Sometimes we fall in love with art—so much so that we'll make it the centerpiece of one of our favorite rooms. Be sure, though, that the mood of the room you've created around your centerpiece is just as charming as the artwork itself. Here is one before and after that transforms a stylistically confused bedroom into a light, harmonious space.

BEFORE

Color expert Shannon Kaye raved over the wall color, which is just right for the watercolor print. They work together to create a casual, cheerful and fresh look. What's not working so well are the comforter, bedskirt and rug, which feel formal and serious. To rethink the space, Shannon Kaye recommended the following:

1. Find matching curtains in white (like the long ones you already have) or a fresh print in floral or lattice. Urbanoutfitters.com has cheerful, inexpensive curtains and hardware, like the Climbing Blossom, Hydrangea Curtain or Antique Brooch curtain tieback. Shorten the drapes to the bottom of the sill, measuring the bed window first so the curtain sits just above the comforter. Shorten the curtains for the other window to match.
2. Look for a simple coverlet to layer over the red comforter, with a softer bed skirt. Look at thecompanystore.com for comfy matelasse coverlets in gorgeous colors like bordeaux, aubergine and ivory. And Target has a cream and burgundy paisley print coverlet that could work.
3. Replace the black lampshade with a round white or print shade that also reflects the style of the watercolor. Or throw in something unexpected like Lamps Plus's Paint Box Opaque Giclee lampshade, Summer Lilac Gigless lampshade or even a simple beige weave drum shade.

AFTER

Overall tip for designing around wall art: "More than choosing the colors from your artwork," says Shannon Kaye, "try to focus on the style and find pieces that have a similar mood or feel."

[Main image: Pixaland | Thinkstock]