A simple uncluttered vase.

A pair of these at 35" high; on sale for $849 each!!!

Is that your front door? Do you use those closets?

Those are closets on either side of the front door?

I'm pretty sure I would do something outrageous there! Perhaps take doors off, make the whole shebang into an art gallery! Miniature, and the top areas with pottery such as posted above. Or curiosity closets. I just can't imagine what I would do. But it would be interesting. Or make space into windows.

It's unusual.

I think I'd get furniture and rugs in before making any moves on the niches. Whatever goes in there has to be worthwhile. How about custom stained glass inserts? Sort of like faux windows to mirror the center one?

I have a friend who has a house with niches like that all over the place in odd locations. After much experimentation he came to the conclusion that it was best just to pretend they don't exist rather than to draw attention to them.

I'm gonna say it.

The nooks aren't a big deal. The closet doors are what's bugging some of us. They are too prominent. BUT! it might just be the weird lighting in the photo. And they won't be as obvious when the room is furnished anyway. So I still think dealing with the niches and closets should be one of the last things to do in there.

Thank you. The picture is from 2 1/2 years ago when I had just bought the house. It could be the lighting, but nobody that’s been in there has ever said it looked odd. It’s probably at least a 1000-1200 square foot room. I’m slowly doing projects and adding things, but I could never come up with something for those spots. Thought I’d ask on here, but kind of wishing I hadn’t now.

First this is a large area. I would address the whole space and perhaps you have? This is a traditional styled space. Ideal for a round entry table with a oversized flower arrangement. If that would be pleasing, then some large porcelain chargers on Asian stands or decorative stands would be all that is needed. It is a formal space so any ceramic items need to hold up to the formality of the space. On the other hand if you choose a more modern look, I would change out the chandelier for a great contemporary one and put appropriate other deco items in the space. A couple contemporary chairs and entry table, signature wallpaper and coordinate art pieces in the niches. So what is the style profile you wish to have in this entry?

Thanks for the detailed post, Flo. I’m getting the idea that I should probably contact a pro in my area to come out and work with me. For the most part, this area is a blank canvas other than area rug and furniture. To this point I’ve concentrated on landscaping, tiling the back splash and a half bath, as well as other little miscellaneous projects. I think someone like yourself would be a benefit to pull everything together like I couldn’t. Thanks again for the thoughts.

You are welcome. I found some inspirational photos for you to consider. Different styles but you could do anything you want in this great space. Modern looks can be incorporated into traditional spaces if done carefully. Lots of ways to go. One concern is the flooring. It looks like the edges of each board are lifting. Possible moisture problem? Might need to address that before say laying a good rug in the space. Be happy to help you with this space.

Yes, the house was a foreclosure and vacant for a couple years. The basement flooded at some point and the floor needs to be replaced. There’s a lot of oak in the house, so I think I need to go that route with the floor. With the great room, first floor master, a landing and a hallway, it’s probably 1500-1800 square feet. With oak around $5 per sq foot, that’s a costly project that I’ve been putting off. It’s not so bad that I needed to do it right away, so I focused on other projects. I’m a bit south of Cleveland and I’m doing stuff little by little as I can, so I’d hate to waste your time. Thanks for the pictures and the info.

I would make them in to cupboards !

Based on all you have to do to the house, I would ignore the nooks. A good decorating rule is to decorate "where the people are". When confronted with a large space, people feel the need to fill it all up. If you decorate the living area in a nice way, the higher spaces will look airy and nice and not feel empty.

Also, the general consensus here is that the closets and nooks look out of place. You posted that no one that has come to your house has mentioned that issue to you. Most people that come to your house are your guests and polite (unlike some here!) and probably would not be blunt with you. So, I would add to your renovating list the possibility of taking out the closets and nook.