Since you're working with a limited budget I would suggest letting the room come together organically. You don't have to have everything all planned out at once, just let the pieces find you. And don't expect to find everything at the same store or even in the same time frame. Wait until you find what you love. For example, don't just buy some cheap red curtains just because they're kind of the shade of red you're looking for.

The other thing to keep in mind is that lighting plays a tremendous role in achieving that glam boudoir feeling. You can have all the dark red, drapey fabric you want but if it's lit with just one overhead ceiling light it's not going to look very inviting. Invest in a number of interesting lamps & laterns (you can probably find some unique ones at thrift stores and flea markets) and stick to lower watt bulbs (60 watt or under).

And if you want some "real life" inspiration, here are set photos from Firefly, scroll down to see Inara's shuttle: http://www.roccopassionino.com/version4/photos/Photos_Firefly.html

Oh, Firefly, how I miss thee!

The inspiration for her room is a lot like the inspiration for the rest of the show: classic American Western with Chinese influences. Even though "bordello-chic" is sort of catching on, I bet you can still find some, say, rose-glass sconces and lots of other rococo bordello stuff for cheap. Then, you could add a few Asian touches here and there, like those silk hangings, or maybe an intricate carved-wood footstool. I agree with Sparkle (above) that low, indirect lighting is the key to the sex appeal!

I can definitely relate to the design-sci-fi-geek combo.

Firefly was great.

And the only show with a brothel on board a space shuttle.

It's so funny you posted this. I just had a "Firefly" marathon this weekend. Love, love, love that show.

I think everyone's right about the lighting. And I'm wondering if hanging that much fabric is a fire hazard or anything. Once you get it all done, post pictures. We'd love to see it.

Thanks, everyone! I definitely have a plan for lighting: I have a Medina table lamp with an ivory shade (http://marketplace.hgtv.com/Product.aspx?Lid=2526-C00053) and a floor lamp that looks like that but is much taller, with a burgundy beaded shade; both give off soft light, and the burgundy beaded lamp throws a flickery, muted pattern on the walls and ceiling.

I also have a vintage stained glass red and orange swag pendant lamp I got on Ebay, and a small circular Turkish red glass pendant lamp (about the size of a large grapefruit) that I want to hang in a cluster.

What I'd really like is some more specific advice about:

-- ideas for bedding/linen options?

-- what kinds of curtains to buy or make (I know I want red or purple velvet, but what should I have underneath to block my neighbors' views but also allow light into the room during the day when I pull the heavy velvet back?)

-- what kind of seating options (I don't want the bed to be the only seating); should i go for a chair or a chaise or a settee? if so, what kind?

-- do you think a dark wooden sleigh bed would work with the theme, or would something else be better?

A sleigh bed would work, or something with an upholstered headboard/footboard might fit with the soft, drapey look of the room.

Personally I think a nice chaise lounge in a dark wood upholstered in dark rich velvet would be a nice touch.

A friend of mine has a bedroom that evokes the same feel, but her inspiration was the Vegas hotels. She found a lot of 1920's style decor that I think might work in your room. They were very sumptuous and glamorous in feel.

For underneath the velvet curtains, maybe light-colored, lightweight saris? They would let the light in but maintain some privacy and continue your theme.
Shiny!

There's nothing wrong with a bit of geek-chic!

For day time window coverings, what about something like a cut out wood screen? Not terribly budget friendly unfortunately... but you may possibly be able to find something at a thrift store or place that specializes in architectural salvage. You may even possibly be able to check out a garden store for interesting trellises if you're up to a bit of DIY. A cheaper option would be sheers (in cream or gold--something lighter)

I can totally picture a sleek canopy bed in a room like this--something that you can use to really emphasize the drapery. A sleigh bed would certainly be very elegant as well and I totally think dark wood is the way to go.

As far as bed linens go, possibly something in a soft gold or coppery tone since it sounds like you have a lot of deep red happening. Maybe rich brocade?

http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/bedandbath/comfortersbedspreads/sets/PRD~c10640/Chateau 220Thread Count Bedding Collection.jsp#

For seating I LOVE the idea of chaise--I think you could definitely find something that would fit the mix of styles you're looking for.

Argh... Now I really want to go and watch Firefly instead of getting actual work done!

I'm so with you! Firefly is one of my favorite shows!

If you want to buy new, but inexpensive, can I suggest World Market or Overstock.com? I think you can get a more out of a dollar there, and they'll still be alright pieces if they're not going to be high use items.

I'm also a big proponent of secondhand furniture; it takes a little more legwork, but Craigslist and Goodwill can be a good source if you don't want to spend a lot, but want something unique.

Wow, I love Firefly. In fact I took inspiration from Inara's room in Serenity for my own bedroom. I think the main take away though from set design is that lighting makes the difference. No matter how awesome you set up your room make sure the lighting is thought about. Positioning and having options can really make or break a room.

love firefly. took away some room decor ideas myself. i agree, that the lighting will take you a long way in creating that look.

