The TV looks too low to me , and that is why it is so noticable . Lifting it ( even if you have to angle it down a bit to get a comfortable viewing angle ) will make it look better , and easier to see especially if there are 2 of you in bed -- nothing worse than trying to look over a partner who is reading , but also has the bedclothes bunched up around and over themselves .

But the biggest sin IMO is the wall colour . It is 80's . Thats not a bad thing in itself , but it dates everything , I assume it was also chosen back then so it didn't 'yellow' much more if you smoked in bed , etc . So its easy to say go with a more modern , lighter shade -- but then the rest of the house may look slightly worse , so where do you stop ?

But one thing I like in bedrooms is a feature wall , in wallpaper , and I suspect the wall where the headboard is would look great done in a wallpaper of mid-yellow and white , or off-white striped or chevroned or even abstract flowers or similar . Even something with a fine gold line , as well as the yellow and white , would work and look classy . That way you get the interest , the feature , but by going 'actual' yellow and not just the yellowish buttery cream it will make the other walls look less yellow , and may even save having to paint the whole interior . 3 or 4 rolls of wallpaper , and get the one you want , whether it is $30 a roll or $100 , because it doesn't really matter , you are $100 or $400 plus labour if you can't do it yourself .

And like your husband , I love the timbers and the warmth , the art is nice , in fact everything is -- it just needs a little something to lift it from merely being nice !

Thank you pottsy99. I always love reading your comments on Houzz and now husband thinks you are pretty good too after agreeing with him about the timber. The paint on the walls does look a bit yellowish. It is Dulex Stowe White. We have talked about a feature wall behind the bed but can’t agree on what it should be. The closest shopping centre is about an hour away, so getting samples and then returning them makes decorating that much harder. Do you think the dark tv would be less conspicuous placed higher??

Looks wise , no matter whether the TV is dark , or a slimmer one or anything , it just looks too low to me . People quote ratios and stuff , but I just go by looks . Having said that , getting too close to the heatpump may cause problems too ? Swapping with the blue toned picture would help that , but then there probably isn't an aerial etc over that side of the room , and you may get rippling of the picture if it gets too warm too often ?

As far as wallpaper , look on-line , including Trade Me etc ( I assume you are in NZ by the timber ) , even if its just for ideas and price ranges .

Yes, we are in NZ. it is so good to run ideas by you. i feel motivated again to get the room sorted - thank you

Hi there! i agree, a wallpaper behind the bed would be lovely. Having a focal point in the room will distract from the tv etc. The other thing i would do to soften the room is by layering up your bedding. This makes a huge difference (and also helps create a focal point) Add a couple of nice square euros at the back of your pillows and a nice squishy folded back duvet, folding the top down makes it look softer and layered. Don’t worry, I’m not suggesting a cushion mountain to throw out each night (!) just a bit more layering. some examples below. Guthrie Bowron have a great website for wallpapers, you can see the papers virtually without having to borrow the books. Good luck! Rebecca

Am in total agreement with Pottsy regarding wall papering the wall behind the bed. You may like GB (Guthrie Bowen) Private Collection, pattern no. 42878 - subtle 13cm stripe sort of white and a soft egg shell bluegreen which would tie in with your sliding door frames. They are a pleasant feature. We have this in our bedroom and it looks calm and classic, neither girly or mansculine. I would remove the picture above the chair and replace it with the picture that is currently above the bed as it has touches of the soft aqua toning. Place it 45cm higher. One chair cushion is sufficient. A new fitted or semi fitted bed spread which covers the bed base in a deeper shade of the wall paper could be complimented with a throw in a contrasting colour and match the cushion on the chair. Our carpet is also grey and the softness of the above colours gives a sense of luxury.

Here's one on the Guthrie Bowron website

Thank you all for your input, it feels like I didn't sleep a wink last night. So much to think about. I had duvets on and off the bed, folded back, left loose. Huge pillows, no pillows. Cushions flying everywhere, painting ideas to try, wall colours to change. Busy night.

We can’t wait to get to a wallpaper shop.

pottsy99 even my husband loved the wallpaper you suggested we look at. Can’t believe that! I really like that mustard colour and the box at the end of the bed.

Sharyn Pearce, we will look at the stripe idea and a fitted type bed cover that might work with that jade/green joinery, thank you. I changed the painting over the chair and hung it higher, although 45cm felt a bit high to my eye😬

Now, Plump the pillows, your ideas of dressing the bed were great, they are so feminine and look beautiful. But! I have this push, pull thing with my mate about this. I am sure he isn’t the only male who hates all the extra ’stuff’ on the bed. Maybe if there was a box at the end of the bed, I can get around this!

I will be back with a progress report after a trip to the shops - yeah!

Hi Lashford, A couple of thoughts for you to ponder. The artwork over the bed is not centralised so is out of sorts. Either two items placed evenly on either side or one wider item centrally located would work better, even if the bed is not on that wall.

Would you consider putting the bed on the window wall so you look out the ranch sliders rather than at the wardrobe and ensuite doors? That way also if you want to make a feature wall behind the bed it will be rectangular rather than to a high ridge line. This re positioning does not lead to any extra walking around the bed as you currently walk in the door and all around the bed to the far side of it. Ideally I prefer not to see the bed in front of you when you walk in the room but I'd prefer to face the view than face the services.

For a feature wall behind the bed, I think there are all sorts of options. Wallpaper is certainly an easy option but I think many people chicken out and don't choose something amazing enough. It is a small item so go brave. The one suggested by Pottsy99 is certainly a bold one and there are plenty to chose from. I am always aware of not making the bedroom too feminine as it is a shared space and both partners need to feel like they have ownership of it.

Your curtains are also very neutral. You could 'bold them up' a bit too and tie them in with the colour theme you chose. I'm also a fan of making curtains longer hanging them from the ceiling to the floor. They look better when drawn closed.

Blue will work well with the existing timber and grey carpet and you can add a small amount of a bolder colour like gold/amber or orange or even fuschia. Or you could work in a full grey scheme with a spot of colour.

Paint on a feature wall still works but also timber battens painted in with the wall are popular at present and take a bit of time and effort but has impact. You could also do it in the rimu or macrocarpa to fit in with the existing timber and work it in with the window.

Some images for you to ponder but not limited to these ideas.

Cheers, Christine.