How about an extra long console with two lamps flanking the tv on the console. Or, a console under the tv and two floor lamps flanking the console.

Or, art surrounding the tv?

I love everything about that first picture Darzy.

Why do architects do this to us?!?!?

To address the immense height of the ceiling and cavernous feeling it creates you need to break up and DEFINE all the areas.

Consider adding molding to the ceiling and around the opening to the kitchen. Btw, the scale would be improved if that opening could be doubled in size.

Consider painting the angular wall area of the stairwell a darker color to help it recede and anchor the staircase. This will also help define the stair case as a distinct architectural element. Hang a large vertical painting at the top of the stairs to further define that space.

By creating more interest you will conquer this design dilemma. As will Darzy's suggestions!

Large scale fireplace with over mantel mirror along with art work?

With a wall of that size, I think you need to do some sort of shallow built in shelving that incorporates the tv, up to the height of the doorway.

Take a look at the IKEA Besta unit. Lots of combinations for color and coordinating pieces.

Thank all! The opening to the right is a hallway that leads to the garage and to our master. The kitchen has a large opening behind where the photo was taken. :)

Darzy has some great ideas. Keep in mind when decorating high ceilinged rooms, focus on the space at human height, and ignore the rest. Really.

I'm a carpenter , so I think like one. That's why I would build bookshelves all the way to the ceiling , about 16 ft and 9 ft wide. It would look very dramatic if designed well.

OR ... 10ft - 12 ft high with a place for the tv. It would be three sections wide.

Alex, Palo Alto

Make it an accent wall by either a single larger focal point or what what I would do is give the room dimension by doing a wainscoting wall. I would bring the wainscoting level with the air vents so they would "disappear". You have a great space and hopefully you can find a solution that will make you happy.

Also the best part about the wainscoting is that it can even be a DYI project on the cheap!

Cover it in white washed shiplap siding. This will remove the boring of a big blank wall, giving the space detail and texture without taking over every other design element in the room.

That 2nd pic really does the trick Kristine! Look how they successfully balanced all the elements of the space?

Great job!

Thank you all SO much!! These are all GREAT ideas!! I love the wainscoting and trying to hide those vents - they're such an eye sore!!

How far to the right should I go with the wainscoting?? All the way to the doorway? Or should I include the doorway??

copy the 2nd pic from Kristine as much as you can with the wainscoting idea - meaning the wainscot should end at the top of the vent eyesores we all hate and just skim the top of the doorway.

Sorry just saw your comment! I would do as suggest by making it a continuous line all the way across from where you stop with the vent covers, included the full surround of the door-end it at the edge of the staircase. Otherwise you will crest angles which might look add on such a flat wall.

I think the the wainscoting will be perfect for your space!

No wainscoting for a modern home.

Spend your money on a fabulous console for under the TV.

This is a pretty poor mock up but its only paint lol

Wainscoting is very popular even in modern homes; there are lots of styles you can choose from and even more contemporary colors if you want. I think the white is very classic and you cant really go wrong with it, here is an example of how someone framed out a doorway and created a line to help define the space.

This is a poor mock up using paint but you can at least see the idea behind it, also you could even do cable management behind the paneling so you could mount the TV.