It is hard to tell what you have going on from this picture. Have you painted a rectangle on your wall? And are there 3 windows above? If so, my feeling is it is too high and not wide enough. It also needs some kind of frame. What looks like multiple mirrors on the left wall might look good hung horizontally in your painted space.

Ideas to support my comment above...
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the gray hutch area is recessed into wall, no fireplace, there is a just a stone pillar there, see new pictures below

I see pot lights above the three windows, so I'm guessing it was built for some kind of display. I think your idea of the floating glass shelves is great, I'd def go with that.

I like the glass shelves idea.

I also like the floating built-in, but the right shape and size will have to be considered carefully. Something like this might be nice:

http://www.hefnerwoodworking.com/photo-gallery/furniture/9909273

Your style is gorgeous, btw. Love it!

http://www.switchmodern.com/Fireplace-Equipment/Cocoon-Fires-Vellum-Stainless-Steel-Fireplace.asp?aff=5224

The other attached photos are credit to HGTV.com from Candice Olson

thank-you for all of your ideas!

I suggest adding some leaf green objects on the shelves if you do shelves. I love little bits of green against black and white.

Glass, glass, more glass, and lots of light shining on it. Insert glass shelves in the hutch area, with track lighting shining on the space. Fill the space with glass vases, brightly colored vases and sculptures that are made to capture the light. This should be the focal point of the entire room.

I like the glass shelves idea, and the placement you've laid out for them. Love the drama of the black, too. I would consider a collection of large vases/sculptures in various shades of a single color, like turquoise or chartreuse. (Yellow on a charcoal wall would also look great.) I would also consider taller chairs, or hang oblong artwork on each side of the 'hutch' area. Very nice!

Needs a punch of color, glass shelves or not.

beautiful space. Very sleek. I suggest punches of colour on each Side using Large rectangular
abstract art prints, that match but not quite. Also repeat or relate primary colour in art prints to one or more pieces on the shelves. Wall scones (0n dimmers) on each side Enhance art.

How about lining the recess with stacked stones and then place a thick stainless steel shelf the full width of the recess at counter height....to serve as a serving buffet when needed. Recessed lights above the windows. Then randomly place stainless shelves throughout the space. Place bright colored art, vases, dishes, etc. on the shelves with coordinating large artwork on each side of the recess.

Thank you for all of these amazing ideas. Jingstad I love your ideas. I will post the finished space when it's complete!

I think you are on the right track but rather than glossy white shelves, I would go with glass shelves. Your lighting will filter through the glass shelves to the bottom of the unit. This could be stunning dependent upon what you have displayed! Also, in reviewing your newest photos posted, you have a solid green line across the entire width of the inset, as your bottom shelf, I believe. I would pull that of each side wall perimeter about 6". I would float the remaining two shelves 6" of their respective side wall perimeters too. Hope this makes sense. Also, when utilizing glass shelves, make sure you have glass shelves with 3/8" thickness minimum. This thickness allows for substantial weight to be displayed. Great in regards to safety!
Cheers!
M.

I too like the glass, but if you want white and more bulk then you could install puck lights to the underside of each shelf.NICE space...[houzz=]
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Sorry if this repeats. I think really thick clear glass shelves (in your design) would be stunning.

I love this room! Maybe just add drapes to soften the window and art on either side of the black alcove.I would love to know the manufacturer and style number of your chandelier as it is stunning! Thanks!

thanks you Susan. light fixture purchased through Design Lighting in Langley BC http://www.designlighting.ca/gallery

Decoration ideas

What about some super modern wallpaper? Silvery or charcoal.

Back to the drawing board. 4 years later and still haven't completed the decor in my dining room! Looking for some new ideas for the feature wall. I was thinking about floating shelves in the recessed area and large abstract prints on either side but now second guessing the shelving. Ideas please!