My favorite is your very first pics!

I was hoping to see a post soon! :)

I'm drawn to more muted colors in general so keep that in mind as I vote. I think the paisley looks nice in the room but I like the Vanessa best and think it works better with the rug. Looks like the colors are in both but the curtains seem to look better with the Vanessa also.

Do you think you'll tire of either of them quickly?

I don't think either one of them works with your rug... sorry. If you keep the rug, the best scenario is your very first picture, as alicate said. Without the rug, I like the Vanessa bedding.

Venessa, I think it goes better with your look, although not very good with the rug, but not horrible. I like the Venessa in your room a lot better than the photoshop of it.

Val

Isn't decorating hard?

Well, I personally like your current bedding best with the rug

Are you tired of the bedding? or just wanted a change?

I would take the $ you would have spent on the new duvets and consider:
Bedside lamps
Pillows for the wing chair - or a white slipcover & some pillows - maybe cranberry accents

Best to you!

Though I love the paisley, I think the colors are too saturated for your rug. I think the Vanessa looks lovely with it.
Dee

I like your original bedding with the rug. The others are too bright to go your with your muted rug. I like the rug in there, I would just return both duvets and look for something that goes better with rug.

I also like the original bedding with the rug. If I had to choose it would be the Vanessa.

Ok..... I was afraid of that. I do really want this rug there. I store under bed plastic boxes and they've been scratching up the floors. Given it's mostly under the bed, I didn't feel it was warranted to spend a lot on a rug and just decided to splurge on a rug for the FR and move this one here. Since the rug works with the rest of the furnishings as-is, it'd be a tough sell to my DH why I now need to sell it, replace it to coordinate with new bedding. :(

I will hold off until Thursday, when the new FR rug arrives. Then see which item I like the most and what I need to return. Yes, jejvtr, decorating is hard. I am not one of those people who get it right the first time; I just buy and exchange a lot!

I did add a down blanket below the matalasse so I suppose it can work as is. I guess I'm just wanted a change and felt the room was too monochromatic--plus the dry cleaning issue, though with the down blanket we hardly use the comforter anyway.

One thing I've been thinking I'd like to add is some more touches of lavendar to go with the Botanical prints. I was thinking of getting one of those vases of dried hydrangeas to put on one of the nightstands. Anyone know where I can get those?

As for lamps, it's hard to tell from pics, but we have overhead reading lights, so don't need lamps. I do like the idea of a slipcover for the wingchair. Would love to make one, though I do have a couple of yet-to-be-completed sewing projects so that may have to wait until the new year. Has anyone used ready-made slipcovers for wingchairs?

I like both comforters but not with the rug. I do also think that your original bedding was more muted like the rug.

Here's a link to inspire!

Here is a link that might be useful: how to sew slip cover

With the rug, I like your original bedding.

Of the 2 duvets, I still like the Vanessa bedding.

I also like the original bedding with the rug. I think the blues just don't work with the rug. Also, the white coverlet works with the patterned white chair and ties the disparate elements together more than either duvet with or without the rug. If you got rid of the rug and changed the upholstery on the chair (or did something to tie it in with the blues), then I would choose the Vanessa duvet.

I think the Vanessa Blue looks better with your rug, but I'm not loving the combination.

agree, your original bedding, and if you want a change then the Vanessa. I do love the vanessa but not so much the rug. The rug is not bad just not quite right with the muted colors.

I was totally prepared to be in love with the paisley - I love paisley in general, and I thought that would be my choice here. I hope you donâÂÂt mind me being honest, but when I look at the paisley, I see tadpoles(the small green-toned paisley) and koi (the larger, red-outlined paisley).

I like the other new duvet with the rug. I think it works because some of the same colors are in both, just in softer tones in the rug.

No matter what, I wonder if you could try tucking the duvet in so that the side rails on the bed show. Those to me are part of the lines of a sleigh bed, and should be visible to carry the eye from front to back, to get the sleigh effect.

But the other thing is that I am not sure the rug works there at all. It chops up the flow of the room. Having half the bed on bare floor and half on rug might work if you had a lot of open floor space around it. But when I look at the end of the bed, it feels jammed in with the strip of rug and bed and dresser and cabinet. I think it makes your room feel smaller.

At first I loved the brighter paisley in the first pic partly because I also love a paisley pattern and thought the brighter color looked refreshing. I don't think the rug tones have to match and can be softer than the surrounding fabrics as not to be the center of attention but rather a compliment to the other fabrics. Hard to tell, but the rug colors seem more green toned to me than the blue bedding. You are the best judge of the colors, but that is what seems a little off to me. The colors in the both beddings are close to working, but just not quite there. Again, hard to tell from here, but that is my thought. What makes you most comfortable? A softer palette or a jolt of color? I think you need to start with that answer and go from there. The rug can still work in your bedroom, just consider what you are comfortable with and what kinds of pictures you are attracted to. Maybe a duvet with a border of blue or green? There are many of those sets in TJM and Marshall's. The Hotel Collection I think. I have seen some as sets with accent pillows included. I can see something like that working very well with your rug. I've included a picture of what I'm referring to, although not in the color pictured. Just an idea.