First I want to say that I think this is great idea. I love Firefly and Inara, good luck with everything, I hope we get to see pictures.

A sleigh bed would look nice, but I think a canopy might be more fun. One in a darker wood color like cherry.
There is a beautiful 'Sloane Canopy' at World Market that I covet. I've seen it in store, and there are photos of it on their website but I couldn't find an actual product page.
http://www.worldmarket.com/bed-and-bath/bedroom-furniture/lev/1/Ne/1100001/sectionId/2873/N/1100095/categoryId/1100095/pCategoryId/1100094/Ns/TOP_SELLER_INDEX|1||CATEGORY_SEQ_2940|0/index.cat

Here is a similar (much more expensive one not in your budget version) at PB
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p6400/index.cfm?pkey=ff021
A canopy bed would let you hang curtains around it too. and get a much cozier feel.

A platform bed would be my second choice. It will make the bed feel larger and lower to the ground. http://www.westelm.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?partNumber=WE-PRODf899&storeId=17001&langId=-1&catalogId=17002&viewSetCode=E&parentId=WE-SH1FRNBDF&retainNav=true&cmsrc=WE-SH1FRNBDF

If nothing else try to get a really low bed frame (or consider putting the mattress on the floor) to get that great feeling that the whole room is your bed.

And to make the room 'sexier' I would try to make the room feel softer and rounder by filling the corners of your room with some corner curio, cabinets preferable in darker wood. http://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?DeptID=57914&CatID=57914&Grptyp=PRD&ItemId=159c774&cm_mmc=ShoppingFeed-_-Google-_-Furniture-_-NEW%20Corner%20Hutch
The room will feel softer because the sharp corners are blocked. Some floating corner shelves might work too. Use it to store your clothes or sheets and blankets. Where I live these things are on Craigslist and in the antique stores in DROVES.

On the floor go for the 'layered rugs' look. Try to find a larger square one maybe in gray-blue or a warm beige, then place an round (maybe red or a rosy pink) oriental rug overlapping it. Round rugs will make the room feel rounder too.

Also there should TOTALLY be extra seating. But don't let it overpower your bed, try to find something in a solid color and smoother less complicated lines. Whatever you decide to do with the bed, I would try to find seating that is close to the same height. If you set your mattress on the floor get lots of floor cushions. If you get a taller bed frame don't let the rest of the seating be to low to the floor. I think part of the appeal of Inara's boudoir is that so much of the furniture is low to the ground. Someone on the floor can easily have a conversation with someone sitting on the bed or the couch. AT did a post recently about floor pillows, I think they would fit into a 'trift store budget'.
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/pillows-decorative-office-accessories/roundup-floor-cushions-065691
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/seating-sofas-armchairs/lounge-seating-on-a-budget-084750?image_id=133001

I agree with Seshat, try to pull in some warmer coppers and golds. I would avoid putting to much red and black in or it might end up looking like a scary vampire sex room. Go for a nice sexy analogous color scheme, oranges, reds, and purples. Pull in some coppery cotton bed sheets and maybe a few fancy silky purple pillows to make sure you get lots of different textures in there. To much velvet is a great way to take yourself back to the funky 70's, but maybe not for the steam punk feel. I'm thinking a cream colored chiffon might look really cool with the red velvet drapes, mix up the textures, and create a really cool look with the light shining through.

Be careful hanging to many drapes on the walls, especially velvet, they will collect lots of dust and start looking dirty and dingy.

I know that (don't laugh) Victoria's Secret used to have some sumptuous bedding that went on sale fairly frequently in their catalog. Satin for certain. Possibly in velvet as well. Might want to check and see if it's also sold on their website. With summer coming up, they might be trying to load off the velvet, if they do have any. It was in jewel tones. Betting they had a burgundy of some sort.

I can't wait for your before and after pics.

When I remodel my kitchen, the galley on Serenity is going to be my inspiration.

I'd love to have Inara's room, but my style would be more Mal/Kaylee.

Best of luck with the project.

HoganKaffee: I like the idea of looking for vintage decor a la the Vegas hotels; I bet Ebay and Craig's List could provide a treasure trove.... But, I'm new to design and don't know most of the lingo from different eras. What keywords should I be looking for to find the kinds of elements that gave your friend her sumptuous room?

Can others suggest design terms, keywords from relevant eras, etc. that might be useful to me as I search?

Culver85: I LOVE love love the idea of using silk saris underneath the velvet curtains. What a perfect idea. (And, I live in NYC, so there are tons of places I can go to find sources.)

Seshat: Your idea for a wood screen is appealing, but I'd need three screens and my room isn't large enough to make that work (there's one window on the long wall, and two windows separated by about 30 inches on the short wall).

