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Building a Home Design Dilemma living room

New Build - Need inspiration for Living Room Blank Wall

4 years ago

We are hoping for some inspiration regarding our main floor living room. We initially had a fireplace on the right hand wall, but removed it because we were not sure it was necessary. We now have a large blank wall, and the only item to be placed there is a tv (not what we have in mind for this room).

We are wondering; we should put the fireplace back in the plans? Or should we do a large custom cabinet piece with shelving above? We are kinda of minimalist with our belongings and don't feel like we would have objects to fill out that space. Or is there something out there that we are completely unaware of that would be a good "anchor" for that space?

Very grateful for any help!

Featured Answer

PRO

User

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

It really depends on your style, but you could do an accent (like wood slats) and shelf along the wall that serves as a bench.

or, even more minimal, but with storage...

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Comments (11)

PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
4 years ago
Make a statement.
"Autumn in the Rockies" by Phillip Philbeck, Oil 63"x 104" $54,000 Legacy Gallery Scottsdale, Arizona
fissfiss
4 years ago
It is so much easier to arrange a room around a fireplace...and so much easier to put one in now, rather than later.
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Oh, the problem TV's present with decorating, and now with all their accompanying electronics it is even more difficult. Your home is very handsome and I understand that you would not want your TV as a focal point. les917 gives a good option. I'll propose another but construction will be involved. Looking at your room, no other option comes to mind. How far does your fireplace project into your room? Would you consider building a false wall with an inset into which your TV could be placed? Of course you would still need a cabinet below to contain all the electronics. But, if your TV were to be set into a niche, then the option to disguise it behind a pull-down art scene or shutters is available. You probably would need about 8" to accomplish this. Hopefully another will offer a better suggestion. Good luck in your new home.
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what exactly do you want help with Roger? I don't understand what you need suggestions for. which wallpaper to choose? You haven't posted a picture of the entire room, and we have no idea what kind of furniture you're using. So, you want us to pick a panel for you? Just pick the one you like the best and build around it. If you want to do one wall, then do something like this You'll have to get enough wallpaper to cover it, and then pay someone to hang it. That wallpaper isn't cheap, and neither is the labor to hang it. If you're on a limited budget, I don't know what else to tell you. BTW, if you are on a budget, look up Stencil Chinoiserie wall and do it yourself w/paint or, look on Etsy for Wall Mural
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Hi Ayana - I've not personally dealt with ledgestone. But I've seen some pictures of installations with a pre-manufactured product that shows regular block-sized seams. The seams killed the whole effect. I don't know if that means the installer didn't do a good job or the product was a cheap knock-off. Before deciding on a product and installer, I would ask to see an example installation. A blank slate can be intimidating! It's helpful to have an overall picture of where you're headed. (The same is true for me!) So let's assume that you like the whole look of the inspiration photo you shared. The non-accent walls are white - crisp, clean, and set off the subtle coral-reef like pallet of the rest of the space. All things being equal, the accent wall could be several other colors and textures. These might be things you could consider for your space: They could have created a wall unit in the medium wood tone of the trestle framing above and the low cabinets along the wall. Bamboo could give an interesting texture and warmth to the space. A wall unit could include a fireplace (electric), TV, display shelves, and bookshelves. They could have pulled the pea green from the chairs onto the accent wall as a paint color and created just the fireplace in maybe a limestone or soapstone. In that case, they might have used large art on the walls rather than shelves. They could have used a grasscloth wallpaper in a similar offwhite color to the ledgestone. (Talk about outdated! But I just put some in my bedroom.) There again, the fireplace bumpout might want to be a different material. Hopefully that gives you a few ideas you can jump off of! Best of luck - Doug
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Brutal but honest. Get your deposit back and run! Was in this position and learned the hard way. Don’t build with big box; build custom custom with a local builder who will accommodate all your needs and build a one story only. Two story’s don’t work when “aging in place”. Big box force you into compromised and design choices that don’t work. Skip the paint and lipstick and focus on layout and flow. When building a “forever home” you need quality over quantity. Our one story has larger hallways to accommodate wheel chairs and walkers. We designed around how you move through a space with ease. We have a big shower and no tub cause as you age, tubs are hard to use. Even the front door has literally one step that can accommodate a ramp as to when or if we get there it can be done. Every bathroom has storage and storage is essential. Bonus space is useless. Only put rooms in the house you will use. Formal anything is garbage and waste to heat and cool. These are all subject to preference but these are lessons learned.
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WestCoast Hopeful
4 years ago
Add the fireplace in
misecretary
4 years ago
If you don't think you would use a fireplace, then I wouldn't suggest putting one in just to fill the space.
Gcubed
4 years ago
Can you add the fireplace (may help for re-sale) but make it so that you can still have room for TV on one side (either in cabinetry or on a console that flows with the fireplace)? That way the TV won't have to be on top of the fireplace. Or maybe your space is big enough to have the TV on the wall opposite the FP and then you can have 2 seating areas (one around TV with sofas, chairs, etc and one around FP with 2 chairs and small table). If swivel chairs can be placed across from TV wall (interior wall), then they can also be used in FP grouping for conversation. Just a thought.
Connie
Original Author
4 years ago
Thank you for your comments! We are going to explore putting in a fireplace again, but also rearranging the space like the picture with the wood slat accents! Loving on that! Thanks again!
CEM TOSA
4 years ago
we are planning something like this in our new build. I don't want the TV above a fireplace.
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Connie thanked CEM TOSA
PRO
RappArchitecture
4 years ago
If you will use a fireplace, build it now. Put the TV to the side, not above the FP. A unit with shelves would be great if you had things to store and/or display. A more radical idea is to make it a gallery wall and display multiple paintings and/or photographs.

Whatever you do, make sure it works with the furniture layout you will have.
lyfia
4 years ago
Bookcases surrounding the TV. Just space for art, chairs flanking the TV for more seating (Although no TV viewing from those). Lots of things to do other than a fireplace if you won’t use one.
partim
4 years ago
I am sure that you can find a large piece of art that is less expensive than a fireplace. It will make the room, and you can take it with you when you move.

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