Here is a link that might be useful: Hotel Collection Color Block bedding

I love the rug and think it looks very nice in the room with the colors--very serene. Your original bedding looks great with it. I would use the money and get lamps and throw pillows for your chair as someone previously suggested. As far as the floor being partly bare under your bed, look at decorating magazines and design shows such as Sarah's House. This is done all the time and it looks nice. The rug is a keeper in my opinion.

I meant to add that even though you have overhead reading lights, lamps would bring balance and also cozy up your space. Just my 2 cents.

I've decided at this point that the Alaine Paisley is out. I am still very much drawn to the Vanessa Blue bedding--both for the design and the lovely linen/cotton blend.

Of the three I agree the present one works the best; however, I've been thinking for sometime now about switching over to a duvet cover with a down insert and after shopping around, purchasing the cover plus the insert, somehow I'm having a difficult time just scratching the whole plan.

Given I want to use the rug, I went back on the Pottery Barn website today. They have another version of the Vanessa pattern, but in a dusty red instead of the blue that I had also earlier been considering. I am wondering if that might work better. What do you think? Shee, care to photoshop for me with the rug there?

BTW, the new rug for FR came in today. It's stunning, but I have not yet placed in room. I'll be sure to post the pictures tomorrow.

Other ones I had considered:

Sophia:

Wells Palamore:

Here is a better pic of the Vanessa Floral:

I reallllly like the blue vanessa and think it looks lovely with the present rug. Look how cheerful it is in your room and it's perfect with your floral prints, wall color and drapes~~ :)

While I like all the bedding you are considering, I dont like them with your area rug. The colors are too vibrant. Vanessa Blue is the best so far but not great. Your window panel color looks good on my monitor anyway with the rug, what about something solid in that color for the bedding with a couple of shams, and then you pick another color from the carpet for your patterned accent pillows.

I seem to recall one you posted before - a muted blue floral, I think it was called a Sydney Palamore - I can't remember things I need to remember but I remember that! But looks like you are wanting more vibrant color according to the ones you posted above.

Love the vanessa in red too....All those are pretty actually. Hard to choose.

Dying to see the new rug.

I wanted to ad that alot of times colors look very different in real life than what we are seeing on our monitors.

And even from picture to picture, colors look different. I notice that with pictures I post, either the walls look brighter or something else blah compared to real life.

I guess what I'm trying to say is you may see something in real life that we don't see--go with what you LOVE and will be happy with even if it isn't the majorities choice.

If nobody beats me to it until I get home, I'll be happy to try and PS that for you.

I do like the red Vanessa. I think I like the blue one looks very nice in your room. On my monitor, it looks like it goes well with the rug.

Katrina: Here is the Sydney Palamore:

I love this one also, but don't think it'll go any better then the two I have now. I'm not sure if blue works in my room or not now that the rug is there; hence why I am looking at the Vanessa Floral in red. It's not necessarily I want something more vibrant, I'm just exploring different options to see what works with the rug. Since what I have now works OK, whatever I choose needs to have more presence to it. Another thing I am thinking is perhaps to keep the duvet folded at the base for a splash of color/pattern instead of putting over the bed and matalesse coverlet folded at the base. I'm generally drawn to the more muted palates, slightly rustic texture of the linen/cotton blend.

Somehow I'm having a problem packing up the Vanessa Blue to return.... I really like the new FR rug, like the idea of one here as well and since I already have one, seems best to work with what I have. Still when I look at the combo with the rug, I have that feeling that it does quite work.

Ok....Val, I have not read the responses~ just looked at your pictures.

Honestly....I like your original much better than the PB duvets with the rug. I think you have a very nice cool, calm and monochromatic "thing" going on with your room, much like a retreat. I think by adding a bunch of big patterns and colors you are not doing your room service.

If anything, I would add more white & maybe a touch of lilac from your botanicals (if your DH is ok with lilac;)) Lamps on bedside tables. I know you like vintage....I found 2 vintage Italian marble lamps for my bedroom ~ they do not match but similar shapes.

I think Phoebe Howard does magical serene bedrooms....take a look at her portfolio.

Smiles:)

Smiles:)

Here is a link that might be useful: google images for p howard bedrooms...yummy!

I like scooby's suggestion - your bedroom is all going in that direction and those other covers seem like they change course. I think you have presence in the deep color of your furniture and black frames. Your light rug provides contrast with the darks. Maybe something that picks up one of the muted colors in the rug , and a decorative pillow that combines both light and dark tones for contrast.