Before Culver85 suggested saris I was definitely thinking of sheers for (under the velvet) curtains, though wasn't sure what color. I'm not really partial to gold or copper colors, so I wouldn't want those in bedding or curtains, but I do like chocolate brown. Maybe I could think about that?

Charmedseed: Oh, I'm ALL about Craigslist, thrift stores and Ebay; that's all I can really afford for furniture (though for smaller decor items, and linens, I do want primary sources). I can't do World Market, though, because I live in New York.

The only problem with getting used bedroom furniture in the NY area is that this city has been *infested* with bedbugs, and I'm really nervous about buying anything (especially anything upholstered, though they can also live in wood) secondhand that has been in other people's bedrooms. All my furniture -- easily 95% of it -- is secondhand, but that was before the bedbug crisis. Now I'm nervous. Which means I may have to wait a long time before I save up enough money to buy even pretty basic furniture like a bedframe, a chaise, curtains (there are already blinds in the room), etc.

surferartchick and jaysharp: if you both took inspiration from Inara's ship for your rooms, can you post links to pictures? I'd LOVE to see your final results, as I am just at the very start of my process.

Rolen the Great: Not a fan of low platform beds, but next time you're in that store, could you take a photo of the canopy bed in that link? And, how much it costs? I was wondering about canopy beds, actually. I'd always wanted a dark wood (cherry or mahogany color) sleigh bed, but for the look I'm going for in this bedroom I wondered if a canopy would be a better bet. But I've been hesitant because canopies always seemed so formal, not really "me." Yet that Sloane canopy bed looks really pretty, and if it's similarly priced to the other World Market beds on their site, I might be able to splurge on it. (I couldn't possibly afford that Pottery Barn bed, though.)

Only other problem I could forsee with a canopy bed is that I have mild asthma/allergies; I wonder if hanging fabric from my bed would aggravate that problem.

Thanks for your suggestion about keeping things level -- I hadn't thought about that. So, to clarify, you think that it would be off kilter to have floor pillows if I have a sleigh or canopy bed?

For the floor, I hadn't yet thought about rugs. I have hardwood parquet floors, and I like to keep minimal rugs in my bedroom because of my allergies. If I didn't have allergies, I'd love a flokati/shag rug. I know it doesn't really fit the theme, but I've always liked them. But they're so hard to keep from getting too dusty, so I can't.

Thanks also for your various fabric suggestions.

Rolen the Great: Bad news: I emailed World Market to find out how much that canopy bed costs, and they said it's no longer available on the website. Damn! I wonder if it's still in the stores? I don't live in a state that has a World Market, so I can't check.

How frustrating, this would have been an almost-affordable option. None of the other canopy beds I've seen in catalogs or stores are remotely as inexpensive, and in NY, secondhand beds are a serious risk (bedbugs are my nightmare...)

Oh, well. Back to the drawing board for bed ideas...

PS: For those of you who asked about lighting, I already have a lamp that seems to be either the exact iron and beaded pendant floor lamp that is pictured in this photo:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27132211@N05/2534199021/

My shade is a deep burgundy with beads so close together that it looks almost black-red. When lit, it throws very soft, sexy whispery patterns on the wall and ceiling.

JPLee- If you have allergies and asthma, I would be really conservative with the amount and type of fabric you are using. I second all the comments about velvet gathering dust and being difficult to keep clean. Perhaps you can circumvent this problem by using velvet for accessories, like throw pillows or tie-backs for your curtains or a blanket. For the rest of your room you could use equally rich fabrics like brocade and satin and silk.

Thank you all, so much, for your great advice and suggestions.

Rolen the Great, I especially appreciate your canopy bed suggestion. It's not available at the World Market website anymore -- it has completely sold out and has been discontinued. NY and even most of the Northeast do not have any Cost Plus World Market branches, but I was so inspired after reading all the outstanding reviews for the bed that I started calling around to many stores. I have found one bed left in a store in the southeast, and am trying like mad to arrange a man-with-van type of service to ship it for under $200. Since the bed's on clearance, it will (hopefully) still come out to around $600 or less, for a gorgeous, sturdy, well made wooden canopy bed. That's about 65% less than Pottery Barn and other similar beds.

Still pricey for my tight-tight budget, but I can't buy any second-hand bedroom furniture in NY because of our bedbug infestation here. So, I'm willing to blow my decorating budget on the bed, and wait until I can save up for things like linens, curtains, pillows and other decor.

Apartment Therapy to the rescue -- thanks again. I'll post a follow up eventually. And maybe even a house tour in six months or more...

I'll keep checking back here, so if any of you have more suggestions, please feel free to share.

I'm late to the party, but check out this old link found on Desire to Inspire. http://www.seraoflondon.com/files/html/main.asp

They're a desire firm and boutique that create very similar spaces to Inara's cabin. I can't think of any classier way to put it than the "romantic upper-class old-fashioned brothel feel".

You might be able to draw some inspiration from their archives. Good luck!