Software
Houzz Logo Print
drclarestewart

Missing Final Touches in Moody Primary Bedroom?

last month
last modified: last month

I feel like this is missing some final touches but I can't put my finger on it. Does it need throw blankets? Accent pillows? Some bedding swaps? Accent furniture? All big pieces stay. My style is ecclectic, mixing traditional/antique with rustic, cottage and European. (Garland is only up for Christmas)






Comments (71)

  • last month
    last modified: last month

    Not a pro ... but what jumps out at me is the chairs squashed in front of the fireplace, why not place one in front of each window, and angled slightly toward the fireplace. Also mattress looks like it needs replacing, the lumpy look cheapens the whole room, including the bedding.

  • last month

    I would still try moving the bed over, even if it isn't centered on the vault. No one will see it anyway and the bed and nightstands will feel/look better centered on the wall and not under the ceiling vault. You want "balance" and not perfect symmetry.

  • PRO
    last month
    last modified: last month

    I have looked a bit longer so the buffet hutch piece is apuzzle it really does not belong in abedroom I think personl photos in a private space are fine where they are . IMO the rug is really not easy to deal with in the feel you want for the bedroom It kind of gives a more casual vibe with the bed . You say moody but that is not the llok I see , Why tartan type drapes or is that a clan tartan used ? This is in mt head what a moody bedroom looks and feels like so maybe moody in not the look you want.


  • last month
    last modified: last month

    This landscape is nice and has depth and softness and is moody.




    Clare Stewart thanked tracefloyd
  • last month

    I love your room even more now that I see the plaid on the blue curtains. Very handsome.


    Here's a link to the print. You can also google Louisiana Blue Heron and you'll find many vendors that sell it.


    The last two bedding items were from https://nickeykehoe.com/ Not inexpensive. If you are looking for something more affordable, do a reverse google image search to find others like it.

  • last month

    Thanks all! It seems like new bedding might be the best option, and then to spruce up my chairs with contrasting pillows, and definately be on the hunt for better nighstands/chest. I am not well-versed on this blog and I don't want to take advantage of everyone's input/time, but I'd love to hear what some thoughts on some of this bedding I found. Both current pieces are from PB, but I have never felt great about the navy piece. The mocha piece is nice. Here are some Duvets and here are some Quilts/Coverlets I found:

  • last month

    Coverlets

  • last month

    Duvets

  • last month

    One more coverlet

  • last month
    last modified: last month

    I would add soft layered lighting such as a table lamp on the chest or a table, small beside lamps on the nightstands, a floor lamp for the chairs, etc.



    Clare Stewart thanked tracefloyd
  • last month

    You are on to something with the natural linen color and blues that you have on your bed now. It is just that there is no texture, pattern, or depth to the blue so it falls flat. Your red throw pillow has to stay. It is perfect.


    I'd first order this Arlo Blue quilt and shams from Pottery Barn. (On sale now too!) Make your bed as you have it now but with this more textured blue and see if that does the trick.










    I'm on the fence with this one. Your neutral colored throw would look good at the foot of it. Your red throw pillow can stay.




    OR


    The brown side of this quilt you posted might be great in here. Don't love the blue side.



    OR


    The reverse side of this Rejuvenation quilt. They have it shams with that print too. It is similar to the Nicki Kehoe pillow you liked.





    I'd order a bunch of shams that match the quilts you are interested in and then try the fabrics out in your space to see what you like.





    Clare Stewart thanked Kendrah
  • last month

    Agree with others' comments about more interesting bedding, but mostly I'd want an inviting seating area focused on the fireplace, not the bed.


  • last month
    last modified: last month

    Great advice already - I’d paint the ceiling the same color as the walls, there’s something about the line of contrast between the wall and ceiling colors that doesn’t feel as enveloping as it could (fabulous room!)

    Clare Stewart thanked la_la Girl
  • PRO
    last month

    Love the brick fireplace and the wide plank flooring. Will suggest that you replace the pillows on your chairs with new ones with pattern and colors similar to your rug. Also, would change out the bedding. The blue color doesn't quite fit for me. It's a gorgeous room!

