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I think I can comment on your dilemma: right now my biggest problem is the wall above the buffet because my husband is insisting that that specific painting (which I don’t love) has to go there.

Moving into a new house is an exciting and happy event. This is not the time for your husband (and you can tell him I say this) to spoil a lifetime adventure by being a donkey by insisting on hanging a painting you don't like in the dining room. There are lots and lots of walls in a house where it can go.

Sometimes I wonder...no, don't get me going on the word "insist".

Congrats on the new house.

@elcieg, I'm willing to let him have this one because I overrode him on SO many other things during this build. :)

I would paint that niche a turquoise color to complement the painting. Then, I would put a picture light above the frame. One of the problems I see is that the painting itself is so dark. The paint accent and the light would brighten it up.

a few things.

the artwork isn't bad, it just isn't shown correctly.

The frame needs to go. either paint that frame (the turquoise might be nice) or make it natural like the buffet.

The size isn't correct for that wall. too narrow. But if you did some sconces on either side, it would fill up the space.

lastly, that wall color. Go black.

Here, what do you think? you artwork looks a lot better.

a black and white print w/black frame would also look nice w/the black

If you don't want sconces, do a wider print,,,

Here's your artwork as is, w/either a black sconce or the gold one. trying to match your dining light.

If you painted the frame that turquoise shade, I think the black wall would highlight it better. Right now the print is lost w/the white and the gold frame. no?

Since your pendant lights are hung a bit too high over your dining table (and you can't lower them?) I'd suggest bringing in a tall centerpiece to eat up some of that space.

How do you plan on redoing the table? you may not be able to strip that to make it less yellow. just depends on the wood and how it came from the factory. I'm a wood refinisher so if you need some advice on that, let me know

BTW, you could top that buffet piece w/natural stone. either a marble, black marble or even a soapstone would be pretty, especially if you went w/the black accent color

Sorry, when you said the art and your husband insistence on hanging it in the dining room was your biggest problem, I responded in kind.

So, what is the dilemma?

I agree with other posters that painting painting the niche might help with the presentation. If you do so I would suggest painting only the back wall portion of it. Also, as others have posted you can add other elements to make an overall composition. Good luck!

Judianna20 It just doesn’t look right and I’m hoping to be able to do something to make it “fit” because he wants it there so badly.
Painting the wall? Tall candlesticks? Reframing?

I love the idea of a turquoise wall behind the painting I do not like the rug with what will be a different colored wall so maybe instaed of fighting about that art get a new rug add some nice faux silk drapes in the wall color and please do not put sconces in that space maybe a nice pot light but no sconces.Get rid of the ladder thing it does not belong in a DR.

Lots of great suggestions here about how to make the painting fit better. As for the table/buffet clash, it might be easier to restain or paint the buffet than to change the table. Going darker on the buffet would also help add drama to that niche for "framing" the painting.

I am guessing the OP JUST had all her wood work done in that lighter tone so it's there to stay. I prefer the frame and table wood tones. They go well together. The buffet is the odd man out.

Is that a painting of a dog in a uniform?

With Beth...paint the niche wall blue, but work with the background of the piece. On my monitor it looks like a grayed blue.

Thank you everyone for your wonderful suggestions!

I had a lightbulb moment and raised the picture a couple of inches. Huge difference!

I'm definitely going to change the cabinet hardware to black.

And I'm toying with the idea of painting the wall.

I can't do sconces but maybe tall candle holders?

I'd go shopping for a rug to fall in love with and then find art that pulls the colors from it onto that wall. Does hubby have a home office or man cave where that art can go?

You can do sconces! They have battery powered ones! I think painting the wall behind the art, and maybe the sides, would look good. Think about re framing the painting in a narrow, maybe black metal frame. Also, you are just moving in, your husband may change his mind about where he wants the artwork. But if not, it won't be difficult to make it fit in.

One teal, amber comes in set of 3 -- from art. Sconces might look crowded,

I'd like to see candleholder or flower holder where ladder is, to repeat/ refer over to metal and style of ceiling lights and window frames.

Maestro Nuvo Vase Set of 3, Teal · More Info

Maestro Nuvo Vase Set of 3, Amber · More Info

Possible art frame could be more this color - I think might be nice on top of console

Cyril 10.25" Bottles, Set of 2 · More Info

Might be similar enough to your art, and to black items too. 1 where ladder is?

