Paint the wall behind the bed & move the bed to the centre of the wall. Get rid of the pillows, they look old & shabby. Pull the quilt up so that it becomes a bedspread. Get your pictures off the floor & hang them over the bed. Take down the posters taped beside the window. Hang the clothes hook thingy inside the closet (or get rid of it entirely) & hang the mirror on the closet door. Hang your clothes inside the closet, not on the walls. Hang Roman shades in a solid colour. Get a rug.

paint one wall with feminine color like burgundy or plum then hang several dark framed mirrors or empty picture frames to give it more edgy sexy look

Move the bed into the center and add a nightstand on the other side. Take down the unframed posters.

I think that would be a good start with little or no cost, and if you feel more growing up is needed, you could change the window covering to something more flowy (like actual drapes), new bedspread and pillows...

I would definitely change the layout first. And possibly add a seating area to make it seem more like a city studio.

I second moving the bed to the center of the room. My gf was set on keeping ours in the corner (she likes to sleep against the wall), but once we moved it and put another night stand on the other side it feels much more grown up.

declutter your nightstand as well, and get/make a headboard and put some art on the walls.

I agree completely about getting the bed out from under the window and moving the nightstand to the other side - I think that will make a huge difference. I would put the full length mirror on the back of the door if you want it for function. I would change the location (maybe mount it horizontally) if you have it because you like the frame. The colorful hooks outside of the closet should be removed. It might be nice to add a curtain rod and some sheers in addition to any new shade. If you want to display the quilt at the bottom of your bed then I would add another blanket or duvet underneath - it looks like that's just a sheet set. I think you could pick a really fun color for the wall at the head of the bed and it would work. Your quilt has similar colors to my bedroom and I painted mine with a navy color - it really grounds things and makes them feel less childish. Good luck!

put the bed under the window & place 2 identical (dark) nighttables next to it. get rid of the hooks & mirror. put instead 3 ikea-mirrors (the normal, non-framed ones) on the closet doors. move the pictures closer to the door.
if there's enough space, an upholstered chair & some candles on a tray always look very comfortable :)

I agree with the other posters. Put a plant or two on the window sill and remove the globe and other thingy (is that a skateboard?).

I agree with a lot of the above, and I would add - think of your room almost as a studio apartment (with the kitchen in another room) and decorate that way.

Either put a dust ruffle under the bed frame to hide the storage underneath (you shouldn't be able to see baskets and such) or switch to matching, decorative storage baskets to store your underbed stuff.

One way or another, arrange the room so you can also fit in a small, comfy chair (even if it's in a corner!) so you and guests have someplace to sit other than the bed.

It looks like the room is small and if you move the bed to the middle of the wall, you won't have room for anything else. Would it fit next to the door? That way you could fit a chair and maybe a small table under the window?

Dress the bed for daytime - get rid of or cover the mismatched pillows so they all coordinate, then add a couple of large, square or boxy pillows behind. Layer everything and keep the shams as tailored as possible. You're trying to get rid of the slouchy, tossed on the bed look of a teenager's room.

Either remove the posters, or frame them if they're sentimental. And hang the artwork.

Considering that you are planning to move to Ireland - make sure any major additions (ie: a chair) are either things you truly love and of excellent quality (and worth shipping), or are attractive, solid quality items that could be sold or given to a younger sibling or friend. Another option would be to pick Ikea-quality pieces that you like the look of, and simply donate them to a thrift shop when you move.

I would be very wary of painting a room grey in Ireland since the long rainy winters are pretty grey as it is- perhaps consider a warmer brighter color if you wish to paint an accent wall. I agree about pulling the bed away from the corner and adding a second nightstand. If you want to be able to create a constantly shifting gallery, consider those inexpensive pictures ledges from IKEA- they allow a lot of flexibility in displaying art and photos.

