Hello Nicola E, How you treat the paint work entirely depends on what you want to stand out.. The fireplace or the wardrobes.. This too depends on what else is happening in the room... If just a bed then it's entirely possible to create a feature of said wardrobes by painting them a bolder colour or the chimney breast a darker colour.. Look at the room and consider what you'd like to have as a focal point and how big the room is.. Shades of cream and off whites are far nicer than white.. So if you decide to include a white scheme, definitely look at shades of off white and creams.. Little Greene has a lovely range of chalky colours.. such as Whitening, White Lead, Stock etc.. These can be chosen for wood and walls.... They give a warm, chalky and sophisticated look which can blend beautifully with colours such as Celestial blue or James just to talk of blue and these are warm not cold blues .. I also like Juniper Ash which is a slightly mauve colour but look for warm versions of a colour you like.. So if the fireplace is to stand out and the wardrobes are a pale creamy colour the accent and focus is the fireplace which will benefit if the room is smaller than you'd like.. If you have a large bed then this might be the best way to consider it. If the room is large and you want something to create a statement then consider the fireplace and wardrobes.. A shade or two darker for wardrobes than chimney breast will create a frame surrounding both the fireplace and for the bed if this is facing on the opposite wall.. Blend the bedding and cushions, should you choose them into the scheme to create a cohesive and stylish finish. Lastly if you want a pale room with painted wardrobes these will form a statement and frame if you have less in the room... : )) Blended.... Contrast... This one isn't a bedroom but you get the idea..

Hi there, do you have any photos of the wardrobe and space? Practicality is one of the main reasons why white or cream isn’t the first carpet colour choice as people are worried it will show up the dirt or stain easily. However these days, it’s possible for a pale carpet to keep its good looks, even in heavy traffic areas. Cormar offers a selection of easy-clean, stain-resistant polypropylene carpets that are even bleach cleanable, which means surface dirt like mud and spills, simply wipes away with a damp cloth. If white or cream still isn’t screaming out practicality, why not choose a silver or grey carpet which can be more sympathetic to spills and stains, especially in an easy clean fibre. Or if you’re feeling bold, why not choose a dark blue or charcoal carpet, play around with contrasting colours in the paintwork, furnishings, and well-chosen accessories for a touch of glamour. You can browse our selection of carpets that are designed to cope with everyday household spills here http://www.cormarcarpets.co.uk/types_easy_clean.php Let us know what you decide!

As said before, you will need a bonding primer. Two I know of are zinsser bullseye 123 primer and Owatrol ESP (easy surface primer). Both of these (and there might be other brands as well) can be used without sanding the surface first but remember to sugar soap them first to remove residues. Haven't used the zinsser but heard a lot of good things about it. ESP is expensive but goes a long way, basically it creates a film which etches into the surface beneath it. Two or three top coats of chosen paint finish, job done. I've used ESP on veneer and it does bond really well but can't speak for it's longevity, paint chipping, knocks etc. might be as well to use a multi purpose primer after the bonding primer and then the top coats. Use a foam gloss roller for a nice even finish. This sounds a bit confusing so steps are: 1. Sugar soap surface 2. Wipe off sugar soap 3. Bonding primer, follow instructions 4. Multi use primer or top coat 5. 2-3 layers of top coat. Alternatively you could you use Annie Sloan chalk paint which also doesn't require sanding first and use a clear wax or lacquer to finish.

Hey Jen, I'm still paralysed by indecision on the blinds/curtain front! Making do with the white roller blinds for now - but as the rest of the room comes together they look more and more shabby :(. Managed to choose a rug and some prints for above the bed frame so I'm making progress at least. Will post an update when the wardrobes are finished. If you're anywhere near London I'll let you know the company I'm using if they prove to be good. I think price-wise its reasonable for the slightly complicated design (having to work around an awkward narrow chimney). I've heard mixed things about the F&B paints - most of the negatives from decorators I've read has been about the wall paints rather than the eggshell designed for woodwork. It's too expensive for me to indulge most of the time but on a comparatively small area like this I think its probably worth splashing out. I've heard good things about Little Greene too and there's a shop pretty close to the F&B one on Marylebone High St so will look at both.