TV for kitchen mounted in Onyx frame

12 years ago

A number of GWers asked for pics of my unusual plan to mount a TV in an Onyx frame. Some background is in order:

MY DH would only agree to the kitchen project if he got a TV and a microwave out of it. The micro was no problem but the TV placement was. All the small countertop TVs were, best I could tell, very poor quality. We explored laptop set ups (awkward), cabinet flip down TVs (also poor quality), in cabinet TVs (e gads -- way too expensive) and lift mechanisms (took up valuable cabinet space and too expensive). We concluded that the only place to put the TV of sufficient size to get decent picture and sound was on the wall of what is technically a breakfast nook, but which we use for our dog sofa below.

I was sufficiently appalled at the idea of using a wall where we had previously put art to put a TV that I insisted we find some way to at least make it more visually interesting so it wasn't just some huge black box on the wall.

Well its not done yet, but the frame is up -- all 275 lbs of it. It is sitting on a box frame that is attached to the studs and sits 3 inches from the wall which will allow room for the mounting arm and TV to be flush with the Onyx. Ignore the construction mess and temp kitchen setup.

I wish I had allowed the left side to extend farther so it looked a little more balanced but I was afraid of it looking like a black rectangle in a green rectangle. I know it looks a little unbalanced but I am hoping with the TV, it all comes together. I also wish I had not cut off the corner on the lower left side (as my GC suggested!) and had just allowed the light switch to be behind the Onyx. Alas, no going back now. My GC informs my "that thing is never moving from its current spot".

Below the Onyx will be a narrowish console/cabinet to store dog food and more recycling. Will post more pics when its finally done.

As an aside, I got the Onyx in a complete slab for a steal because it had a crack in it. I still have half the slab left, of which 3/4 is useable. I plan to have a couple of small side tables made from pieces where the TV cutout was made but if any GWer in Northern California has use for the rest, let me know. It is beautiful stone and there is probably a 5 X 4 ft piece left. Free to a good home.

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Comments (15)

livvyandbella
12 years ago
Lovely dog!
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Lori Ryan
12 years ago
Very creative ! If you cannot hide the TV, then bring more attention to it. The onyx is beautiful.
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cat_mom
12 years ago
OMG, OMG, OMG--it's gorgeous, it's clever, it's totally unique, and my DH will be extremely envious when I show this thread to him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love it!

I am so wishing I lived in northern CA so I could take you up on your generous offer for the remaining piece of onxy. I would surely find a good use for it, and would give it a good home! Bummer!

Can't wait to see it all completed!
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taggie
12 years ago
Wow! Beautiful!!
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dodge59
12 years ago
I did that with my fireplace and back lit it.
Onyx stone is translucent so light will go through it (sort of)) alto I dont think it would go thru a piece that thick.

Nice job on the TV!!

Gary
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SugarCookies
12 years ago
Very creative solution! I think the onyx looks extremely artsy. Great idea!
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User
12 years ago
Very interesting and beautiful. I look forward to seeing finished photos.
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Gigi_4321
12 years ago
That is going to be gorgeous, you might be starting a design trend. I would love that piece of onyx, are you anywhere near Atherton? I'll take the beautiful dog too!
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labpa
Original Author
12 years ago
Everyone, thanks for the encouraging words.

Gigi, you are in luck. I am in Palo Alto. My stone fabricator is in Redwood City. I am out of town this next week but when I get back I will figure out what we are using to create the side tables. Assuming he hasn't already tossed the tv cutout, we will use that and then the entire rest of the slab is yours. If he has tossed the tv cutout already, I may still need a piece of it, but I will get back to you about the rest. It has a crack all the way from top to bottom (why it was so cheap) but its close to the edge where we cut it so depending on how much you need, it may not be a problem.

As for the dog, she is very cute and dear to us, but you probably don't want her because she is quite the lemon from a health perspective. Fortunately for her, she hit the doggie lotto when I adopted her from a rescue.

Another pic of her snoozing (wearing DH's sunglasses) with her head on my pillow!
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Gigi_4321
12 years ago
That is going to be gorgeous, you might be starting a design trend. I would love that piece of onyx, are you anywhere near Atherton? I'll take the beautiful dog too!
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labpa
Original Author
12 years ago
Gigi, our posts may have crossed. See my last one.
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poohpup
12 years ago
Very cool idea and it is gorgeous!
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a2gemini
12 years ago
Wow!
I wanted a TV in the kitchen but thought it would look tacky! Now I have a new idea!!
Thanks
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Gigi_4321
12 years ago
Labpa,
Ok, forget the dog. He IS lucky you found him! I was half joking about the stone, not sure what I would do with it.
You really should make use of it somewhere close to the tv.
Post a photo when it's all done!
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boxerpups
12 years ago
you know I a go gaga for big dogs.......
Beautiful pooch.

And of course I love your onyx TV holder. Creative,
clever and classy!
~boxer
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TV for kitchen mounted in Onyx frame

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TV for kitchen mounted in Onyx frame

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