Here are some looks that I love...

Ok here are the before pics. Biggest thing to note is the carpet must stay, it's just not in the budget. And I forgot to mention, my husband is a cabinet maker so he can redo the bathroom vanity and tub surround. You would think he could build me new furniture too, but it would never happen (you know what they day about the shoemakers children...) so the bedroom set is here to stay as well. Everything else is fair game!

Just posting to say I used to babysit for a Heather Holloway about 40 years ago. I had to see if you were the same one but your spelling of "colours" makes me believe not.

Lol. Nope not me. Turning 35 this month. :-)

Did my best to get a better picture of the carpet to show the true colour. Very gold-y with a green tone to it. As you can see it carries out of my room and down the stairs, which is why it's staying for the time being.

I would paint all of the trim white to match the window trim. Select bedding that will go with the carpet. Then you can decide wall color, drapery color, and art work. I would put a lamp on the dresser and get rid of the torchiere.

Since you're dealing with the gold, but the inspiration pics are in the taupes, here's a couple of design seeds that might pull a color scheme together for you.

Question about the open space between the bath and the bedroom. Is this something you like? If it were me, I'd be looking for a way to close that space in some for more privacy. At a minimum, I'd hang a ceiling mounted drape so I could close it in some if I wanted to.

I have always disliked that sort of utility piece that has engulfed your toilet. It is awkward and makes the bathroom seem crowded. Try putting it out in the garage for a few days to see if you really need it. If you miss it you can always bring back in.

Is there any way to drywall the bathroom off? The tub wouldn't bother me but the toilet openly accessible from the bedroom would.

Or maybe put French doors to close off the bath? I don't think I've ever seen an en suite master without a door for privacy.

I also would put up some more prominent artwork to give focal points.

I think your best accessory is your gorgeous dog!

Thank you mimipadv we like him too. :-)

Painting the trim white us a definite, we've been making our way around the house as we've done over other rooms. The windows are all new so that's why they're done already. The only other thing I've done in this room so far is take down an upper wall border, freshen up the ceiling, and those blue bathroom walls used to have hideous 80s green and burgundy plaid wallpaper! And no, that over toilet cheapie isnt staying, just came with the house.

As for the openness, we're used to it by now and don't mind it so much. We have etiquette rules as to the toilet usage. ;-) The tub only gets used by the kids and it's nice to plop them in then fold laundry or lounge on the bed to give them time to play. However that being said, we have talked about putting up French doors which would be my preference as I don't want the room to be suddenly small and cavelike without those two big windows. And we could still open them up for the kids. I thought maybe sliding ones so they wouldn't take up floor space.

Yeah the 80s were big on this open bath in the master. No idea why, but I've seen other houses like that. I like the idea of closing it in with french doors so you can still keep the light.

You might consider adding a crown molding as you say your DH is pretty handy and it would add a nice finish to the room esp done up in the white trim.

Heather I am just so curious. With a husband who is a cabinet builder you must have dreamed a lot of your vanity. What style are you considering?