Like a scepter, with stately air / industrial black and goldtone metal is grounded with wood distressing 12 x 38 H

Dina Black/Gold Finish Wall Sconce · More Info

Not sure why candle sconce couldn't hang on each side of art, but on the side walls - mirrored:

Hanging Votive Holder, Set of 2, 6.25"x19.5"H Metal/Glass · More Info

Have to post - is teal in art, with black, and maybe so neutral like the console is - that you wouldn't have to alter table [which would with this rug become a bit of an accent].... ?

Egypt Modern Teal, Black Area Rug, 9'x13' · More Info

Diamond Solid Color Hand Blown Art Glass Vase, Gift Box, Turquoise · More Info

Sorry that I envision that painting the wall will draw attention to the art, though nice, abstract and 'grand' in its own way. I wish you could place vases, a bowl in color you like from the art.

He might have in his mind the type of item that could further the vibe that he likes.... Could it be pottery? modern-smooth glass like ones I posted? Art gallery niche.

Idk but as example, I think of dressy fans used around the world - possibly something is in your possession that'd be 'home'... on each side of the art.

Florid Fantasy Lacquered Wood Catchall Tray · More Info

19 colors. Black could be tie in with pendants.

Gurgle Pot Pitcher, 42oz Capacity, 9.5" x 6.75", Black · More Info

Ball Recycled Glass Vase and Arched Metal Stand, Clear · More Info

Trivo Three Recycled Glass Vases and Metal Stand, Aqua Blue · More Info

Goes with gold in the room -

Murano Glass Design Toscana Crystal Vase Amber Smoke · More Info

Murano Glass Design Sardinia Crystal Vase Amber Smoke · More Info

3 pendants, could try 2 on the dining table....

Geometric Ruby Faceted Gem Glass Vase, Dodecahedron, 1 Piece · More Info

@everdebz I like so many of your suggestions! I think I have a problem with scale though. Putting small things on the buffet doesn’t feel right somehow.

The are photos of the living room shelving to give you an idea o our style. I’m still scratching my head over these too.

Ok... have you placed any there, to experiment?

I have but they all seem to small. (Those candlesticks are going soon.)

Those living room shelves are tricky, because they force small items. Easy to get cluttered. Try spreading out what you have a little more--a few existing items on the top left shelf. But also consider removing at least one shelf to make space for a taller item. I like the idea of all 4 shelves on the right, but a mixture of book groupings and decorative items, with lots of space mixed between, and just the "mantle" shelf on the left, with a larger-scale item on it. Maybe a round decorative platter. Or a plant. Something to add softness. Or keep the left as is, and remove the shelf on the right between the console and the mantle. Put a nice table lamp on the console, and then a nice reading chair in that corner.

@mccarroll16, unfortunately the shelves are fixed.

I’m going to add a separate post for the living room. 🙂

Asymmetrical is ok... add candles...groups the 3 on same side even. Make it your tabletop [he has the art after all!]

shelves look a bit unbalanced

I added to them a bit and gave you a nice piece of art

or try something like this

Not enough decisions as to rug, etc. as to accenting paint. Might be fab - a rust warm red idk... from rug.

But looking at the art's grey antiqued / distressed, it could be really nice using items with 'imperfect' aged finishes ---or Color !!!

You could try a large plate [Home Goods might have, on a stand]. It doesn't have to be left, right, or both....

I see this lamp at the side, and think you could experiment with art at the side, and any lamp.

Woodside Decorator Showhouse · More Info

Nuloom 31" Glass Scale Mesh Linen Shade Black, 3-Way Switch Table Lamp · More Info

Sconce is ok... I don't think this is small, with 2 ..?

Elijah Metal and Glass Table Lamp, Black Finish, Amber Tinted Glass Shade · More Info

If lighting item had a finish you like, could have frame match /blend --

Michael's tube of wax alters with rubbing and buffing. ... rub n buff called?

Luna 1-Light Table Lamp, New Age Brass/Black Matrix · More Info

A diy idea: I like the gold fine, esp. with red rug. If the modern black could be changed with Rub n Buff to a warm finish, could look nice, almost eclectic in direction. The black window frames are not working imo, but could be covered....

Regarding your open shelves, there are lots of articles (and examples, if a visual person) on Pinterest on how to tackle. https://chelseyfreng.com/2021/09/28/how-to-style-open-shelves-with-my-favorite-finds/