot in the room you want to draw the eye to?

What's your favourite style? How is the rest of the house decorated?

I agree with starting with an inspiration pic. A loved fabric or piece of art can help you choose your palette.

You haven't said what colors you love. I wrote a post but deleted it because we really don't know what you love.

But my deleted post was very much like the one that Yayagal wrote above. If you want to see a beautiful color (at least to me), go to the post "inspiration pics for teen bedroom" posted by Valinsy that is currently on page on of this forum. In it you will see a pic of a room posted by Sparklekitty painted BM Robin's nest.

I think that is a beautiful, peaceful color that would go well with your black piano. And I agree with white sheers, full length on your windows. I would leave the blinds so you can adjust the window light.

And absolutely yes to your bust of Mozart!! In a place of honor!

barb5
Great suggestions and I just looked at the beautiful pics of the blue. I tend to like primary colors in pastel..yellow, blue, pink. and definitely white! I am going now to look at some carpet squares. If I can find something that will blend with the blues, that would be wonderful. I like the idea of white sheers on the windows to give a filmy look. And I don't have a clue what to do with the chair just yet. it definitely needs recovered, but it is so comfortable to sit in and just read by the window. This room has been out of use for a few years because I had it piled with junk! I'm taking it back and making it mine! And it's going to become my "at home" sanctuary!

prairiedawnpam
Thanks for contributing. The rest of my house is very traditional, some hardwoods, nothing out of the ordinary. Several years ago I posted pics of my living room and really got the furniture arranged just right, thanks to people of this site.

I'll be back with more pics, if I can get some paint samples going!

It sounds like you've got the ball rolling! And good for you on reclaiming the space. I've been purging and redecorating my craft room to have a space just for me, and I'm loving it!

If you went with a taupe/beige/tan carpet, it would look lovely with a soft blue, and it looks fabulous with white and cream. Very soothing and classic. I think blue is one of the esier colors to decorate with. It's easier to find, so you have more options for fabrics, paint, and accessories, and the shades with more gray or green all seem to look good together. You can also throw in a splash of hot pink or rose and it looks fabulous. Maybe toss pillows or an orchid?

Are you committed to the current layout of the room? I think that it's nice to see the piano when you open the door to the room, but is the outside wall the best location for the piano to keep in tune?
Also, have you considered painting the file cabinet to blend in with the wall color?

Something about your room appeals to me -- itÂs been on my mind! Because the room is narrow with a high ceiling, IÂd take advantage of the height with a gorgeous ceiling fixture. I could see it paired with sheer gauzy linen curtains, with a low hold back, and sheer gauzy roman shade on the exterior door. DonÂt know your style, but hereÂs an example with a crystal chandelier:

HereÂs a few other styles to get you thinking:

On the wall opposite the door used most often, IÂd place the pretty kneehole desk, with lamps and artful arrangement on the wall above. Your existing file cabinet adds some needed variety to the height of furniture, but the black is not ideal. If it were antique oak, it would be great. Or (more likely) you could use a 2 two-drawer regular file cabinets, or one two-drawer lateral file cabinet, which would provide another surface for lamps, artwork, and just a place to put down a cup of tea. File cabinets could be wood furniture style or white or pale color metal office style (used ones are plentiful and inexpensive).

Lots of options for long wall behind the piano. For a restful feel, IÂd probably go large-scale, with a large piece of framed fabric, embroidery, cork, or art. Maybe that would even help with acoustics? You could hang or lean an extra large mirror to reflect natural light and expand the room. Or you could paint that wall with a light colored chalkboard or whiteboard paint if it would be useful. IÂd add another large plant with with very large leaves for drama. You could reupholster your vintage chair, or just place a nice throw or even a sheepskin for a soft, pale look. Lastly, IÂd frame that drawing or painting of the girl at the piano, and probably place it on the piano.

Have fun!

Forgot the few other lighting styles:

Well, I'm just overwhelemed by so many nice people out there willing to lend their opinion. And they are all such good ideas. I'm thinking now and trying to come up with a plan, especially for the floor. I wil keep you all posted and show the progress. It will probably be a little slow going because we are getting ready to keep a couple of grandchildren for a few days and they are young. But, if I can get the plan in place, that's half of the battle.
Thanks so much, everyone! You're great.