    Clare Stewart thanked Norwood Architects
  • PRO
    last month

    I like thta Arlo beeding thta might be the anser so the blue is still there but a much better tone ans style of the bedding .

  • last month

    ???

  • last month

    The frames on the mantle IMO are too fragile for that space. Perhaps a piece of art that is wide and long with some oversized chunky candlesticks? Also, does the hutch serve a purpose? Converting it to a TV cabinet was someone else’s suggestion. A more neutral rug might quiet the space. The chairs are trendy but small for that room. Just my first impressions. Have fun with it!!

  • last month

    I understand texture, but I am not a fan of mixing patterns. IMO the bedding is fine. I agree to paint the nightstands. Maybe a burgundy pulled from the rug. I also agree that the chairs need to be spaced differently. I might put something on the walls on the side of the fireplace, or relocate the pictures on the mantle for something larger. Overall, it is a great room and lovely fireplace!


  • last month

    I think it looks quite comfortable. I'd just suggest turningthe chairs toward the fireplace. And if you'd like more color on them, add a throw to one or both. And stack some books on the table in front of the window. And on the bedside tables.

  • PRO
    last month

    I think I have an issue with the rug it gives off a South Western vibe to me thta just does not work in my head sorry I just think this space could be really awesome but for me not with the rug and not the bed either more farmhouse country than moody . Maybe just stop wishing for moody and embrace what you have going on

  • last month

    We use extendors that screw into the canlight socket and allow us to aim the light to wash the walls and our artwork with spotlights.

    I used AI and created these rooms similar to yours to show how lighting and art can make a difference in mood.








  • last month

    I’m thinking of purchasing this duvet cover. It has a vintage flair and I think could pair nicely with the rug and curtains. Suggestions or thoughts? I was really considering the quilt option, but a duvet works better for us

  • last month

    That’s beautiful. A vote yes from me. I think it would pair so nicely with your rug, too.

    Clare Stewart thanked Jilly
  • last month


    This was option 2.

  • last month

    Either would work well; I prefer the first one. I think the pattern and colors are so lovely. But that’s just personal preference. :)

  • last month

    Beautiful room, just dark. maybe your chairs can go at the foot of your bed for view of the fireplace?




    Clare Stewart thanked HU-970119982
  • last month

    Will your chairs work at the foot of the bed?

  • last month

    You can still achieve a moody look with paint or shades under the window panels to darken the room

  • last month

    ^^^ like this look so much better, but maybe don't want to change all the curtains which I get.

  • last month

    The paint color of the walls is what's really bothering me. It doesn't feel like a "moody" color. Maybe that's because it is almost identical to the color I currently have on my bedroom walls - and I am getting ready to select a new paint color + am looking to have a "moody" bedroom.


    Is the blue duvet cover made out of linen or cotton (or maybe something else)? I would mix textures with patterns (as suggested above). Personally, I'd want to have a fluffy linen duvet folded in thirds at the bottom of my bed. I'd have some patterned sheets on the bed + a coverlet that is pulled down 1/3 rd of the way (with the sheets folded over the top of the coverlet).


    I currently have a chair and a half + ottoman on the left side of my fireplace. I am thinking about changing that to two chairs (facing the fireplace) at the foot of my bed.


    The one piece over on the right wall seems out of place in a bedroom. I also agree that the nightstands in white don't work + the one on the left is too close to the door opening (it shouldn't cover a portion of the door casing).

  • last month
    last modified: last month

    Avairy I love that you could make these photos. While I agree the photos you show are beautiful, everything in this room is new and I do not want to completely change directions, I just want to tweak. That means, I need to keep the chairs, the curtains, the rug, the bed. What I can change is bedding, accents, and nightstands. Is there

  • last month

    Maybe I should change the description to “cozy” not moody. I’m no designer!! Obviously :)

  • last month

    I kept your bed, nightstands , armoire, and because of moving chairs, I did leave them white or beige like yours. It was mainly above the headboard, change and added lamps to the nightstand. Your drapes will work fine, I just added to see the difference. Also the lather art on your fireplace. Moving a few pieces of your furniture will make a big difference!! Really a lovely room!

