The problem is that the red in the runner is mixed with white so, from a short distance away, it looks pink and mild, which doesn't go with the bold pattern of the pillows.

Yes, what she said.

Jewelisfabulous explained it so well.

I love that it’s quilted, it seems like it would be comfy on the feet when you are laying on the bed. And I think your fabric choices are fun and eclectic! I don’t see anything wrong with the patterns together. Question, is the runner meant to protect the bedspread from dirty feet, while laying on the bed? Is it removed when you sleep at night? I’ve always seen them used in hotels but never in a home. Just curious.

I love the paint job and the bed is gorgeous, but it seems like the two don’t work together and that’s what’s throwing it off for me. If you were to put that same bed, bedding and runner in a room that’s painted a soft creamy tone of white or off white, it would look amazing.

ETA: And I think the quilting adds character to it. Once it’s used for a bit it won’t have the stiffness it does now, it just needs time and maybe a little use.

Also ETA: If you’re not a fan of white, you could always use a different color, I think it’s the stripes that are throwing it off. (And with all the taping to make them I can only imagine how hard those probably were to do, so I’m sorry to say it)

I've never seen a "bed runner". Usually it is a folded throw, blanket or comforter.

Sorry, but to me, with the size and quilting, it looks like an oversized baby changing pad.

Yes- a baby changing pad - that was exactly thought when I saw it finished!! It should have either been more full like a real duvet, or flatter like a hotel bed scarf. It looks stiff and cheesy to me. And yes, my other reaction was the color of the bed runner is too wimpy to stand up to the red floral pillows.

So...would it help to add something to the runner or do I need to start over?

thanks everyone.

I feel repeating the bed runner fabric in a small pillow may help balance things rather than the grey fabric. If you can, try moving the runner further up the bed, showing a little more of the white cover at the bottom of the bed.

This is a strange combo of Asian and Victorian stuck in a contemporary beachy room, not Bohemian or youthful. Each element is part of a well-known trend. Boho is not a trend, but a state of mind, its been said. This is too rigid to work as boho; let your hair down, shop flea markets and forget having stuff made to match. "Finds" don't have to fit when you're trying to achieve a boho feeling. Its kind of like a stew.

Fun facts to know and share. What you are calling a runner is known as a scaldino and is used as a foot warmer. Their primary use now is decorative or some people have them to protect bedding from a pet. The quilting doesn't bother me on yours, I think it's the fabric choice. Your red pillows are really the focal point (IMHO), so I'd prefer the other pieces to be a bit more subtle. Perhaps you can have the scaldino redone in the pale blue fabric to match the lumbar pillow. Your room is beautiful, you've done a lovely job.

No the fabric on the other side is white lining which is also disappointing as it shows a little bit.