apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I would recommend switching the placement of the bed and the desk, i.e. putting the desk in front of the window and moving the bed to the side. Or, putting a comfortable chair near the window with the mirrored table next to it where it could serve as a nightstand and an end table for the chair. I like the wood pieces and I actually like the draping of the white and orange fabric around the window.

I think some rearranging might help. Its hard to see in the pictures but is that a bay window of some kind? it appears to have some depth and angles behind it but I cant quite put it together.

Here is how I would rearrange:

It seems like the bulk of your furniture is around the bed and on the wall the and the windows are on. I would try moving the furniture to the side walls which appear to just be blank and leave the walls facing eachother (with the doors and the window) more open as they are architectual elements already to break them up.

I would put the bed on one of the blank side walls, a headboard of some kind behind the bed would add interest to the wall the bed ends up on. There are a lot of posts on AT about cheap beadboards. I personally bought a discount rug for $5 and hung it on the wall behind my bed. made a world of difference in anchoring the bed and the room.

I would put the dresser and desk on the other wall with some kind of artwork centered over them.

The one piece of furniture I might put on the window wall is the bench under the window, would be a nice spot to sit and kick your shoes off. Also having it at the foot of your bed takes up more room in the center and makes it feel more crowded, i think against the wall would make the room feel more spacious, especially if that is a bay window and it could be tucked in there a bit.

funny, when I looked at the pictures initially I thought how lovely and peaceful the room is and how I would love to live there. I really adore the orange drapes in an otherwise subdued color palette. Maybe they're not as great in person.

I also disagree about switching the bed and desk, since I think waking up under the window would be lovely. I might consider the long side of the bed against the window wall though...

the desk and dresser are beautiful and I think add a sense of calm to the space.

the intense light next to the dresser probably doesn't help the nuthouse vibe, and I would get rid of it. Put some table lamps on the dresser and desk, maybe a lower wattage floor lamp in a corner. And then all you need is one or two things on the walls -- something simple, like a framed charcoal drawing or some such.

good luck! and know that it's not as bad as you think, from this perspective! :)

I agree that the furniture is placed incorrectly.

The bed should go on the wall to the right of the window, and the dresser should go on the opposite wall - the desk can stay roughly where it is.

Don't get rid of those two little tables yet - You need to use them as bedside tables on either side of the bed and you also need some nice big lamps to go on them. You also need a headboard of some sort - preferably upholstered in a nice rich jewel-toned solid color fabric.

I disagree with leaving the furniture as-is: Right now it looks like old beat up college/military dorm furniture. Get some Howards Restor-a-Finish and Feed-n-Wax and polish up those pieces.

If you can paint the walls, do so. If you can't, then you need to change the bedding so that everything in the room isn't plain white and beige and cream: Perhaps some hotel-style bedding that has orange borders to pick up the orange from the draperies?

Yes, an area rug is a must - and it mustn't be beige, white or cream either. Find a nice old oriental-style rug off Craigslist or at the local fleamarket - as large as you can afford and still fit within the room - preferably one that's mostly blue to contrast with the orange.

I like it a lot already. I'd try to find a carpet that is like the throw on the bench, and hang one or two really favorite pictures. I agree with ajh about the orange curtains - if the fabric is really creepy in person, you could think about getting a nice piece of fabric in the same color. Have fun!

i'd toss that rug and look for a carpet remnant that covers nearly the entire (hideous) floor. also if you see a good deal on baseboard, get a nail gun and install that.

how about a tall plant/tree in that window corner? if you put a few in the room that might do a lot to add serenity. i'm not sure all asylums have white walls, but if it bugs you so much, paint one wall a serene blue. that will certainly add airiness. and put a larger mirror above that dresser.

bepsf- who made you the furniture police? incorrect? according to what law? your opinion is just that- yours and pnly an opinion.

Turn the bed around: look out the window instead of into the wall. Get a medium high headboard, place the bed 2-3 feet in front of the closet (not to block it it). Put one simple piece of furniture in the "bed end" and 1-2 pieces of artwork on the wall. Nothing more.

Any money spent should be on the bed. It is a rental and why not concentrate on items you can take with you. Taking clues on arrangements from above comments, once you have your bed in place, you can really focus on making that your sanctuary. One idea would be to hang twisted fabric or really thick ropes cheap muslin fabric from the ceiling (if you can) to give yourself a four poster look. Add lots of layers to the bed to make it very luxurious. The focus will then be off the walls. You did not mention painting so I assume you do not want to. Hanging a cluster of lanterns that reflects lots of patterned light centered on the bed. Your blank walls will be the perfect canvas for the patterns of light (but add reading lights near the bed).
Good luck and share after photos!
http://www.designbyphoto.com/Site%206/Home.html

how can she change the bed to that position? there's a closet door there and the room isn't wide enough to give her room to get from the door to the windows. she'll have to climb back and forth over the bed.

I think you should move the bed and the desk. That way you can add some extra artwork or something similar above the bed and have the desk with extra light from the window. I'm a huge fan of all white, breezy curtains on the windows (try IKEA), but that's your call.

