I would definitely paint out timber frames, they in themselves become the feature if you don't…..and I would hope you mean a soft grey! To "hide" skirts and arc's (I renovate and sell for a living) I do them the same colour as the walls but in a satin finish…..you could do semi gloss….a water based enamel works best. Make sure you prep them well though, either a good sand to rough up, or something like ESP. I always thought rule of thumb for a feature wall, paper or paint, is the wall opposite the greatest light source, ie. the wall that gets hit with the most natural light. Failing that, I think it would look lovely on the alcove/bay window wall and do the inset of the alcove/bay window in a contrast….say a soft version of the pinkish hues in the paper??? You seem to have some substantial pieces of furniture, and a piano, so doing the other walls would compete and look overbearing to me. Unless you are going the whole Regency style embossed paper/stripes/pattern everywhere…………...

Japanese!! Yes; now you've said that I can't believe that hadn't dawned on me before, but it's probably why I chose it in the first place. I do have a love of Japanese styling and there's quite a bit of it in other rooms of the house. The bedhead is a neutral linen so I think I could get away with some subtle Japanese styling around it. I like the idea of paper lampshades and Japanese style side tables. Thank you.

As I said before keeping clutter under control is the key, get lots of storage ,you said cost is I s an issue. Look at IKEA they have solutions for wall units that you can get in different colours and that in itself will brighten the place. You would benefit from a buffet next to the kitchen /dining area or a large wall unit with lots of shelfs and drawers, coffee table with storage drawers , storage unit with baskets for kids toys and school stuff, once you have this under control start adding rugs if think you still need it. By the look of it you have small kids get them to put things in appropriate place and get some funky coat hangers in the entrance so they can hang hats and bags etc.

Great space, Marcie. Certainly, dark colours will help to create a more intimate space. Cool colours work beautifully with white plantation shutters creating a restful space. Looking at the room now, I suggest you need to incorporate some texture. Seagrass wallpaper is a great start. A textured rug between the bed and the large picture window will help make the space more intimate. Add a couple of tub chairs by the window at the edge of the rug, and add cushions and throws that co-ordinate with your final colour choices. You may even wish to add a couple of big leafed indoor plants. Decide on your theme - coastal, tropical, shabby chic, southern belle, contemporary - these all work with plantation shutters - and then add colours, textures, and lighting to suit. Cheers, Penelope