  • last month
    last modified: last month

    You could add white sheers for between the blue drapes.

    The rug reads burgundy/red, I like the bedding you show in red. The blue adds too much contrast.

    Here is nice white bedding with red accents that would look good.




  • last month

    Too many styles of furniture, rugs, etc that do not match/blend each other. Paint is the major issue - clashes with everything else in the room. The chairs are also what makes it look off.


    The gray paint is horrid and clashes with everything else - 1st step - paint, then decide what to do next. Go with an off white or pastel. Best color would be beige that matches one of the brick colors.

  • PRO
    last month

    Not a fan of any of the navy blue background duvets or quilts. Navy just doesn't seem to work with your rug. Either go with navy bedding and curtains and move the rug elsewhere, or keep the rug and lighten up the bedding and curtains. That's my opinion.

  • last month

    many interesting suggestions. For cozy, romantic, mystery I think you should pull the rug forward to the fireplace and have one of the chairs sitting to the left foot of the bed, facing the fire place and put the small table adjacent to it with small brass table lamp for reading nook feel.

    love the idea of continuing the wall color all the way up the ceiling. I like a dark bedroom, but placing enough table or floor lamps in the room are needed to avoid a gloomy ambience. Continuing the paint up to the ceiling, a monochromatic feel, will also make it easier to place the bed not in the center of the room, but the center of the wall where the entrance door is. Could paint the little side tables same color as the walls, or get cabinet with drawers as suggested. I really like the rug and feel just an interesting panel of indian fabric with similar colors to rug but smaller scale pattern would do well at the foot of the bed, and some throw pillows out of same could be at the head of the bed and or chairs. If an indian print doesn't suit, some hand woven pattern that compliments the tartan might look rich. If the width of the room is large enough, the second chair would look good adjacent to the head of the bed. agree that the right piece of art above the fire place would add additonal depth and pattern to the room, a blue herron might be nice. Depends on your interests. I like the feel of the complexity of the shallow cabinet that looks like it is crafted in same style as the bed. Could family pictures go in there? and other interesting momentos of travels or your interests?

  • last month

    do the chairs swivel?

  • last month

    and get some hard to kill green plants in there, like jade trees.

  • last month

    Yes the chairs swivel! I love your ideas.

  • last month

    Remember to post pictures when you make some changes. It really is a pretty space.

  • last month

    Have you thought of switching the bed to the armoire side? And how about a chandelier hanging from that awesome beamed ceiling!! Posting a couple of pics, but ignore the colors! One showing some chairs at the foot of the bed. Again, pay no mind to color and style.

    Clare Stewart thanked avairy
  • last month

    There might be more room for larger nightstands or small dressers.

    Clare Stewart thanked avairy
  • last month

    You’d have a great view out your French doors too!

    Clare Stewart thanked avairy
  • last month

    :-)

  • last month

    :-)

  • last month

    FYI, linen will ALWAYS look wrinkled on the bed, which makes it look messy. Amazon has quite a bit to choose from and easy return if you don’t like
    it! Here is a satin coverlet with shams to add texture and a bit of glam but cozy. check out the price!! You can then layer your patterned down duvet 2/3rds. Put your Sleeping pillows BEHIND your Euro shams. Then the matching shams, then deco ones.
    Blue is great neutral and ANY color goes.

  • last month

    The king set is $45!

  • PRO
    last month

    When a bedroom feels unfinished, it’s usually missing visual balance and layering rather than major furniture changes. Anchoring the bed with a properly sized area rug helps ground the space and adds warmth, while layered lighting, such as bedside lamps, accent lighting, and dimmable overhead fixtures, creates depth and ambiance. Incorporating textured elements like throw pillows, blankets, or upholstered benches introduces comfort and softness, especially in a moody color palette. Wall art or a statement piece above the bed can complete the vertical composition, provided it’s scaled appropriately. These subtle additions work together to make the room feel intentional, cohesive, and fully realized.

Sponsored
Carl Williamson Designs, LLC
Average rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars10 Reviews
Nationally Acclaimed Interior Designer | 2x Best of Houzz