Paint it the same as the room to the left, then hang a piece of art.

Thank you for the reply! It actually is the same color as both walls, I guess the lighting was off. What size/orientation art would you suggest?

A framed Gregory Colbert photo with a Rwandan peace basket:

Or maybe a tall Bwa plank mask...

Whatever you put there should be worth looking at and fill the space.

Make sure whatever you put there doesn't compete with the candle sconce on the adjacent wall. So no wire sculpture.

How about a drop-zone/ charging station for cells? something like this link?

Another thought (on one diagonal wall): a command center off the family room and entry, like this message center? In your case, you might consider a cabinet on the upper part for placing keys, mail, remotes.

Thank you for the ideas! I have a very difficult time committing to art....especially on a large scale which is probably my issue here.

Love that charging station idea! Unfortunately I don’t think it could work with my space but that’s definitely so cool.

Might be worth having it framed out and drywalled like a normal corner if that’s an option!

Thanks so much for the feedback. A construction project isn’t in the budget at the moment so I’m hoping to make it work with decorating for now. Although I do hope to close it up in the future!

Meanwhile I picked this up at home goods today...what do you think of this?

Honest opinion: the clock is boring. You have a candle sconce on the adjacent wall which is already one thing without much interest. Surely you can find a piece of art that makes your heart go pitty-pat and doesn't look like 1000 other things at Hobby Lobby.

Love that Dina, much better than the clock!

Groveraxle's right about that clock--boring and cheap looking. But the art you replaced it with is no better--very generic and commercial and mass produced looking (and looks like Home Goods).

Stay away from décor stores.

Put something there that's worth looking at--hand-made by a real artist. It's spring; go to art shows in the next few months, make a day of it, have lunch, have some wine. Buy something that speaks to you, meet the artist, get some stories.

Case in point: There is a juried Fine Crafts Fair next weekend (2nd weekend in May) in Rittenhouse Square in Philly. I cruised by there last year while walking to the hardware store and found a wonderful infra-red photo of Philadelphia that really spoke to me. Bought it on the spot. It was inexpensive enough that I didn't have to think about it, and I went on with the rest of my errands. But I also go back specifically to see things. I don't usually buy, but it's a great way to spend an afternoon even if I don't buy. Events like that happen all over the country (and you may see the same artists exhibiting near you).

One meaningful piece of art is worth a dozen (or two dozen) pieces of manufactured junk from Home Goods/Marshalls/etc.

Dina, your art looks good there. Hang it and put those two candlesticks on the ledge in front and call it done.

We have one too- I hate it. We always joke that the only suitable thing is a Emmy or jimmy hendrix signed guitar- neither of which we have. And ours is right when you walk in the front door. This is what I have, it’s good enough for now but I don’t love it.

Yes! I always think that too. To make matters worse the wall has a knock down texture on it which dates this whole space even more.

Or how about family photos? Although I don’t love a gallery wall. Maybe one large canvas image?

I think groveraxle's mask idea is really good -- something sculptural that sits on the ledge and makes it look like the niche is meant for something 3D.

Hang it and move on. Someday you'll stumble across a piece that makes your heart sing and you can buy it and make the space perfect. Or you'll decide it's time to close it up. In the meantime, this is good enough.

not "good enough" grover, it's good!

Hang the art you have. And while I personally love the idea of a Bwa mask, I wouldn't choose something like that unless I had an affinity for tribal art -- and I do, so I'd choose it; but my point is, I don't think that's something that should be chosen just because its size and shape fills the space, ya know? Go with your art. It works.

IdaClaire, I have to laugh because I push Bwa masks and Yoruba crowns and Senufo stools quite a bit. Something about the rustic simplicity of African art speaks to me. In fact, my coffee table is a Senufo bed carved from a single tree.

That said, my real point in posting these things is to suggest that there's a whole world of beautiful, interesting art and artifacts that won't be found in Hobby Lobby or Home Goods. Whether it's Gujarati wall hangings or Thai puppets or Chulucanas vases that float your boat, having them in your home can cause you to enter with a sense of wonder instead of coming home to meh.

Look at this Japanese Kintsugi. Now, how gorgeous is this piece of formerly-broken pottery?

Sometimes things are better ignored. I have a space that’s similar and nothing in 25 years has ever looked right. It’s become a landing spot for the cats.

I know what you mean, grover. And actually, as you indicate, it's a good thing that you do "push" unusual items, as you may very well be opening eyes to a whole new world of art and artifacts! Who am I to say that someone won't fall in love with a tribal piece and decide to learn more, really delving into the art and meaning behind it. My reservation is when people choose those special pieces only because they think they "go" with the sofa or otherwise just fill the space well, and I selfishly want people to love the art and artifacts for all that they are. I'm not quite sure why I care so much, or take personally how others choose to live with those items in their own homes. (hashtag stupid pet peeve, perhaps) ;-)

That Japanese bowl is divine.

Hi Dina,

What did you en up doing? In case you are still looking, I found this one, and I thought you might like to do some version of it:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/chilliwack-central-traditional-kitchen-vancouver-phvw-vp~1081493