I really agree with all the folks who have recommended losing the headboard in favour of bolsters and pillows But the best advice of all I attribute to William Faulkner who cautioned writers to "kill your darlings" http://wendypalmer.com.au/2008/09/25/writing-rules-misapplied-kill-your-darlings/. In the context of interior design, I take that to mean that you should mentally strip it down to the bones and start again. I love your window seat/bay window. I love the valance sorta thing. But maybe you should lose them. If those are your darlings, maybe you should kill them and free your mind to think of other possibilities.

Thanks for these great ideas. The quilting in the sofa would be a great reflection of the ceiling. I love the Japanese screen on the Living Room wall. Would something like that need a more opulent frame as suggested by AMN. The current curtains are quite a rich Thai silk fabric in a bronze colour. They seem a bit dark for the ceiling. I prefer carpet in the bedroom for warmth underfoot in winter. What colour would work with this scheme? Should we go lighter to brighten the room or darker?

I think the advice about not making it a surprise is sound - but perhaps you could put some ideas together (even on Pinterest or as actual 'vision boards') so you have a starting point (even if she totally rejects everything - at least you know what she doesn't want!). Has she finished school? If she is starting Year 12 next year, or university studies, the desk and chair don't really look adequate for long hours. Consider an ergonomic office chair from Officeworks and possibly some floating shelves attached to the wall, strong enough for textbooks, folders and so on - even to take a small computer printer? Think about a powerboard (with safety switch) to go into the electrical point where the lamp currently plugs in - for the lamp, a computer, a printer, and any other electrical gizmos she has. If she's not studying, how about a large wall mirror for over the desk (rather than on it) and making a lovely dressing table space? (I know when I was 17, trying to dry my hair and experiment with new makeup looks in the family bathroom was not easy!). Good luck with it all, and I hope she (one day!) appreciates what a considerate mum she has!

Hi there! I know how you feel so this is what I would do.... Choose the bed that doesn't fight with the white shutters eg unfortu ately the leather..beautiful, my choice but the criss cross padded buttoning will have the horizontal stark white shutters above .I would want that stunning leather bed be the hero piece. Personally if possible I would change shutters to black same as wall if they have to be there. Sorry I'm not answering your question however although it's not my favourite, the plainest wooden style would probably be the easiest (but not the most stylish) choice. Good luck and all the best!