Suggestions for this awkward wall
We recently painted and updated the floors in our new house. We are going for a modern farmhouse look. This hallway has two identical recessed walls. I have no idea what to do. Should we put two identical consoles/tables? If so, rectangle, half moon, tall, short? My husband said he feels like we are living in a hospital because we have no decorations on that side of the house- please help! Also, I included a before picture so you could see how the previous home owner decorated. If anyone has suggestions on art work, or cool ideas please send my way.
Comments (21)
PROKCR Interiors LLC
5 years agoRelated Discussions
Suggestions for awkward room layout
Comments (10)Mabel, I fully share your priority for garden views, and yours is wonderful. I notice the bottom of the window isn't terribly low and that your beautiful garden seems to be below house level (?) (our situation). Can you see the lower garden or lawn when you're seated, or mostly on passing through? If the best views are only available on standing near the windows, you'll always need to be able to walk close to them anyway. It looks like your sofa (for one or two?) and chair are positioned for the higher (?) view out the window? In future, do you guys want to be laptopping and reading on a sofa for two, sofa for one plus chair, or two easy chairs? Normally only 2 visitors sit on a standard sofa (3 feel too close together), so the big reason to get one would be if one or both of you prefer that to a chair. If not, a love seat plus a pair of easy chairs? How about considering a loveseat without arms? No to 2 loveseats, IMO, chairs would offer much more flexibility for placement and more social comfort for visitors. ITM, for the window wall, how about a bench with upholstered cushions roughly the width of the middle window below it? Shallow, yes, but additional seating when needed, without blocking the view or catching on fire. Plus, in cold weather it, combined with drapes on each side, would frame the winter view and create a more cozy distance between inside and out. Thoughtful attention to its design/leg placement would leave plenty of room for your visiting friend to stretch out toward the heater. At least a couple strategically placed mirrors to bring more light and views to interior corners? A handsome, fairly tall narrow antique to provide storage in the previous desk corner, plus a comfortable but portable chair for visitors? If the fire were occasionally a problem, it could be placed sticking out into the kitchen doorway without blocking traffic or communication and, with the bench, provide a secondary conversation area. BTW, I have a 4' wide, compact but upholstered antique settee (in a French style). It seats 2 and is super comfortable because the seat and back cant back very slightly. I recommend anyone who sees something like this and likes it buy first and worry about where to put it later. There's always room to tuck it in somewhere....See MoreBoring living room with awkward fireplace against wall
Comments (4)The space needs a rug & better lighting. The console table on the back wall is too small in scale for the wall. The quality of light from the fan is not acceptable ambient light. It doesn't do anything to enhance the appearance of your room. IMO the brown console table should not be placed between the kitchen and the sectional. Maybe it would be better to replace the white console with the brown console so you could have a location for some better lamps. I'll just mention that your TV is mounted too high on the wall. Drapery panels would be a softer solution than vertical blinds....See MoreDesperately seeking suggestions for awkward corner nook!
Comments (73)Apologies if this has already been said but I don't have time to read all comments. I had a living room that was similiarly awkward and it took me so long to find a good furniture placement. Bear with me. While I can't see the rest of the living room, I suggest arranging the living room furniture with the end of that stone wall (fireplace I assume?) as if it were the wall. So in other words the rug would stop where or near where the fireplace ends. What makes that lovely space awkward is that it looks as if it's trying to be part of the living room. My suggestion would be, after you move the rug, switch the table and chair. Table under painting, chair in a "room with a view." It becomes a destination, a resting spot, a lovely special corner for retreat. At that point you have created an entrance area for the living room, possibly a gallery effect on the wall. Add a lamp to the table below the picture to make it a a real statement piece, which it is! Maybe some lighting in window area. Then you play with placement of things in the corner that draws the eye and gives people an opportunity to say, what's the story behind those skis? P.S. What a view out that window!!...See MoreAny suggestions for awkward entry area?
