I like the look of taupe bedding in your room like in the mock up done above by Whispar Designs. It ties in so well with the tray ceiling. I also vote for a return to a seating area under the chandelier - with swivel chairs like Jen posted and maybe a love seat ( love seat usually only works to seat one person). This is a lovely room for launching your new journey...

AWESOME PHOTOSHOP WORK - that really helps to visualize the changes. The ceiling lamp will definitely be changed to a more beautiful handing lamp (thanks GroverAx). I love the roman shades too; unfortunately, I'm not even handy enough to sew a hem. If the duvet and pillows are neutral (white, etc.), do you think a patterned Roman shade, for example, http://www.blinds.com/control/product/productID,76848 might ADD to the room? We like the canvas prints from Maui, but as others have said, they might not be the most relaxing, too bright for our Master space. Sorry for the change, but everyone's feedback has been so helpful in looking at our space that I moving these art pieces out. In fact, there is a piece of art we really love - a puzzle (see photo attached) we used as a guest book for our wedding (it's 3 ' x 3 ' ). Maybe we could use that navy/royal mating an as accent color instead of the purple. Place it on the entry wall and place a canvas like http://www.gallerydirect.com/art/product/karen-wilkerson/la-roschelle-harbour-ii (per GroveAx's suggestion) above the dresser? I'm still in love with the alcove idea too. Those windows face the tree filled backyard so why a quick chair rotation, it becomes a perfect reading spot. wow, thanks again for all the incredible feedback. so many great suggestions.

I know what you mean about the shoveling...I assume you mean snow. (We had soooo much last year!!) And I still have some shovelers living at home. When they are all grown and gone, I will grumble a bit more about the shoveling. But for now, I still love snow. Eldest sib lived near LA for a dozen or so years....very odd to be out there during December with decorations on trees that were so unlike the midwestern trees I felt like I was on another planet!

Thank you all with your suggestions! I really have enjoyed the discussions and great advice. I've decided to leave the chest wall blank. I go back and forth with the window wall. Whatever I end up doing I know it will have to be simple. I discovered that we have a shade store in Portland so I'm going to stop by next week. I like either the sheer roman shades (but prefer them to be inside mount), or the long panels on each side of the windows. I don't want to cover the molding on the windows. The dresser looks SO much better! Simple changes really made a difference! I have a new post out regarding our landscape project behind our house. It's called "Help with landscape around natural pond" I'm posting a picture in case you'd like to jump in there or pass the info on. We're in zone 8. Thanks everyone!! P.S I absolutely love the floor lamp!! I put 25 watt candelabra bulbs in them and they cast a beautiful soft light, just what I was looking for. Thank you HIWE!