Victorian Goes Modern

I am soon to inherit this painted Victorian bedroom set. It consists of the bed you see in the photos, plus a dresser and washstand that both have white marble tops. This may seem like an odd question for Modernism magazine, but the reason I write is because we are moving to a contemporary apartment, built c. 1989. I would like to paint the bedroom a color that would compliment the antique set, yet lend a bit of contemporary feel, in keeping with the clean lines of the space. Shades of green would definitely not be an option! I like the idea of giving the room a beach cottage feel, but not with a result too quaint or "twee." Any suggestions?

Thank you!
Liz in NYC

Well, that is quite the bed! Magnificent and imposing with a very strong presence, I am afraid a beachy cottage look (unless that "cottage" happens to be owned by William Randolph Hearst) is quite out of the question. This is where color can really help a set like this feel right at home in the 80's.  I would recommend you go with strong colors that will give weight to the walls and anchor the pieces within.  It can be difficult to assess color when you are not able to visit the site, but upon some reflection, and with a printout of the headboard in hand, I settled on two directions.  For a deep solid restful look go with Benjamin Moore's Durango (2137-30).  This color is a sort of charred warm gray (a bit green-casted) which will look sophisticated, have presence and show definite intentions.  If you would prefer a more subdued mystical feeling try Benjamin Moore's Cloudy Sky (2122-30).  This is a dreamy blue -- gray color which looks to have about the same depth as the green of the headboard and is not too far away on the color spectrum.  Because of these factors, this shade will soften the lines a bit and pull together the whole look.  Lastly I would paint the ceiling (eggshell) and trim (semi gloss) the same color as the wall so as to not interrupt the site line and blur where wall meets ceiling.  With a heavy sisal rug, touches of gold and bronze patinas (perhaps realized in some modern light fixtures) and well chosen art work you are good ‘til the next century!