I would fancy up your Helmer to make it look less office.

http://www.ikeahackers.net/2012/02/fancied-up-helmer.html

And I love the idea of some sort of a pole with clips instead of the roman shades.

http://pinterest.com/pin/222928250274334315/

The link that follows that pin on Pinterest isn't very helpful but I think the colors are nice and it does the job of illustrating the idea!

I saw another pin that suggested using pretty queen size sheets as easy and cheap curtains. You may have to hem them up to above your radiator but if you are a no-sewer there are tapes that can be used for hemming with an iron.

Also, I would maybe move the mirror over so that when you open the door it's behind it. Try to find a skinny bookcase or table or dresser for that spot for storage or display of your stuff that you had more room for in your old place.

Have fun! It sounds like you are on the right track with the gallery wall...

Oh, and love that lamp! :)

My advice would be to not do anything drastic or buy any expensive pieces unless you think are going to be there a year or more. When you move out again, you may realize your new space doesn't accommodate any new furniture or color scheme you chose.

In the meantime, I would center the bed under the window. Nothing screams "childish" or "dorm room" to me more than a bed stuck in a corner. Definitely paint the walls an agreeable color and make sure to get your parent's approval. Same goes for window treatments. When you eventually move out again, you don't want to make more work for them by having to replace or redo those two features.

The only piece of furniture I would say to go ahead and buy would be a dresser. It would help fill up the wall that your bedside table currently occupies as well as provide more storage.

Move the bed to the center and the red "side table" to the far side. Either ditch the quilt or pull it up to cover the bed. If it's too small, then angle it. Hang the pictures on the wall with the door. Get a headboard, or if that isn't in your budget make a faux one by either hanging a panel of fabric behind the bed or using washi tape or paint. I also agree lose the mirror and the hooks. If you need a mirror buy a larger sized one. The one you have is too small. If you like the three posters by the window (they are too small and I can't tell what they are) frame them and hang them in a row to the right of the closet.

I saw this bedroom on the Ikea site yesterday and although it might be a bit masculine in color, I love the elements including the plant stand and the use of the window.
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/bedroom/roomset/20132_bero03a/

It doesn't seem so much to have a childish vibe as a country one - the quilt and maple nightstand are the offenders, as pretty as they are. I assume you will ship the quilt and not the nightstand so pick up that royal blue color in the quilt and stain the nightstand a similar blue or better - black. Replace pillows with some crisp white or linen shams as already suggested and add a cascading plant at the window. Pick up a little black somewhere else - possibly the frames. These would be cheap to ship without the glass. Ikea has cheap and very nice natural wood frames, which if you did not like could be stained or painted. Don't go too matchy-matchy with furniture and make incremental steps until you are satisfied. On the other hand painting the walls a medium charcoal if your room can take it might obviate the need for any other changes except wood picture frames. Try it because it can be undone if you don't like it and you would never be able to paint a room that dark in Ireland.

Thanks everyone for the comments.
Definitely some simple suggestions here that would work - I'll be moving the mirror and the storage baskets first of all. Goodbye posters, I'd say. And a plant! Why didn't I think of that!

I'm not sure about changing the layout - I've had it every which way at this point and moving the bed to the centre isn't really that functional as the room is so small. I agree that it probably looks better that way though, and it would be easy enough to try moving it again.

@tarainsevenvalleys - that Ikea hack looks interesting, hadn't considered changing the handles before now. Cheers!
Oh - @lynnindc; it's not a skateboard, it's a (very small) violin, and I don't usually keep it there!
@Garimi - Um no, I was genuinely looking for some ideas?

Paint a wall with a colour from your gorgeous quilt.

I don't have a problem with the bed being in that corner. If you piled up some pillows along both walls, it could make a nice lounging area. The problem is that it looks sloppy. Your bedding is rumpled and mis-shapen. The pillows are flat (which may be how you like them for sleeping, but they don't show well). The bedding doesn't look like it fits the bed exactly. You probably want to cover the sheets with something that is intended to be the topper. The quilt could be charming, but not with those pillow cases. Yes, being able to see the hodge podge of baskets underneath is very dorm-esque. As are posters taped to the wall. Also, what you're using for a nightstand is too small to accommodate the things you have on top of it.

