Oh, I have an idea!! I don't have the perfect solution yet, but here is the idea. You hunt for a pair of antique gorgeous display boxes or similar objects for the tops of these tables. This would bring "scale" and interest.

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Here is more what I am suggesting, but haven't quite found yet. But a better example. This is an antique Chinese sewing box. Getting the right look and size would be the challenge, but I think it could be the right approach.

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It is the "concept" I'm trying to convey. Not those specific items. Like I say, it would take some hunting. But by doing something like this, it would actually be an "extension" of the height of the table, which is what this needs and would help balance the look. Just putting accessories on top such as lamps, etc. won't change the height of the cabinets. So that will just draw attention to the shortness of the cabinets. Did the designer have intentions we don't understand when suggesting these tables/cabinets? They are just so small scale for the space and the size of the stone fireplace surround and the tall mirror. Baffles me.

lin15 - it is the designers job to ensure the proper scale is achieved one way or the other. The tip above about using boxes and other pieces to "visualize" the scale of things is very good. Too late for this situation, but keep in mind for the future. btw, here is how you could have achieved less "weight" but better scale.

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While that piece is actually a "bedside" table it is 29" high and I'm not sure about the width of your spaces, but there are tons of pieces out there that could do the trick so, hoping there is a resolution some how. There are also consoles that are more open in all kinds of finishes, etc. Makes me sad to see this happen to you.

Great ideas Flo!

lin I don't recall seeing your foyer but would you have room for the cabinets across from one another there. Just curious.

Your foyer is gorgeous ! Lin the cabinets are a bit under scale but not at all horrible. I would make :) ask your designer to come over and come up with a solution to make them work since he or she was the one that convinced you that they would work.:)

Well I've made a few costly mistakes in my own house too but rather than keep something that I didn't like I was able to pay a restocking fee ( which was high ) but not nearly the cost of the items I bought. I don't know if the place where these were bought would offer you the same. I hated paying the money out but I hated the items so much that I payed it and never looked back. You have beautiful taste lin don't let this get you down. Start trusting your own instincts on things and you will get this room back together just the way you want it. :)

Do not give up on this and your designer should be working this for you! What the heck. You have a beautiful home, with wonderful things. This isn't your fault! Unless you specifically directed the decision and the designer just "ordered" he/she is responsible for the pieces "working". Sometimes, you just have to move on however. As Mark said, we all make mistakes. I think there is more emotional stuff here that is also a part of this picture. Maybe you are longing to be back in your previous home, so nothing kind of feels right in this home? Things like that can take a toll. So, don't be too hard on yourself for sure. In the overall scheme of life, this is a small blip. Let's move on and get this room finished! It is a beautiful space and you deserve to be happy in it!

If you keep the tables, I think the best bet is to find pieces that fit on top that increase the visual look of the pieces. How high are those pieces?

I am wondering what your designer has suggested or had planned for decor when picking the side tables.....I am sure she/he has some type of design planned..I would give her/him the chance to follow through before deciding on anything else....we don't have her/his vision....

I would take the mirror above the fire place which is to big and put in place of the painting and put the painting above the fireplace.

I think that mirror is fabulous over the fireplace!

Hi lin15

WOW....what a transformation your room has taken!

was just looking at your before images. Have been thinking about your low side tables/chests flanking the fireplace and was looking at your idea book and saw this room

Why not stack some art above each....or side by side...maybe a series of four you love framed in gold 2 on each side...on Etsy you could have custom pieces made in the exact sizes needed.

You might want to look at this artist on Etsy.com she has some gorgeous watercolors that could really be beautiful with large mat and gold frames. So sorry you are unhappy with them...they really are very pretty...I just think you need layering of art and light and they will look gorgeous.

Just saw this idea...it would be fabulous on each side of fireplace incorporated behind your sconces.

If those tables are not right in your eye when you got them or now, you will probably never be happy with them. What did your designer say about his/her thinking on these? Any chance they can be returned? Even if there is a large "restocking fee" it might be worth it. While I generally love sconces, I wonder if removing these so you could do artwork there might be worth considering? They are kind of in the way of doing anything on that wall that makes sense with the rest of the ambiance of the room.

lin did you say that your coffee table was cracked a while back ? If so have you picked out anything to replace it ? Where are you at as far as the living room goes ? Have you chosen pillows or fabrics for pillows. I would love to see if you have. Is there anything that we can help you with ?

Well that is good news about the coffee table because it's such a statement piece. You have a great foundation lin so with all the right accessories it will pull it all together. Accessories as you know play a key role in taking a room from blah to fabulous so it's all in the details and you will get there. Can't wait to see the drapes !

I love the mirror and the painting. I think you can make the juxtaposition of these two unique pieces work in the same room

I love the sconces too, I was just groping to help because you are so down on this room. It is so lovely even now. Perhaps some interesting vases on top of the chests will turn the trick? Have you considered that?

Oh, so happy you might be able to get the mirrored table repaired!! That is so beautiful. You need some things to go your way!

I hope I'm not bothering you with ideas for the niches and tables, but what about finding two large geodes in with the dark amethyst that the scones could "light up"? That would give some height and interest without making the tables look small? Here is a photo for inspiration, even though the niche and room aren't the same, it is the concept I mean.

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Check on etsy.com - cosmic cuts.

When you go to etsy.com in the search box enter "amethyst cathedral cut" and you will get a lot of photos of items large and small. This type geode was considered by Kings and Queens to have very positive powers of wealth and prosperity so they were revered. Be nice touch for your space since you have done it so well and it deserves some really special pieces. Take a look.