I'm sure you'll probably get more expert advice from others, but in my opinion it doesn't really work there. I do think the proportions are a bit off (too wide), but to me the biggest problem is that the overall sleekness of the print (including the frame) doesn't work well in a niche like that. I think something with some texture would look better--either a print with a more elaborate frame or a wall sculpture. I think the print is lovely, and since it was a wedding gift from your husband (my, how romantic!) I would find a place of honor for it somewhere else. Does it work in your bedroom? How about in a spot with a small black console table under it, to anchor the dark against the lilght walls. Your house is lovely, by the way, and your little girl is just adorable.

I like the proportions, I like the placement, I admire that your husband gave you art for your wedding and that you want to give it this place of honor.

I would like to see the framing updated. Dark mats instantly make things look heavy and dated, even when the art is timeless. I would go with something like Crescent 100 (100% rag) in a white or off white (even cream). This is a gallery standard. It also doesn't need a colored liner. The art is good enough to stand on its own.

I also think it would benefit from a frame update, to a flatter (as in not round) more textured frame - there are so many good moulding choices right now, you could stay with the black or espresso in a texture that looked great with the wall.

And then I would paint the interior of the niche a bold dark shade, either the darkest of the paint chips you choose for the rest of the walls, or a very neutral taupe or grey. I attempted a quick paint version, but I can't figure out how to post it.

I painted ours to be similar to the faux painting in our dining room.

Our niche sits next to the dining room:

{{!gwi}}

I have a very similar art niche. I have had a lot of different pictures in it in various sizes. I think the pic you have there currently is a good size (I wouldn't go any smaller with just it in the niche), but I think it could benefit from a decorative topper similar to the black iron on your staircase. I totally agree about re-matting it, and painting the inside of the niche a nice taupe. Here's my art niche that's similar to yours:





And here's another one with an iron topper:

{{!gwi}}



Don't kill yourself trying to find the "perfect" color to paint the back of the niche. I've probably painted mine 6 or 7 times. It's such a small job. I've gone lighter and darker with the colors also. Also, give yourself permission to put a different picture there if you want. Once or twice a year I re-arrange pictures and other wall decor to keep things fresh.

I think a picture that was a little taller and narrower would look better in that spot.

Laurie

While I really like abstracts, somehow this piece looks like it should be placed horizontally rather than vertically. It deserves a bigger wall space than this niche. (Among many other things, I know nothing about art either.)

I love it, it's well framed and I think the size is perfect.

Nice picture and lovely sentiment behind it, but it seems too large (side to side particularly) and the rectangular shape does not compliment the rounded arch of the niche.

I googled architectural niche and the accompanying images and came up with the expected statuary and floral arrangements. The shelf is not wide, but half vases exist and are held in place flush to the wall with a hook and eye. I'm thinking something three dimensional, a sunburst or an architectural fragment or plaque.

I looked at www.designtoscano.com and their fairly large selection of wall decor/plaques. Some interesting, some marginal, some pretty bad - but it gives you an idea of what's out there.

Since the rest of the home is not quite done -- perhaps a silver paint and finish (check Ralph Lauren Candlelight collection) would work there? Silver would work with many colors and textures in the rooms ..... and would work well with your artwork and the framing .....

Thanks everyone. This has solidified my feelings that that painting doesn't quite work there... The height is right but it's too wide, and I'd prefer something more 3-dimensional in that space. It's a bummer because of the sentimentality of it but I think I'm going to put it in the living room, above our new chocolate brown sectional when it comes. Also, if I move the painting, I can paint the niche red faux or something like that. I am going to look into finding a neat wrought iron something-or-other to go there... I have several but they are all too small for that niche, so I need to do some shoppin'!

Oh and Teeda - Thank you for the compliments! It's hard to get a picture in this house without my toddler, my dog or my cat in it LOL! =)