I would get some plain, white, bedding, including a coverlet or duvet. Keep the quilt at the end of the bed if that is your style. Add some bed pillows that still have their shape, as well as some throw pillows that will compliment the quilt (like I said, add a lot of these to create an "L" along the wall. Paint the walls a subtle color that's found in the quilt. Find a larger nightstand, preferably something vintage to go with the vintage style of the quilt. And a dresser to store your stuff so it's not under the bed. Some plain blinds for privacy, and then add curtains that are either white, or are a large-scale, bold pattern in a color that's found in the quilt. Same thing with a rug. Find one large piece of art to put on one wall.Choose things that you imagine you'd like to use again in a living room or bedroom when you move into your own apartment. Aside from the dresser and nightstand (which can be thrifted/antiqued/estate sale-'d and painted very easily if you choose pieces that have flat surfaces), all of this can probably be found at stores like World Market or Urban Outfitters, Home Goods, etc., meaning they will be inexpensive but still usable when you move into your own place.

If you can't move the bed, treat it as if it has been moved. Arrange the pillows so they don't spill over against the wall. Put a cover on the bed so it looks more "made." Maybe even move it away from the window just 8-10" so there is room for floor-length curtains.

Do you really hate the blinds? I'd think about leaving those in place but layering coordinating curtains over them on a rod hung high above the window. You could do a colored curtain on each side with sheers in the center.

you've received some great advice! the headboard idea is awesome - would be a huge improvement. add a bedskirt also. the use of a few pieces, but larger is a good one! larger mirror is paramount. centering the bed is crucial for your feng shui. two nightstands is important.

Replace the red Ikea storage unit with a real night stand and yes, move the bed to center. New bedding or at least do some crisp pillows with symmetry.

I'd pick up some inexpensive but functional nightstands and center the bed. I also would put some drapes on that window. Check your local thrift store for artwork as well.
Try to think of this single room as your studio apartment and place things with that in mind. It is a great room to have to return to because you have plenty of space! Good luck!

Artwork! That makes me feel like my home is more adult. Not just on the walls but even a few pieces on the window ledge.

I think that bedrooms which feel put-together and "adult" usually have the bed in the middle of a wall. (Probably because "adults" have bedrooms that are only for sleeping and don't have to cram all their stuff in there like teenagers/college students do.) Since the room is too small to add a real seating area anyway, you might as well go ahead and center the bed. Instead of getting two nightstands, I'd keep the one you have, placing it in the corner by the window, and then put a comfy chair, dresser, or small desk on the other side of the bed. You still get a balanced look, but more function.

Other than that:
-Full-length curtains.
-Something like a mirror, painting, or taller headboard over the bed.
-Maybe paint some walls (and the nightstand if it doesn't end up matching the room).
-Only framed art on the walls.
-A bedskirt to cover up the storage randomness going on under there.
-Matching bedding can look super boring but it's a quick, relatively cheap, super easy way to pull the room together (and you can buy matching curtains, etc) - might be a good solution since you have such a small space and probably don't want it to look super busy. You can avoid the blah-hotel look by just getting white.
-I don't know how much stuff you have, but if you find the room getting cluttery, some shelves on the wall by the door might be good for storing/displaying your things.
-Get a houseplant. Taking care of things is grown-up! :-)

@plinkyplanky - First of all, you had remarkably good taste for a teenager. Remove the stuff from your window sill and throw in a rug, a painted wall and a gallery-like art grouping, and you'll have a room that looks a lot like other rooms I've seen on AT.

As for something more drastic, the question is: how long do you think you'll be staying? I moved back in with my mom when I was in my 20s and decided to do nothing with the room for three reasons: 1) I wanted to save all of my money for a new place, 2) I considered the room purely a place to sleep, and 3) I wasn't planning to invite friends over. Because I didn't make a nest, I was out and into a new place in a few months.

