I agree with Susan; contrasting that space only will emphasize the vertical too much which is a pointless feature to which the eye is drawn. Just blend it with the surrounding wall.

If you want to do wallpaper you could put Lincrusta wallpaper or something similar there. It’s textured designs, paintable and gorgeous.

We suggest that you put the fireplace back or create a "faux fireplace" because the room will never look right with a large chimney butting out into the room.

Nothing like a fireplace "re-think" your plan here.

Good luck,

Kevin

The amount of space you have allows for a really large scale pattern wallpaper. Take a look at Farrow & Ball wallpapers-- they have some beautiful large scale patterns but in subtle colors & with coordinating paint colors. BUT... are you thinking of papering over the projecting red surface as well as the walls? Not sure how great it will look with that projecting "bump" in the wall surface-- I'd be inclined to remove the whole projecting surface so that the wall is flat & smooth, or put back a fireplace. Or, if the "bump" in the wall must remain, try either painting it the same color as the wall surrounding it, or a color that would cooridnate with the wallpaper surrounding it. Wallpaper is expensive, it might be a bit risky to try if the bump in the wall is still there. If budget doesn't allow, a temporary solution might be to place a piece of case furniture there, or a handsome screen to hide the lower part of the bump. Good luck, mp!

Beautiful chandelier, and room!

I hope there are some commenters that can photoshop some great design possibilities for you. My thoughts would be that the original firebox was too small in scale, kind of like the idea of making a better scaled faux fireplace, with maybe a cool art piece, or shelves above?

Please post after pics! Best of luck!

Me again, it just occurs to me if you like DIY projects, you could find a folding screen and cover the inset panels with the matching wallpaper.

Are you keeping the chandelier and do you have any ideas about repurposing the space, possibly creating another fireplace unit (if technically possible) —- ?

`my first impulse would be to install a cocoon fireplace with an exceptionally long stovepipe, and I would keep the chandelier. They come in all colors and finishes like stainless steel

Cocoon Fireplaces · More Info

If that weren’t technically possible I would consider using the lower part of the unit as a bar for drinks, with lots of mirrors and glass shelves and 2 barstools. Maybe I would drop museum banner down from the top, or get a digital huge blow up of a favorite travel photo...

Finally, I know artists, so I would ask one of them to create something unique, with paint, molding, wallpaper — whatever they like.

But I probably never would have removed the electric fireplace. I think it looks fascinating just as it is. It’s like a constructivist sculpture.

You can get various works by Malevich as wall decals in a variety of sizes. I think one strategically placed above your ex-electric fireplace would be interesting

Kazimir Malevich Suprematism, 18"x27" Wall Decal · More Info

Kazimir Malevich Suprematism, 18"x27" Wall Decal · More Info

Thanks for you suggestions.

I love the bold red because it compliments the Chandelier . I would add a gold stencil over the red to really make it more dimensional.