OK, I think scooby is right. I will pack up the duvets and return. I do want to add some touches of lilac via a vase with hydrageas in it. I like the idea of a slipcover for the wingchair, but won't have time before the new year to get to it. I'll think about the lamps, though it seems so silly since we use the overhead lights which function much better for reading than a bedside lamp. Maybe something more decorative like a hurricane lamp? Scooby, you always have such interesting items in your house. I think I need some inspiration for the bedside table decor.

If I were to add a decorative pillow, would that be for the bed and replace the small green one in the center or for the wingchair? Any suggestions?

I don't have time to read all the responses, but I love your current bedding with the rug! I'd just get a white duvet cover and use your old duvet at the end as you have it now. The rug is perfect there (as is your new one in your FR)!

Val

For what it is worth - I have similar if not same coverlet you have on your bed - & also similar sleigh bed - I honestly grew tired of the sloppy looking sides & fight I had w/duvets so I just put the down comforter on & coverlet over it. If you have a proper fitting comforter you can do hospital corners & it all stays neat.

I hope you won't throw a heavy object in my direction for saying this, but the thing that is throwing me off most of all is the rug itself beneath the bed. To my eye, it just doesn't look like it fits the space properly. I mean, it fits partially beneath the bed, but not entirely under the bed so that you get that bit of wood floor peeking out - I dunno, it just doesn't feel quite right to me in the photo. Perhaps it isn't noticeable in person? I love the rails of the bed and understand why you wouldn't want to cover them up. Is it at all possible to add a bedskirt behind the rails, so that you don't see the floor beneath the bed at all?

Like I said, don't throw anything at me! I know you didn't ask whether or not the rug fits the space, but to me that's something that really jumps out.

Here's the red. Sorry, I don't know how to change the perspective!
{{!gwi}}

Oh, I sent you an email too.

Can you take a close up shot of that rug?

May I add just one thing before you close this door?
Look closely at your rug. Doesn't the mustard color jump out at you? It's the exact same color in the vanessa. Do you have a mustard pillow or 2 that you could try on your bed? I think it would tie it all in so nicely.
Just an idea for you before you pack it up... :)

Val, remember the mustard pillows I linked to? I thought the same thing!

Shee: Here are a couple of rug closeups. What are you thinking?

While I've packed up the Vanessa, I can't quite bring myself to return it just yet since I had spent a lot of time looking for a duvet. Also, I know I'm going to need to replace the existing comforter within a year as some of the seams are starting to separate and I don't want to have to dry clean it. Also the Vanessa is a nice spring/summer look so perhaps I may even feel like rolling up the rug in summer, who knows?

Anyway, if I were to try to make the Vanessa Blue work with the rug, I was thinking it may be better to just leave it folded at the base--euro pillows will go behind the matalasse so then I would need some sort of decorative pillow in the center. What do you think?

loribee/kmcg: I honestly had not thought of mustard, but that is an interesting thought I'd be interested in exploring further--perhaps even those sunflower pillows's from PB loribee had in her LR--or too much?

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/hand-painted-sunflower-linen-pillow-covers/?pkey=cpatterned-striped-pillows

I really struggle with the finishing touches that make/break the room. I'll go back and check out the ones that kmcg had linked it.

I'm a bit puzzled why some have commented that the rug placement looks odd going just below the bottom section of the bed as I've seen it that way in lots of pictures. It does add a certain element of coziness that was missing before having a rug all around the walking perimeter of the bed. The room is large and branches off into a private office/Mbath on the opposite side. It's difficult to photograph from opposite side due to the mirrored closets, but this should give an idea:

I do think I'll try and sell that floor lamp on CL at some point. One of those things there was no where else for.

Val, go back and look at why the lighter, more subtle colored rug did not work nearly as well in your FR. Look at how magnificent the new rug looks in there. Why? Because of the darker, richer, more vibrant colors you have throughout that room and how the new rug really enhances and ties it all together.

Now look at the beautiful, lighter, more subtle rug you moved to the BR. The reason your older colors look better with it is just that - they are lighter and more subtle....quite serene looking. The new duvets you are bringing in looks like the reverse of what you had going on down in the FR. They have deeper, richer vibrant colors. Are you following me? Work WITH the light rug.

Tuesday

Val

What size is the rug
I thought of you when I saw this

Here is a link that might be useful: CL 8x5 rug

I wanted to see close up pics of the colors of the rug. I think it looks like a more muted version of the Vanessa and looks good. I agree some mustard color pillows would help pull out the gold more.

