Thank you for responding! Lighting the niches is a good idea. Also do you have any specific ideas of what to look for for the niches. I'm struggling mostly because of the odd size of the top too. The are very tall and narrow. I want to change out most of what i have there. It was really just thrown there to fill space. I am thinking of adding some large pieces or piece of driftwood to the top niche...lighted :)

Also do you have any suggestions of maybe camouflaging the two speakers in the middle cut outs. The husband will not budge on this...they have to be there :)

Thanks again!

You could paint all of the niche interiors black and the speakers would fade. Then you could fill all the niches with a white collection, and some pieces could go in front of the speakers. It can be cool to fade the TV away on a black background. Here's a collection of white alabaster, and another of McCoy pottery, both would provide a wide variety of shapes and sizes, yet be unified in theme. You can have a great time hitting flea markets, second hand shops and yard sales to make up your own "collection" of like items. Something may emerge that is perfect for the top arch too. Thinking of a long piece of carved ivory, but that's pretty hard to find, and may be illegal to be sold these days. Be sure and take the measurements of the openings with you so you don't get things you can't use.

could you put a mesh or something in front of the speakers, like a panel that would sit over them or even a door on the niche? I can imagine there are a variety of materials that would let through the sound but help disguise the speaker behind them.

Thanks! This gives me some ideas to think about. I think I am going to put a long piece of driftwood in the top niche. Although the black is a great idea and would disguise the speakers I'm looking for a lighter more coastal feel. What do you think about metal grates painted white to cover the speakers?

Thanks Kyethra...that's a great idea. My sister suggested the metal grates painted white that I just posted. What are your thoughts on that?

i think that would be nice, as long as it doesn't effect the sound, get one from the store to play with and then return maybe? I was wondering if tin tiles etc would also work.

Tin tiles are a great idea...i'll ask my husband about the sound. Thank you!

love the idea of tin tiles, or a splsh of color on the back of the book shelf.

The fireplace looks okay as it is. Maybe add some color, but overall you don't want to crowd this space too much.

Why is the rug on an angle?

We had a decorator for a short period of time that had me move it that direction.

It doesn't make too much sense, visually. Sometimes straightforward is the best route for good reason.

You want the rug to serve as a platform for your living area. The furniture should fit nicely on the rug (including side chairs ans side tables). Nothing should be hanging off the ends of the rug, because it makes your living space look distracting. We always recommend aligning the straight with the furniture.

Hi. I'm looking at your photo and I was wondering if the mantel might show better if painted color from fp and the wall.
Just another idea and you could put a grey scarf over the mantel just to see... too white with such warm rocks....

or possibly paint and I think someone said this: the section behind the tv in a darker grey, and see if the speakers can be at its corners - hide the black better.

I agree the rug is awkward...it was difficult to move but one day I will get it turned back.

I love the grey mantels... The look very pretty. I'm just wanting a more coastal...casual feel. But I will try what you said and see how it looks.

The back of the shelves were white...I recently painted the grey the are now. Darker would disguise the speakers better though. I will defiantly think about that...it's a good idea.

This reminded me a lot of yours


family goodies


all different vases


trophies....HORSELOVER??


Or any other vintage gimmicks.!

I think if you use smaller objects in the niches along with the LED lights. I'm all for painting the speaker niches darker to make them disappear. Then add some smaller items in front of the speakers. I do think the way you have them accessorized is pleasant. I love the idea of a piece of driftwood stretching across the whole area of the top one would be stellar. If you can't find a piece of driftwood try some branches of curly willow (can find at most craft stores).

Don't be afraid of adding a tall plant on one side.

Thank you guys! I'm still working on it so this was helpful...got the driftwood and it works great in that space. Plant on the side is a great idea!