Agree with all the comments on moving the bed to the center of the wall. Also, adding two two nightstands and lamps.

Agree wtih suggestions for furniture rearrangement, new bedding, new artwork, and a headboard.

I think what makes it feel like a teenager's room is the fact that it is in your parents' house :-)
All I would do is hang some pictures, put a comfy chair in there with a nice reading lamp, maybe get a rug and a shelving unit for extra storage and then save-save-save to get your own place.

I'd suggest centering your bed under the window. If you can paint, try a warm, light gray. Hang a bamboo shade from the window and install flowing white curtains as close to the ceiling as possible. Remove all the knick knacks and edit them fiercely (which ones make you feel like a teen and which ones make you look forward to adulthood?). I'd recommend bringing in an interesting piece of storage in your preferred look (weathered dresser, mirrored chest, etc.) for the wall with the door. Arrange your knick knacks on this piece and hang some art in a gallery style. Maybe a comfy chair and reading light in that corner would be nice, with a rug between the dresser and bed to ground it (make sure the rug is large enough to be under the bed somewhat). Move the mirror to the center of that wall and hang a fun coat hook on either side. Get rid of the hanger on the closet door. Finally, replace the bedding with something more crisp and tailored. The pillows can still be fun and boho (if that's what you're going for), but a crisp bedspread will keep things from looking sloppy. Have fun with it!

definitely frame your posters. insta-adult.

Tailoring. I think streamlined looks more adult than fluffy. A pleated (rather than gathered) bed skirt. A bedspread or crisp-looking duvet. Floor to ceiling drapes.

Add a small but comfortable reading chair and lamp. Keep clutter confined. That could do it!

My sentiments have already been stated by others, so let me just say, do the free things first:

Take down the posters and coat hook. Make your bed your up with the quilt all the way up and your pillows standing and nicely arranged instead of slouchy. Pull the bed at least a foot away from the wall, even if you are not going to center it. Declutter your night stand (just have a centered lamp on it). And remove the boxes from under your bed and the do-dads from the window sill. Then see what else, if anything you need to do. Also, is there any kind of soft chair, upholstered seat from anywhere else in the house that you can steal to put in your room?

I would get rid of the multi color, over the door, coat hanger you have. But I totally understand the need for storage. If you need to keep it, spray paint it a solid color. Doesn't matter what color - but a solid color would help. If I were keeping it, I'd go for painting it a bright color like yellow, orangey red, green or blue for a little pop.

moving the bed to the centre isn't really that functional as the room is so small.

Unless you need to fit in a desk or something, I find that people tend to overestimate the amount of floor space they need in a bedroom. My bed fills almost my whole room, but it's fine because I can walk around, open my drawers and closet comfortably, sleep, read, and get dressed. None of those things need more than an aisle of clearance. Anything that takes up more space (stretching, crafting) I do in another larger room.

I had a friend once ask me to help her rearrange her furniture for exactly the reason you've stated. She thought her room looked too childish, and yes her bed was pushed into the corner.

We moved her bed a few feet away from the wall and put a nightstand on either side, and it TRANSFORMED the room. It will make a huge difference!

Also (and I know not everyone on this site agrees with this) I am a huge fan of headboards, and I think bedrooms look incomplete without them (with a few exceptions of course). I think a headboard or even a simulated headboard (some art or paint or something) would make the bed look more complete. If the bed looks more pulled together, the entire room will look more pulled together.

Full length opulent curtains that pool at the bottom of the floor. I like the idea of grey, but make it light, maybe almost a bluish grey. the over-the-door hanger needs to go in the free pile--every time you look at primary colors you'll be in a flashback. Those closet doors could be quite adult. Also, if you do frame the posters make sure the frames are ornate and all the same color. Sorry, but modern frames on posters are very teen in my mind.

I agree with hspter: I think any grown-up bed needs a headboard. I'm picturing a big, brown leather, tufted job but it doesn't have to be real animal hide if that sort of thing bothers you.

