Home decorators: What would you do with this space?

[WTMCassandra]

I am hoping that the file attachment works. If it doesn't, see:
Triangle Above Fireplace (http://s189.photobucket.com/albums/z109/sherrillinwa/)

Well, two firsts in one post--first attachment and first link creation. Let's see if they work!

Anyway, I've been stumped about what to do with this spot in our living room (our one sort of formal room). Right now it has only a cheesy WM flower arrangement. At Christmas, it does become a nice spot to display a 3-tiered nativity scene, but the rest of the year it is . . . blank.

Since my idea of decorating is mainly to cram as many bookshelves into the space as possible, I am short of ideas. I have thought about installing glass shelves for displaying things, but I strongly dislike dusting and don't want to create a dustcatcher. I also have to take into account the high ceilings (don't get me wrong--I really like them).

Hive mind: Rescue me from this decorating disaster!

[Amy in Orlando]

Here are a couple of links that might get you started.

http://www.daviddarling.info/images/corner_fireplace.jpg

http://www.fireplacemall.com/Article_Library/Fireplace_Mantel_Decorating__T/fireplace_mantel_decorating__t.html

http://www.hearthtools.com/gas/961lg.jpg

[WTMCassandra]

Thanks. I liked the first two links the best. That 3+1 article is really interesting! And the first picture even has some books in it. Hey, I can do that! The third picture strikes me as a little "heavy" in style, although it is interesting to put two pictures mirroring each other.

[WTMCassandra]

Anyone else? This fell off the front page.

[WTMCassandra]

Bumping up one last time to see if there are any more suggestions . . . if not I will let it go.

[Kim in TN]

I like rustic so my idea might not work for you.

I would redo it and frame it all the way up the corner and then add brick or rock.

Kinda like these:

http://photos.bravenet.com/289/390/944/0/D52A8CB03B.jpg

http://gribble-masonry.com/images/fireplace01_big.jpg

[Needleroozer]

I like the photo in the first link AMy sent, and the idea of the 3 in 1.
I think you could make two very nice L & L pieces, one for each wall, that would tie it all together- I would use your purple, but contrast it with other colors. Just my thoughts right out of the gate.

[mcconnellboys]

I think some mismatched mirrors in different frames would make a nice grouping there and the reflection would make the corner bright. I'd remove the flowers and add some candles in holders of varying heights.

Another option (but sans light) would be mismatched, empty frames grouped on both walls. I'd still use candles.

It looks like the walls are perhaps beige or light tan and the fireplace looks cream. Is it stone or painted? If painted, it would really pop it to paint it in an accent color. I can't see what sort of color you might have in the room as I just see what looks like a cream chair..... Do I see denim blue? That would be pretty on the fireplace.....

If the fireplace is stone, you can get a type of paint that can be used over stone to give it a faux finish, adding a color wash to it. I really like color, so it just seems to me that you need more of that in the room.....

Regena

[Sebastian (a lady)]

We have a lot of stuff on our walls in eclectic, non symetrical patterns. I might do something similar here. A medium frame on each side with smaller frames around them. You could do prints of places you've been or art you like or photos of your family. I really miss having a mantel to display photos on. So I would probably go with that, too. Some really knock out frames with great photos on the mantel and then framed items hung on the wall.

Sebastian

[Michelle T]

The space just cries out for some color. And then I'd fill up that "shelf" area with plants, candles, interesting decorations.
Michelle T

[WTMCassandra]

Oooh (whining), you're always stretching me, and it hurts! Doing L&L for fun is one thing, but I can't imagine doing something I'd be willing to hang center stage like that!!!

[WTMCassandra]

The fireplace has large cream tiles on it with grout. The walls are actually purple but they look washed out a little because it was sunny when I took the picture. The mirrors with candles are very interesting ideas. I think I like that idea better than empty frames.

[WTMCassandra]

I was wondering what on earth I could do with the walls--thinking that a picture was out of the question and that two would look dumb--but one of the links showed two pictures that are mirror images of each other. That seems like a neat idea.

[mcconnellboys]

Yeah, I agree. I only suggested the frames because I'm seeing more decorators using them for architectural interest these days. I know that my parents find tons of old, neat frames at yard sales, so I think it's easier to find interesting frames now days. The reason I wouldn't suggest pictures opposing each other here is that it seems that you couldn't really see them. They would be sort of facing in toward each other and the glass might even cause reflections that would obscure the pictures. I like better the photo that someone else found and linked of a large picture propped up with the orchid and books opposite.

Good luck!

Regena

[Gigi]

I would keep it simple. I think the more stuff you hang or put on the shelf will draw your eye to the depth and take away from the fireplace.

I would find a pretty scupture or wood piece that is tall and then add to that. I am thinking a tall vase but with a deep color and texture. I think you want the height to take the focus off of the depth.

I would also add a few things on the ground next to the fireplace so the fireplace remains the focus and brings it out into the room instead of the negative space above.

[Crissy]

although it is interesting to put two pictures mirroring each other.

My first thought was to put a portrait of your son on one side, and your daughter on the other.
Maybe in black and white with matting to conform to your room colors.

[Needleroozer]

Oooh (whining), you're always stretching me, and it hurts! Doing L&L for fun is one thing, but I can't imagine doing something I'd be willing to hang center stage like that!!!

Isn't that what friends and mentors are for?!?!?:D Did you honestly expect me to say something else?? As for it being center stage, it is all in the way you look at it! You are definately skilled enough for it, and it would look lovely.

I do like the ideas of mismatched mirrors, or other art work that pleases you.

[WTMCassandra]

I definitely hadn't thought about putting things on the hearth. That's a good idea. Thanks!

[MOCA]

I hope you'll show us what you decide! I think a plant in the middle with mirrors or art work on the walls could look great!

[WTMCassandra]

Thanks! I will, but it might be a while (like months). We are low on $$$ right now to spend on extras. But I have lots of food for thought and I will keep my eyes open for bargains over the spring and summer.

[Rich with Kids]

I want your kitchen and your school room in my house when I grow up! :)

[WTMCassandra]

Thank you! How kind! I've gotten spoiled rotten in this house over the last year. If we have to move, they will have to pry my cold, dead fingers from the doorjamb! I love, love, love that layout--especially the teacher's desk.

[cin]

I would ignore it and live in the kitchen :D I'm sending my DH the link to it because we are re-doing ours this year. We don't have that much space, but I like the general ideas.....Beautiful!

[WTMCassandra]

Ha! That's what i've been doing for the last year or so.

[Melissa in FL]

Well, my first thought before reading your post was "what a nice place for bookshelves!" But it sounds like that might not be what you are looking for. Maybe a nice set of different height large candle holders surrounded by a couple of pieces of art?
Melissa

[JFS in IL]

Is put a fav framed photo or small poster on one wall, and balance it with a couple large candlesticks or pottery on the opposite side on the mantlepiece.

[percytruffle]

The artist in me wants to balance out the angles instead of drawing more attention to them. I would place a large round ceramic, wood, or glass plate (think artsy looking and handmade) on a stand in the middle of the space, then perhaps soften the bottom edge where the stand sits on the mantle with some greenery.

Lisa

Percytruffle's Place (http://http://percytrufflesplace.blogspot.com/)

[WTMCassandra]

That sounds pretty! I'll start looking around for something inspiring. It might take a while, though.