Does she have an opinion? What is her accent color? I see touches of fuschia here and there. Either way, you might want to paint the backs of the shelf areas in the accent color.

Thank you for your quick response! She actually does not care- which makes it so much easier. :) There actually is not any fuschia- the walls are dark eggplant / purple as are any accents- such as the canopy and window tiebacks. Would an antique white clash with the dark bed? I like your idea of painting the back of the shelves maybe the same eggplant? Our other option is to stain the built in dark to match her bed... but that's a lot of dark colors in there. I appreciate your input!

I think a distressed white would be both beautiful and timeless. I would hesitate to paint the backs the same accent color in case you decide to change the wall color in the next couple years (I learned that what works at 11 does not necessarily work at 15 or 16). Otherwise I think a little antiquing of the built in would make the room more feminine and would match the traditional style of the rest of her furniture.

OK- done! I so appreciate your ideas and response. I will go with the white and will do some subtle antiquing. I assume I need to use full white because a softer off white would clash with the bright white of the canopy and bedding... or do you recommend a shabby chic off white?? This will be my last question- I promise. :)

I think shabby chic. I have a friend in Kansas City who does amazing furniture refinishing work. Let me check and see if I can find something from her library that illustrates what I picture in my mind. If I find something I'll post :-)

When you've finished, set if off with little touches of citrine or lemon or mango. Just to make that exclamation point--that visual sizzle! See http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm;jsessionid=CEAF560173141FD7314DFFBC6BECBE4F?photoId=108413&index=11&spaceId=3 for the effect... (produced from a quick Google search)

Think what a throw or vase or velvet pillows in chartreuse would do to all that eggplant...

I also have a purple bedroom. I like the white for dresser. I would glam it up with glossy enamel paint in white. The bed is so cute light & dark. The bed is the focal point of the room. t is ok dark & leave it that way. I like the idea of flowy long curtains that are airy.

Love the pictures- thank you both! Dawn the vanity look is exactly what I am picturing for the built-ins. I am so appreciative with the feedback I've received- can't wait to get started.