And a more grown-up nightstand, with legs, a shelf, and no more than 1 drawer. Perhaps a little larger, so seem less cluttered.

Move the mirror to inside the closet door and get the artwork off the floor. If you want to keep the posters on the wall near the closet, frame them like proper art. Arrange in a gallery layout if you prefer.

centering the bed with nightstands on each side was the best thing i ever did for my bedroom to feel more adult. if that's too traditional, go for mismatched night stands or end tables. also, splurge on super chic bedding. nothing makes a room completely over like bedding. have fun!!

I would paint the room a nice gray, move the bed to the center and anchor it with a headboard. The room needs a focal point! If you can't afford to buy one, I suggest painting the mirror frame black, turning it horizontal and putting that above. Maybe replace the knobs for something large and black that make more of a statement. If you can, I would replace the window fixtures and your blanket so that they compliment each other and your personality!

I for one see lots of potential for this room. I suggest that you center your bed on the wall that it is currently on and adding another bedside table on the other side. Add a headboard to your bed. I love this one from Urban Outfitters and I think it would look great in your room:
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=20132395d&parentid=A_FURN_FURNITURE
As for bedding, I would recommend a duvet to make your bed look more lavish and mature. There are some fun duvet covers at Urban Outfitters, but since you want mature, I would go for a solid one from West Elm:
http://www.westelm.com/products/organic-cotton-pintuck-duvet-cover-shams-white-s081/?pkey=cduvet-covers&cm_src=duvet-covers||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_-
Also, you could add two more pillows behind the ones you already have and cover with the duvet cover's matching shams. I also suggest that you take away that one grey pillow from the corner.
Definitely replace the blinds with curtains for a more grown-up look. Keep them from being boring with decorative curtain tie-backs -- Urban Outfitters has some great ones. Paint empty wall next to your bed grey and create your "gallery". Spray-paint your mirror either black, white, or gold and add it to the gallery wall to add different texture and make your room feel bigger since it will be reflecting the view and light from the window. I realize you are are lacking seating. A quick and very stylish fix is a Moroccan Pouf. Unfortunately, these are rather expensive. If you are on the edge about buying one, you definitely should, because it will look good in any future home. A cheaper alternative would be a couple of simple floor pillows:
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=18428151&parentid=A_RUGPILCUR
I hope this helped and provided inspiration!

You can change the look of your room without spending a lot of money. You have already gotten some good suggestions. It's hard to know what to tell you when I don't know the dimensions of the room or the layout. But I think the main things to change are the position of the bed, and the window treatment. The window treatment looks a bit dated, but it looks custom made. If you have to keep it, just work around it. The windows look wide, and I think I see a radiator heating unit at the end of the bed. So long panels probably will not work. If you do have to replace the window treatment, go for something plain and simple, like short tailored curtains or a bamboo Roman shade.

If you can pull the bed out and add a small nightstand or chest on the other side, so so. Anything you put in there should have drawers if possible and be dual-function.

I'd change out the bedding. I was going to suggest a pintuck duvet or bedspread, and I see someone already did. I'd add some trendy pillows, too. You can find these without spending too much money. A good source for inexpensive bedding is Overstock.com. I don't know if they ship to Ireland or not, or if you plan to buy your things before you move.

If it is rainy and cold there, be careful of the color you paint your wall. You want to warm it up and make it cozy. I'm thinking a golden tone, a pale, buttery yellow, a creamy ivory, a peachy-ivory, etc.

I'd remove the hooks off the closet door and hang everything inside. Chances are your old room was used as a guest room when you left, and your parents have that closet filled up with seasonal clothing and things they are storing. They probably used the hooks for guests' clothing and personal items.

Put your framed art work on the walls.

If you have room for a small chair, that would be a nice addition. If not, maybe a narrow bench at the end of the bed or a couple of small-scale ottomans that can be used for seating. Ballard Design had some - don't know if they still do or not, but they were very good-looking. I don't know what your budget is, but if you find something you like but need to watch your money, look for similar pieces that are less. It can be done.