Here's a, not so great but you get the idea, mock up of the sunflower pillow with another gold colored one.
{{!gwi}}

I would do two euros with two smaller solid pillows in front. I would not add another flower WITH the flowers on the duvet. Too much. Maybe it's just the floral duvet fighting with the floral rug? Just thought of that! Sometimes something so obvious is not so obvious, lol! Val, I feel for you, I really do, because I can 'hear' how much you like the duvet and you don't want to part with it. But, I think one of them has to go. Sorry. No other room for the poor rug?

How about a solid duvet cover in a muted tone - as long as it was soft I think you could blend a lot of different colors with what you have. You mentioned lilac, that should look good with the green walls and the flower prints and blues, cranberry and mustard in your rug. The coverlet you have could be at the end of your bed and already goes with your euro pillow covers. Then you could do throw pillows, with the tones of your florals on the wall including the lilac. Just a thought. Sometimes its really hard to tell if something is going to work until its in the room. The Venessa Blue is very pretty - but if I were going to keep it I would look at what colors are mutal colors in the duvet and the flower prints for pillows. Just my 2cents. I really like your sleigh bed!

What about just pulling out the rug and seeing how much you love the Vanessa in the room without tyring to make it work with the rug.

Up until now you've been without a rug under your bed right?

I do like the look of the vanessa rug folded at the foot of the bed too.

jejvtr: The size is an 8x10. I don't think I can go smaller if I want to put it below the bed; if I put to the side then I would probably go with 5x7 or something like that. I do tend to agree with kmcg that the floral duvet is fighting with the floral rug--most likely one needs to go.

kmcg: Yes, that has been my feeling as well--too much floral with both....

shee: Hmmm..... I do like that sunflower pillow and mustard accent. It's not a color I had thought of using before. I'll keep it in my idea file...perhaps for the chair whenever I get around to doing a slipcover.

katrina: Thanks for the suggestions about the throw pillows. I think I would need to work with either the lilac or mustard, not both though.

always1stepbehind: Essentially, yes, no rug, just a small inexpensive area rug tossed there as no where else for it. Here is an earlier pic taken without the rug below.

I was just browsing on Kohl's website and they have a very nice duvet set (but it's online only) and I immediately thought of you and your rug.I was following your posts but I have not admit I might have skipped a few so if this is way after the fact, sorry.
This is a very attractive paisley COTTON (Washable:)- I am contemplating it for my guest room but sure wish I could see it IRL.. anyways, hope this helps. it's on "sale" for 89.99
and if it does, kohl's is having 15% off today I think and maybe 25% off later this week.

Here is a link that might be useful: kohl's chelsea duvet set

I personally donâÂÂt care for the rug under the bed because you donâÂÂt have that much open floor space around it. As I think I mentioned when originally posted about it, if you had a lot of open floor space and were creating an island of the bed area, that would be one thing. But in your room, the rug is very close to the dresser, etc, so no visual breathing space there, and it comes up far enough under the bed that it looks like you just didnâÂÂt get a big enough rug - you need more open floor there, too, imo.

I notice that the only place you seem to have looked for comforters is PB. There are a lot of other resources, as well as perhaps local stores for you to shop. I think sometimes we all get caught up in the convenience of shopping on line, and forget to do things locally, that there are things out there that even the online sites donâÂÂt have but are carried in the store, or are a past season item on sale that isnâÂÂt in a quantity worth showing on line.

I think the first thing you should decide is how you want to use the bedding. If you are just thinking about keeping the new patterned comforter at the end of the bed, that is different and less impact that having the patterned piece covering most of the bed.

If you want to use the matelasse as the primary bedding, that is a pretty casual, country (or french country, if you prefer) look, so you need to choose the other bedding so that it works with that feel. Your original bedding is much fancier and more formal than matelasse fits with.

I think the point about the rug being soft and muted is another important consideration.

I warned you that I love paisley - what about this one?

lindsey paisley

Sheila and Les: Those are also two very lovely duvets--but I don't think they work any better than the Vanessa Blue with the rug.

Les, I appreciate your comments on the rug and the style of the comforter coordinating with the style of the duvet. You make some excellent points--and hones in on some of my dissatisfaction with the present comforter. I did look elsewhere besides Pottery Barn, but hadn't seen anything I liked as far as duvets. I didn't know Crate&Barrel carried bedding--that is good to know, thanks. The paisley you linked is a lot like what I had been planning for my bed before I put in the rug--via the combo of ivory and a blue/green floral/paisley bedding. It doesn't work any better though with the rug and, if I were to remove the rug, then I feel I already have the bedding that works with the Vanessa.

At this point, I'm leaning towards keeping the Vanessa Blue, but waiting until Spring it use it. The rug, while maybe not ideal, adds a certain warmth and coziness to the room which I like for winter. Right now is not the best time to consider further changes since I'm more focused on readying my home for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Long term, I may want to resell the rug on CL and then look into a more ivory bound tone-on-tone type rug--a project for the new year at this point though.