You really do need a rug (again, IKEA) - maybe something black and white or graphic?

A mirror would be good - maybe something big and leaning against the wall. That would open up the room a little more. Is there enough room for a small seating area?

The table by the bed (at the foot) looks awkward. Maybe use it someplace else or find something smaller?

chartreuse--

Have you forgotten the new AT rules for posting?
Was your post helpful or contributing to the discussion - or just a slam on a fellow poster's opinion?

Put the bed long side aganist the window wall.

This way she can lay in bed and look out the window.

Big cheerful rug from Ikea or overstock.com

Get rid of the curtains, and use blinds so you can adjust the light and privacy.

I like the wood desk.

I agree that you should try moving the bed around to other walls (on the wall to the right of the window facing the door seems like a good bet to me, but honestly i have found that actually moving it around and sleeping in it in the new position for at least a day will give you a good idea of what does and does not feel right to you). Artwork is almost too personal to make a suggestion on unless you can give us some kind of indication of what you are looking for. I don't think you will help create a non-insane asylum vibe by buying a new white carpet in addition to the white bedspread and white walls -- try a down-filled duvet in a muted blue, green, or gold and get an area rug that complements that color and the color of whatever drapes you choose (I like current ones though). Good luck and have fun decorating!

I like your furniture - it's very eclectic and sweet! I think the main thing you could use is something bold to create a focal point or some impact.

I found this old post here on AT about adding fabric to a wall:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/inspiration/inspiration-use-fabric-for-wall-treatments-064284

Fabric could be a really nice way to spruce up the walls without painting. I once hung a nice deep brown fabric behind my bed to create the illusion of a headboard. I even used a staple gun and it was easy to fill the holes when my lease was up. It could work for your room.

Check out the last photo in this post and you can check out the fabric-on-the-wall effect (without looking like a curtiain) http://mochihome.com/?cat=6

Good Luck!

Wow! Lots of good ideas. I guess the main things are moving things around and getting a new carpet.

I knew the bed's position was going to be controversial, but it's been a while since I had a window that was worth looking out of. But I know you're all right. The bed's going to have to move. I'll try moving it around and see what happens.

I really liked the idea of placing the mirror opposite the window to get more light in and I think you all convinced me on the Persian rug (my boyfriend is all for it).

I can't wait to start making changes (and I think I'm even sold on those string curtains).

Thanks guys and if you have any more suggestions fire them away.

I'll stand in the minority and say the first thing I would do is paint. I hope you're allowed. I'm one of those weirdos that loves darkish shades in smaller rooms and then to keep everything different shades of the same (like grey on grey on more grey) . Throw in the odd white thing to create some contrast --a place for the eye to rest-- and even just leave the bed there if you like it (though, I'd change the direction to face the window as it's a nicer view to see than the door (and some say bad feng whatever to face the door)). I agree a big mirror over that chest would do wonders as well. I did a HUGE one in my livingroom and it really does double the visual space.

Based on the mix of furniture in the room, it's a bit hard to tell what your style is. What is tranquil to you? Do you prefer neutrals or something more colourful? Perhaps you could take some colour cues from the Persian rug that you have decided to find.

I agree with rearranging the furniture, particularly the bed. Then I'd focus on the bedding and getting more substantial lighting. Mixing colours/shades/patterns and textures in your bedding (including throw cushions and rugs) will not only be comfortable and relaxing, but will be more interesting visually.

I like what I can see of the plate on top of the chest, but that area is very bare. Maybe add a couple of other personal objects. A mirror hung above is also a good idea or even a large framed artwork/poster leaning against the wall (if you don't want to touch the walls).

Before you do anything, work out what is relaxing to you. The room mainly just needs your personality.

im all for re-arranging, better lighting, throw a mirror on a wall, a few pillow covers that go with the orange , chuck the white rug and put a lil elbow grease on the woo pieces and you are set.

i like the majority of the suggestions above. i think you have great advice here.

good luck :)

I think a mirror, above your dresser would really pull the whole room together. If you replace the fixtures on the desk with brass (which I think is a great idea, also please leave them wood) I'd try to find a mirror with some brass in the frame. You almost have a steam-punky vibe going on. Maybe replace that super bright lamp with an antique oil lamp table top or floor, (my grandfather used to wire these I know you can find them in consignment shops around where I live out in the boondocks I assume they are can be found other places too either a pre-wired one or if you are feeling handy make one yourself.)
Also some vintage looking photographs would look great. On the wall perpendicular to the closet. Maybe hang a clothes line vertically and print off some pictures that you have either sepia toned or just naturally have some earthy brown and tan tones in them with some wooden clothes pins. (Preferably of you and your beau to get some proper feng shui going, no photos of single people)
If you would find an oriental rug with some blue and cream tones in it I think that would look great too.

I've been in that insane asylum (but I was an orderly). I kept everybody controlled by locking the place down. Don't buy anything from IKEA it will cheapen the look of the asylum.

When does the contest start? Sooooonnnn?

If you are looking for a Persian, let me recommend a seller. On Craig's List if you search "Persian UES" you will find Paul's many rugs. He is a nice fella with great stock, and much better prices than ABC.