This is very formal and traditional--is that the style of your whole home? It's a large piece and it's something you'd be looking at a lot, so if it's not right, I'd recommend selling it and replacing it with something else. I actually don't do under TV units any more. I put the screen on the wall and wire everything up so the components are in an end table elsewhere in the room. In-ceiling speakers are wonderful.

It's not so much dated as it is a period piece. If the rest of your furnishings are in this style then it's fine. If your tastes are more contemporary then I would suggest putting it in a consignment store and move on. Hope this helps!

I would consider it dated, very dated. It's not that traditional style in itself is dated, it just takes a very skillful touch to pull off a traditional decor(or a mix and match) that's beautiful and not tired and "heavy" and alien in a setting. In my very, very humble opinion most people would be happier ditching these furnitures for something more practical and easy going. Transitional is the magic word in many cases.

@Tems -- I'd really love it if you weighed in on my master bedroom dilemma. I love your style!!

Oh i love this piece!!! NOT dated at all IMO,hope you keep it.

I like it but don't really like the books....how about dark baskets or look for a carpenter who could put doors on each side. Would have to match the bottom doors but I think it would look good. As is, I would keep it, but lose the books.

is there a way to incorporate this piece in any design? I understood it's dated but It cost us a lot of money and the most important thing is that we like it. its not ugly, it just needs some smart designer ideas. I have seen so many talented people working with whatever they have and it ending up really well. This is the only piece we have in the living room. I will accept any suggestions on the coffee table, end table, sofa, lamps etc that would go well with it without making the room feel heavy and dated (if that is possible)

I think if you incorporated some gold table bases around the room and vary the table tops with glass and a light stone (carrara or clacutta) you would help to "lift" the space. You could even mount the television to create some separation. Hopefully, that helps!

It feels a bit heavy and yes, traditional. The way styles are going is a more natural, lighter feeling. I would consider thinking about a consignment shop or local ebay if you'd like to sell it. Or if you both absolutely love it, keep it and balance the rest of the room with more contemporary pieces.

Quite frankly I am not very comfortable giving advice on traditional spaces but I try! Heed the warning. lol

I think since you like this piece your taste is somewhat traditional and you should keep the rest of the decor similar. You probably want to repeat this wood tone and ornate styling throughout the space. In this photoshop I attempted to combine some lighter and simpler elements to keep it fresh.

very dated if you are leaning towards contemporary style. you could update it by repainting it in white/grey/ black tones. :)

ps. i think it would look so nice if you paint it with glossy white paint. the gold handles will stand out.

Here is a lovely room; what do you think?

Also what do you want in the room? You both purchased the piece together so you both need to decide what to do together. What ever you decide it will lead to more choices.

1. The unit has been faux painted by a professional and I think you can do this with your piece and lighted it up considerably. The room is very light and somewhat country/modern. Even without the beams the room looks good; simple simple simple.

2. Another painted but ornate console, and again calm simple surroundings. A designer or a furniture store associate could help you get the same feel. No matter what you do, buy or sell, you still have a room to decorate. You and Hubs need a heart to heart on this one. It is a beautiful piece, just ornate.

3. Very ornate but trimmed and painted out to look like part of room.....definite possibility. Very ornate wall and very simple solid room to match the weight of wall center.

I appreciated all the comments! We decided to move the piece to a different room. Maybe one day will be fashion again. Who knows :D

It definitely has some old-school charm!

I got a designer and she came up with this idea to incorporate my old fashion traditional tv stand piece on the room. What do you guys think?

are you going to be satisfied sitting up in those wing chairs to watch that big ole tv?

My house has a media room but I still gonna put a tv there. I think my designer nailed. A good designer work with anything. Poor designer doesn't have good ideas I think.

A good designer makes you happy. It's not always about getting a result that's worthy of a magazine spread.