I tried the bed with two side tables at an angle, but it didn't really work. Something about the distance between the large window and wall, and the width of the bed just didn't work. I could never get the angle to where it felt comfortable to look at. It also left a huge gap in the triangular area between the headboard and walls. It caused the trunk to be just a few feet from the entrance and the pathway from the entrance into the bathroom seemed cramped and awkward. So, it will have to be near where it is now. But I'm intrigued with the suggestion that I could move the bed over to where it was partially under the window. I have been diligently trying to keep it perfectly centered between the small window and the wall, even though that means I don't get a table. Because I thought that was what one should do. I would love to have a bedside table on my side. What you don't see is a foot stool providing storage for my chapstick, water, reading material, and extra pair of socks in case my feet get cold. And shutters??!! For the love of cabbage, people, I absolutely adore shutters, but didn't think they would work in that room. Shutters!! I also found a rug in Pottery barn that combines a version of the warm reds and yellows with the cooler blues and greens. I think this color mix will work, but it needs to be the right shades. http://www.potterybarn.com/products/brant-rug/?pkey=cpersian-style-rug-shop Also, if you will turn with me to p.152 of your January 2011 Pottery Barn catalog that offers Comfortable Style and a whites sale, you will see a photo of pillows at the bottom left of the page. I'm liking these colors and thinking of them with lots of neutrals. I'm warming up to the idea of the cottage look with lots of whites/neutrals, but still not sure about white slipcovers and all the white. It seems like it could look like a bunch of ghosts live here and left their outfits laying around the house. Maybe I need to look at more pictures. Also, on the all white with one color thing...is it one color for the whole house or does each room get a different color? And how would you avoid people from referring to different rooms as the "Red" room or the "Yellow" room or the "Blue" room? Two other questions... Given all the doors, which I am beginning to accept must be painted or replaced (Painting furniture made from hardwoods makes me sad, but I now see that I can't leave them as they are) would some type of wainscoting be too much action for this room? This is my grandmother's iron bed that is in an upstairs guest room. Would it be a candidate for our room, or do I need wood? Or possibly something upholstered? The iron bed does accept a standard mattress, you just have to beat and shoehorn it in there. The footboard is the same, but, of course shorter. It's brass-colored with the paint flaking off and will need to be repainted. Upholstered like this: http://www.potterybarn.com/shop/furniture-upholstery/bedroom-ideas/?cm_type=lnav The third room idea which is also found on p.18-19 in the January PB catalog.

I would move the chest to the window wall and hang a mirror over it; leave the lamp in the corner, but pull it forward a bit; set the chair at the same angle as now, but pulled along the wall just enough to make opening the dresser drawers comfortable; and hang all the pictures in one arrangement near the chair on the wall where the dresser is now. I'd also replace the lampshade with a white or cream one, and add a light, colorful lumbar pillow to the chair to mitigate all the brown in that corner.

Olychick, I totally agree with you about variation and depth. That's what I was going for, even though I know I haven't achieved it yet. I love texture in decorating. I bet softening even just a few of the edges more will go a long way towards what you're saying. This is definitely a work in progress. I really wish the lighting was better. I will dig out my real camera and try to get some better shots. Thanks, rafor. I also agree with you about the sharp edge of the top of the white panel. DH suggested dental moulding, but I don't like that idea. I'm more inclined to put up a thin, one- or two-inch shelf with shells and stuff up there as I describe in my OP to funk up the top of it...haha...love that!

I tried some samples today. None that are really my favorite. From left to right are : BM Desert Tan, Monroe Bisque, Saybrook Sage, and Decatur Buff (this was going to be my choice for my great room and kitchen but it seems darker than I thought - maybe because of the white next to it). I like the greens but am liking the color that's darker on the same color strip of Saybrook Sage(can't think of the name right now). Tell me if you like any of these. The picture turned out dark, sorry.