How about a pan of river rocks with potted indoor plants spaced either evenly or in a mixed sized and 'random' placement?

I agree or just remove it and have as step up there .

We used to have river rocks in it but my dogs thought it was a potty option for them. 😤
Thinking of possibly putting a piece of plain marble on top of it with some sort of sculpture. Hoping for other ideas though.

clean up the copper. just use a green scrubby pad and soft cleaner (bar keepers friend will work).

plug up the nail holes w/a dab of construction of adhesive, wipe flush.

I think it's cool. I'd put some potted plants in there and call it a day. it would work w/the rest of the decor.

would look better if you used copper pots w/the walnut wood stand

Marble would not be the thing to use to cover it.

if you want to cover it, use a slat wood. stain a rich walnut

Or put a slat wood bench in the finished copper pan

whatever you do, don't ruin the copper! it will look amazing once you get it clean up, add some wood around and some greenery.

I love these ideas! Thank you so much.

Where did you find these copper pots?

the ombre black/copper are from here (but I think they're across the pond)

https://www.made.com/outdoor-and-garden/pots-planters/where/colour~Copper

Try this Etsy site. these are beautiful

https://www.etsy.com/in-en/listing/648426961/handmade-solid-copper-round-bottom-plant

I'm sure they could match the ombre black look if you like.

These are mcm appropriate. not always cheap though. the wood is walnut.

search, "copper pots" copper interior planters", etc.

amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Copper-Planters/s?k=Copper+Planters

overstock has the egg pots

https://www.overstock.com/copper-planters,/k,/results.html?SearchType=Header

atomic bullet planters

Amazon also has these cement planters. this might look cool if you want to do a bunch of succulents in the copper thing.

you could take plain terra cotta or some other plain material and spray them to look copper

BTW, if you want to make your copper inset more patina looking, (after you give it a good shining

) there are things you can do to get that look.

Modern Masters even has some stuff you can spray. (but you can make your own)