Good luck. Hope you enjoy your new "old" room. ♥

It's always a good idea, I think, to cut out pics of lots of bedrooms and sort into piles--LOVE, okay, meh, No Way In Hell. Then focus on the LOVE pile and keep adding to it. You'll figure out what it is you want! Then go crazy with Craigslist and Overstock.com and other discount sites. :)

Personally, I always enjoy a little visual separation of my bed from the rest of the room, especially if (a) I'm the type to not always make my bed and (b) I use the room for other stuff, e.g., office. So with that in mind, take a look at various ways folks have achieved this separation.

One way is via a curtain. Another is with a bookshelf (make sure the base is heavy enough so it doesn't topple). Check out apartmenttherapy.com and the IKEA web sites for ideas.

I also like natural light, so mirrors help in this regard. If I had money and time, I'd also think about what my ceiling looks like: is the overhead light boring and horrible? What can I do to bring light all around the room, from the floor to mid-height, and slightly higher?

New solid bedding and bamboo roll up on the window. A large "fatokie' spelling? woolie rug on the floor. Then you can take it with you, no lose.

I agree about moving the bed. Not sure what your budget is, but i recommend getting white curtains that hang floor to ceiling on your window (adds height to room), get a nice rug (helps with keeping the room warm as well), and may a white comforter that goes pver the sides of your bed. I'm not a fan of those pillows either. I saw a comment about taking down the posters. You can do posters, but this way does like quite childish. Try doing a salon-style hang with your framed and unframed prints on your biggest wall. And take down the current window treatment you have.

Good luck!

Oh and...
KEEP THE WALLS WHITE, PLEASE!

It's much cleaner, more open, and easier to decorate.
x

Definitely move the bed under the window, change the bedding (and the valance) to something more sophisticated. Keep the red nightstand thing but I would suggest using pops of red throughout the room to tie in the red. You mentioned gray walls but why bother with the walls. Go with gray bedding and few red throw pillows in different shapes and patterns, throw some red knobs on the closet door, paint the mirror frame red, get a big red abstract canvas picture for the wall with the door, line up a few small gray ones in the small space between the window and the closet. If you have floor space after you move the bed, get a nice comfy chair from Ikea or something in gray and throw a red pillow on it.

Maybe you could take inspiration from Piet Mondrian's paintings. He took primary kid colors and shapes and made them fun and sophisticated.

One way was by adding black. You could add dark accents-- black, charcoal, navy-- to make the brighter colors rich rather than washed out, like the lovely colors of the quilt and night stand. Maybe black art frames, a black bedspread.

Another way is that he used the entire canvas, out to the edges. In your room it would look awesome if you took the decorating right up to the ceiling. Maybe hang your pictures salon-style (grouped) starting where the ceiling meets the wall and moving downward. But my strongest suggestion is to use a panel or two of fabric as a window treatment, running from the floor right up to the ceiling. Choosing a strong sophisticated large print with some darker colors to help anchor the room would go a million miles in the grown-up direction, be pretty cheap, and you could take it with you when you leave and return the red stripey blinds when you're gone. You could do the same thing for a headboard-- choose a fabric and run it up the the ceiling behind your bed. That really helped my bedroom, where the mattress is on the floor, to apear more structured.

Also, one additional piece of lighting could really help out. The bedroom is essentially a night-time room, so another lamp, near the floor or ceiling for spacial interest, or in a different area to unify the room, could add some real interest.

The other thing making the room seem "teenaged" (besides, as HHRI sagely observed, that it's in your parents' house) is that it is so conventional-- like a parent was in charge of decorating. You could mix it up-- try a vintage chair in the grown-up style you love as a night stand, and move the actual night stand else where. Or lean some large framed things on the wall, do something wild with the window, or just something unexpected that reflects *you*. Grown-up doens't mean it can't be fun too.

That is really nice, and gave me a few ideas to try.