Comments (15)Awesome, I never even thought of painting that garage door red. I plan to paint the other white window the same bronze as the new windows, but my local sherwin-williams was unable to pull up all the matching colors, so I am going to have to figure that one out in the next few days. At least it will look more normal until I replace it (if I do). I think it’s so weird, but the rest of you don’t seem to? And yes, landscaping is needed and will happen, but I need a new door first (at least I need to order a door, and then wait for a year or two). I have a vintage ski lift chair that will be refinished and most likely hung as a porch swing, and yes, planning to take out a bunch of that “grass” there. (Nice views, but no water.) The backyard is smaller and I have been focusing on that so far. As far as the entry door — I could do just the same as the back door (full glass trimmed in bronze), which would be easy and match the rest of the windows; I just felt like some wood would warm things up a little. But perhaps that could be done with the landscaping and moving the wood pile back in front. I don’t love it there, it gets messy and rodents like to hang out in it, but I guess it isn’t so different from where it is now. Maybe a wooden bench rather than black? It’s falling apart anyway....See More
PROCreative Visual Concepts, Kevin Strader
5 years ago
K Laurence
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoJennifer Oddo
5 years ago
K R
5 years agolshack17
5 years ago
Bette P
5 years agoI like the idea of the prior owner, a console and mirror to bounce some light around. The other alcove would suit a larger square shape art piece. Art is personal, try to find an original on Etsy or a local 'budding new artist type' art sale. A perfect opportunity to add some color. There is enough detail, I wouldn't change the paint color for the alcoves.
Maywood Ave. Home, Ann Arbor · More Info
Turramurra House #2- CHATEAU Architects and Builders · More Info
From Mumbai to Manhattan · More Info
Modern New Home in Hampstead - Console · More Info
cawaps
5 years agoI've been kind of enjoying the macrame/textile art revival that has been going on.
And before someone tells me that macrame is on the way out, I lived through the 70s. The whole revival has seemed ironic to me. But I always thought textile art was unfairly reviled after its oversaturation in my elementary years.pricklypearcactus
5 years agoI would put a large piece of artwork in each archway. You could certainly have a console table or two in each as well, if you like. It might depend on how wide the hallway is and whether that would make the space feel claustrophobic.
West Elm box frame skinny console
Pottery Barn Jamie console table
PROJodie White Designs
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoLove the new floors for the new modern farmhouse feel. Art in scale as you already have the accent lighting. Art selection is so important as if done incorrectly will feel incomplete. Go to your local gallery or hire a designer to help with the selection. Examples of Modern Farmhouse ideas. I actually like a narrow table with small lamp for extra lighting in your alcoves. Best of luck.
Gwen
5 years ago
PROUser
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoAshley Lee
5 years agoimhofan
5 years agosuezbell
5 years agolast modified: 5 years ago
PROChris Zec Photography
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoLove the direction you have gone in! Wouldn't put console tables unless they serve a specific purpose. Only one like the previous owners had really throws the balance of the area off. Would definitely keep the areas symmetrical, whatever you decide to do. I love the idea someone mentioned of large portrait orientation (vertical art). All the mill work is gorgeous but already creates a certain busyness so letting the eye rest is a good thing. Too many table, art or frame lines will be chaotic, especially in a narrow space. Use something simple and large to almost enter into as opposed to stopping you in your tracks. Perhaps an abstract diptych? For example, imagine splitting the
images below.
Series · More Info
Seascapes · More InfoOr complementary vertical art...
Black and White · More InfoEnjoy your beautiful home!
Black and White · More Infolshack17
5 years agoGwen
5 years agoI follow the thriftydecorchick blog and I think she has modern farmhouse style like you're going for. She recently did this picture ledge gallery wall that I think would look great in your arches:
Something like this:
The ledges would give you some depth from the wall, without having to add furniture. And you'd be able to get symmetry without being too matchy-matchy.
Plus speaking from experience, it can be really difficult finding two matching/coordinating large scale artworks to fit in side-by-side art niches that are a statement you actually want to make. This way you can mix and match a variety of pictures, but the similar frames and matting keeps everything compatible.
Saypoint zone 6 CT