All: Thank you for replying so quickly. This is my first time solicitig advice, and you've already got me thinking about the space in a less overwhelming way. I do plan to leave the walls the gray/blue that it is, because it goes with the browns and I will likely use maps or other (not too overwhelmingly themey) nautical decorations in the space. The drapes are old/interim to block people from seeing straight in - I think I'll probably add some sort of bamboo/reed shades when I have the money (windows are large). I'm attaching a not to scale quick floor plan that may help (thx groveraxle). UnwantedAdvice: The Parsons desk isn't in the photos because it limited me to only 4 in my original post, but I'm attaching from online now (not my house/desk, although I wish I had that view). It is 48" wide, 24" deep. The daybed has a trundle - it is a relatively small room, so I don't think anything more than a full sized bed would fit and still allow room for two uses when not being used by guests. I know two twins isn't ideal, but I was hoping it might work. decoenthusiaste: good idea placing small/short bookshelves to the right of the bed. I'll try that. I can try the desk on the wall opposite the windows. I don't think this bed (or any for that matter) will fit anywhere except under the window. This is an issue we have throughout our house as we have windows exactly like this around the house (we have a 3BR single-story 1960s ranch - bedrooms off the hall). TravisInteriors - I would love to have this as just a bedroom, but unfortunately that means our desk area has to be in our living room (where it is now). But I do like the advice on a wall of curtains - I never know where to hang them or end them on windows. And I love gray (our kitchen is gray/white) so that is helpful.

I recommend Better World Books for all book lovers. They have a great selection in the bargain bin for about $4 each, and regular specials for free shipping and additional discounts. Plus they donate books to Third World countries with every purchase. What a great way to recycle. Unfortunately I have more books than bookshelf space! Paperback Swap is another good site--send in your unwanted, unread books for credit for new ones! I am working through a bunch of architecture books I bought for myself this Christmas. My favorite thus far is "The Language of Doors" by Paulo Vicente and Tom Connor, in mint condition and nicely illustrated as a basic primer of American Architecture with examples to transform the basic Cape Cod, American Foursquare, and builder "Colonial." Only wish that the drawings were printed in a darker ink, but otherwise very wonderful book. Use e-readers as well, but not as good for things with graphics. But found a wonderful resource today called the "Theory of Moldings" circa 1926 with lots of illustrations, and covering everything from Egyptian, Cretan, Greek and Roman, Indian, Medieval, and some Baroque. Really for the specialist, but very clearly written and explained, and the section in the back summarizing the principles are useful. Modern builders and most architects have lost the art of scale and proportion and this book explains how to put the details together so they work, even if it means going more simple with the details. Very sensible. http://www.garymkatz.com/ChartsDrawings/JeffBurks/theory.of.mouldings-LR.pdf

The Murphy bed thing is still an option, but it would require a bit more investment. We have had guests stay in that room once or twice, but ditching the daybed and trundle really helped open up the space. If I did the Murphy bed idea, I think I would want to remodel the closet and steal the space from the adjacent closet in the laundry room making it a 6'6" wide space. My wife might not like that as she's wondering where we'd keep the vacuum. It would however make the space 10x10 with a 2x6+ closet area. That space could have a murphy bed or a built in desk. Really, the challenge of the space is that there is so little wall space that works. The entryway door is on the far left side and swings in the space to the only wall without a door or window--effectively making that wall 7 feet long. The other two walls as you look at the original picture have a low window in each wall. Window seat? Lockers for coats and boots? Might be too much for one small space to handle, but I'd like to noodle it out so it can do a couple things well. Lockers + desk space or murphy bed + desk space?

Hi all, things are finally coming together. - the shelf is up - tables are painted - new lamp is in - hardware should be arriving by Friday I'm not sure about the art above the bed or the mirrors on the wall.?? Also the art work opposite the bed isn't really working with the other art I don't think. Please help with finishing touches.