if you get rid of those columns (which might look odd because of the arch) then what about the other columns and arches?

Ideally, to moderize, you'd want them all removed. The slight arch on the larger opening is fine, but I'd probably straighten out all of the other smaller arches, opening up everything.

you don't have any extra flooring?

what you could do is just redo the columns to a less fussy style.

similar to this, but not w/the large taper at the bottom. same size up and down.

As for the wall, is there a buffet that sits there? I like your idea of some nice artwork. either one large piece, or two smaller pieces. three might be too busy looking.

you could also do some wall panel trim work to match the trim on the other column base

maybe do a large cabinet piece, or, have something built-in

first things first. Prep the wall for primer and paint. Make certain the wall is free of any glue dots. The finish is only as good as the prep. Once you have painted the wall, you can put up some paper sized to your expectations. Play with a few ideas and colors, the light will help determine.

I see a small circle in the arch at each end - are those can lights? If yes, art might be the thing to hang.

How about scenic wallpaper?

Dining Room Murals · More Info

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Dining Room Murals · More Info

Thanks to all of you for your ideas. I do have some extra flooring but need it to replace the flooring that was damaged when the mirror fell so the base the columns are sitting on will have to stay. I will eventually be removing the other columns that you can see in my photos and will probably square off the arch for a more contemporary look.

There’s really not much room for a piece of furniture against the wall unless I do something that’s 12” or less in depth. Would that look ok?

Sometimes I think that I’ve become too fixated with removing the columns and that I’m better off leaving them. If I hang a couple of nice abstract pieces of art that will take the focus off the columns. What do you all think? Spend the money on the art rather than on removing the columns.

@martir Yes to keeping columns & adding art. @houssaon idea of art via a scenic wallpaper or mural is one that I’d really consider. That would add depth to the space and really have a wowee impact. Not an inexpensive idea but then neither were the mirrors that failed & it would be $$ well spent since that space is so visible.

I like your columns and agree that in the long run, it might be best to keep them. Just a warning. It might be difficult to get the black glue off your drywall. If that is the case, you may have to take down the drywall and replace it. So glad no one was hurt when it happened! You would think that with that much glue on the wall, it would have been secure. YIKES!

As someone who works in risk management, is your daughter the only one with that type of mirror in the neighborhood, or is it a thing put in the builder in lots of the houses of the same age? If so, it would be good to tell the others and the builder of the incident.

Figure out what you're doing with the columns before paint, wallpaper or art. I would continue the wall straight down from the top of the arches to the bases, so you end up with a large arched wall alcove and don't see any type of column. Whatever you do for the dining area should be continued for the other columns. The alcove would be a great place for a buffet table with artwork above.

I had my contractor come and he thinks that it will be better to just out up new drywall given the labor intensive work of taking off the glue and fixing the wall.

RMC - I did let neighbors know what happened but no one seemed too concerned. These homes were built 20 years ago and a few people had the builder do the mirrors but the general consensus was that what happened to me was just a freak accident. Hope they are right.

Calidesign- not quite sure what you’re suggesting. Do you mean just put up drywall and hide the columns completely?

Not sure a mural would work because everything seems to be very traditional which is just not the style of my house.

There are a couple of artists whose work I’ve found online that I think would work well on this wall. I can’t figure out how to post the art here, but their names are Margaret Juul and Grace Popp.

My suggestion was to add drywall columns over the round ones, into the bases, so all you see is the arched alcove in the dining area, and full open arches in the other area. So the dining area would look like this example.

Vero Beach, Florida · More Info

You could also do a level 5 dry wall finish. The drywallers will plaster the entire wall and sand it smooth. I think they need to peel off the glue globs and paper and use a drywall primer first.

This design comes in different sized panels

https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/871875639/blue-rose-gold-marble-set-of-3-prints?ref=landingpage_similar_listing_top-1&pro=1&frs=1

I looked up both of your artists - Grace Popp definitely!, love her art!

I very much like your idea of buying art work instead of spending money to replace the columns. Art that you love will bring you pleasure every day. Living column-free, probably much less so.

The arches don't seem unworkable -- I actually like that they pick up the graceful arch of your dining chairs. And much of your other furniture that I can see is also curved, so to me there is some fit. I agree it would be more gratifying to spend the money on artwork rather than tearing out and trying to rebuild something that isn't horrible (although I would remove the rectangular trim from the bases, a pretty simple streamlining task). Personally, I'd try reaching out to the artist, maybe send her a few photos, and see what ideas she might have for that formerly-mirrored space. She might get a kick out of the story and the challenge! http://www.gracepoppart.com/contact.html

Oooh, I just looked the artist up in more detail -- turns out she lives in my state! https://www.fulcrumgallery.com/artist-grace-popp.aspx