I am probably not going to be posting many pics when asking questions any more because I find that too many people are only looking at the pictures, NOT reading the text, and thus their responses are either directly contrary to something I've said in the text (for instance "get rid of XYZ" or "the color of ABC is wrong" when I've already said in the accompanying that I love XYZ so it's not going anywhere or that the color of ABC is really more toward mauve when it shows up as puce in the picture) or have nothing at all to do with what I'm asking. I find that intensely frustrating. I have almost no pictures of my current house because it's still in "whatta dump" stage. No paint (walls need a TON of work), short on furniture, dreadfully designed kitchen that's a perpetual mess because there's nowhere to put things... and forget outside pictures, a few weeks ago we ripped out almost every trace of vegetation outside (and will not be replacing it until next year, probably fall '09 to get the end-of-season sales) due to a honeysuckle invasion that I swear was growing by feet per day and was starting to attack the porch. I'll happily post pictures of my previous house because I think I did a pretty decent job with it. We're not on Google Maps but we're kinda-sorta on Google Earth - but the best you can get is a fuzzy whitish blob in the midst of a bunch of other fuzzy whitish blobs on a fuzzy grayish stripe. No closeups. Our town is clearly not a high priority as far as Google is concerned! WRT security - we live in a somewhat iffy neighborhood so I am one HECK of a lot more worried about the people a dozen houses down the street breaking in looking for meth money than I am about someone trying to track me down via the Internet (I Googlebate every so often just to see what's out there re: me) from half a dozen states away. I've been email-stalked and -harassed a bunch of times in my 18 years online because of my outspoken ;-) opinions and my ISPs have always been helpful in dealing with it. However, I've had meet-ups with a whole slew of people I've met online over the years, twice flying nearly cross-country to do so, and it's been grand fun.

Lesmis, based on the feel you have described for the room, I think you are on the right track but could do better. I, too, have found great deals on quilts at marshalls and tjmaxx. I'd keep your eye out for patterns that are a bit more vintage and soothing. Also, for the vintage look, consider mixing patterns. Checks, stripes, florals can all work well together with a few common colors. I like to combine various florals but it can be hard to start with mixing florals. My TJMaxx has has had a couple of options with a subtle floral pattern on a white background-- paired with a similar stripe or a linen duvet cover would be gorgeous, simple, tranquil and classic vintage. I'd keep going down the path you are-- but don't settle. Stick with your vision.

Hi Laurie, It must be the colours not showing too accurately on the computers...there is no blue paint currently in the bedroom. The brown wall is Benjamin Moore 'Mink'. The wall the bed is on (and the other 2 walls you can't see in these pics) are painted in Benjamin Moore Ivory White. I think I've decided not to go with brown wall behind the bed (instead of the window wall) as it would be too heavy. I'm thinking of either A) Leaving the Brown wall as is and painting the other walls a richer cream with (a little) more colour & depth than Ivory white...which colour, I don't know B) Painting the wall the bed is on a soft, Blue-Gray and the other 3 walls would be a creamy off-white. I'm moving some furniture around and may post add'l pics later today...

Thanks for the help, Franksmom! I'll look into medallions for the ceiling fixture problem. I never thought of that before you two mentioned it. As far as the panelling, yes, it might be birch. We have a (50's) vintage Shasta camper that has the same panelling, so I'd thought of that. I don't know if I want to keep it, though. I love it in the camper, and love a good vintage look, especially if it's really vintage ;) I feel a need to modernize the look here somewhat, without losing the feel of the original home. The person who built this home was a contractor. He built the home, raised his family, was a terrific grandpa here, and died here. It's a small town, and I know the family, have seen all the family photos. I've got time to re-consider the panelling issue, I guess. I can't envision how to hang anything other than pinch pleated drapes on a traverse rod. Could someone show me that? And thanks for the replies. I was SO nervous, after lurking for so long!