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messyartist

The empty corner challenge

13 years ago
We have made huge changes to the formal living room of our new house, an English Tudor style (a bit formal for my taste in general). The designer advising us suggested a ridiculously expensive phony tree for the empty corner to the right of the fireplace. I don't do phony plants, and I do NOT have a green thumb for the real thing. I need ideas! We have a library near this room, so a book case doesn't make sense. We love art, but don't like a lot of little things sitting all over the house. Help!

Comments (26)

  • 13 years ago
    maybe a small/narrow chest of drawers wit a lamp and a couple of framed family photos. I think any additional art would conflict with your fireplace piece.
  • 13 years ago
    what about some glass shelving going across that area.....with pretties in it! but i really like brenda's idea of a chest there and lamp.
  • 13 years ago
    a tall big piece of sculpture would be nice too!
  • 13 years ago
    How about moving the lamp and table to the sofa on the right by the fireplace? The lamp will take up some vertical space.

    I think if there were a patterned area rug, you eye would not be drawn to the walls.

    You could put a chest with a lamp and some other objects on either side of the fireplace:
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  • 13 years ago
    You may not like phony plants, but if you look around at different stores I think you will find something that you will like. Plus the room could use some natural elements in it some a plant of some kind (phony or not) would be greatly beneficial.
  • 13 years ago
    2 large vases/urns with large branches coming out of it! You don't have to water and it's very clean looking in design! Not cluttered at all! My gosh you can go out and cut down a small tree in the woods and strip off the leaves!
  • 13 years ago
    If you are open to floor plan changes, I would place your chair and small table in that corner, with a floor lamp. Swing the couch around to face the fireplace--couches are more of an L, which feels less formal to me. Beautiful room, and colors!
  • PRO
    13 years ago
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  • PRO
    13 years ago
    I am with Jdforney, a sculptural floor lamp is an excellent idea !!
  • 13 years ago
    I vote for a floor lamp also!
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Sculpture! I like the amusement park photo, why not a 3D piece to complement it. Wood or metal would be great. You could check architectural salvage stores as well for something with the right patina to add some warmer color.
  • 13 years ago
    ......sculpture with lighting shooting up behind it....either traditional or modern would work....all up to your taste.

    you could also attach an antique door there that is very ornate and attach it to the wall as if it is a working door with a frame and glass door knob. If you want it to actually open/function, there could be a mirror inside attached to the wall? . May be an interesting conversation piece.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    Think this room needs a bit of subtle colour., and an organic component. Would like to see something tall on one side - an tall, urn or basket with mixed tones of natural-coloured branches, incl. green. Something lower, and warmer, on the other - a chest of drawers in lovely wood or a colour (pale yellow) to also tie in with the adjoining room - is it a green tone? Couldn't tell for sure. And an piece of architectural salvage above it - something with a non-linear look to tie in with the beautiful fireplace, wood that's just oiled and not painted.. Would definitely soften it with an area rug, too - something natural and soothing, again possibly a pale green, or mauve, maybe sisal. Don't like the idea of a mirror in this room other than where the art is - few people like to sit in a living room and see themselves every way they turn, and it doesn't warm the room. Would also suggest 3 black frames with family photos hung vertically under one another to the left of the archway.
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    How about a tall funky vase with some tall grasses in it?
  • 13 years ago
    You need a palm tree for that corner. You could add a can light on the floor behind the palm and have the light shine up through the fronds. Also like kelly's open screen.
  • 13 years ago
    living · More Info

    a decor similar to the inspiration pic?
  • 13 years ago
    Try 44" floor vases in silver at overstock.com
  • 13 years ago
    Floating shelves with select decor, books, crystal...
    Grandfather clock makes a statement.

    You are correct...no fake tree. Home Depot, Lowes, offers many at lower prices...can replace when needed.

    I used a large pot/vase before and placed branches in it before also.....paint branches different colors for different times of year.
  • 13 years ago
    Or....
    Place sofa parallel to fireplace and a chair and small table on each side of fireplace might work as well.

    Grey chair not really fitting in though.
  • 13 years ago
    I love mirrors to reflect light from adjacent windows. I could see matching large mirrors hung on each side of the FP, placed to reflect the light and add some sparkle. Simple, yet stunning. Wall to wall upholstered benches on each side of the fireplace under the mirrors would fill the space, add width to the room, and add some additional overflow seating. Good luck
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  • 13 years ago
    I agree with the simple approach of moving the table and lamp to the right side of the FP by that sofa. Near the window I'd try a palm - get detailed instructions for maintaining it from the nursery and challenge yourself.
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    You could do a rounded corner wine cabinet. Local cabinet maker could help you design something.
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  • 11 years ago

    I would suggest some trim like a white-painted chair rail about the height of the fireplace mantel to break up the plain space. I do agree with another poster about moving the end table and lamp to the right side of the fireplace. Another idea would be to have an area rug in something like cranberry (sculpted rather than print) to add warmth and texture. This room has so much beauty in its simplicity that it does not need much of anything. However, I would suggest putting a matching or coordinating piece of wall art on the left side of the arch shown in the second photo.

  • 11 years ago

    I would use a beautiful, and-painted screen in that corner--three or four panel. There are lots of them on wayfair.com, just Google "floor screens" or "room dividers."