Does he love those niche type walls ? Is this owned or is he renting? Custom decorated by who , him or the last owner? I really dislike these type of overdone wall treatments but if he loves them then maybe he needs to to more custom decor and for sure not 2 exactly the same pieces in a spot and certainly not those framed pieces on that wall either . Ca we see the spaces from further back and also his furniture in place all of that before choosing where and what to hang .

Hi there. It looks like he will be moving in a more contemporary direction based upon what's been selected so far. I have a few suggestions that may work. First, in the niche above the bench, I would use one vertical picture that brings in the blue and gray color, not two. There are several online outlets to find larger artwork at a reasonable price. Then, I would not put pictures in the zigzag shaped niche. A different type of decor item would work better, and less is more if he's going contemporary. Consider a tall vase in blue or clear glass or a natural material, or even a white vase perhaps, either with some blue pampas grass. I would place the vase in the middle of the niche, under the mid-level height of the zigzag. Hope that helps.

Hi @Patricia Colwell Consulting - I posted more photos looking for advice but we got no response: https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6297740/help-with-living-room-layout-please

He has new couches on the way, they are a blue gray color, new coffee table, new end table, 2 new gray recliners, also has a new black ikea entertainment center installed. He owns the house and had it built and custom decorated years ago. He's trying to update everything but it was so custom that this is a major project.....

@lorrrr - thanks for the advice. I agree with something besides photos in the larger zig zag opening. A Vase might be an idea if he can find one not too deep with the blue pampas grass.

Is that furniture his & is the same style throughout the living areas in home? If yes, the art pieces are a big discconect for me. Too modern for bench & cabinet. Does he ”collect” anything that could be displayed on walls? Is that entire space between front door & bench a foyer or entry way? If yes, maybe a larger area rug than shown is needed?

Yeah, it sounded like he was "redecorating" the whole house so that was my assumption. I almost started off my comment by saying that it looks like he has a few design styles going on. The pictures and the new palette are definitely more contemporary than what he's got going on now. If it's within his budget he also might consider going lighter on the walls too. I haven't checked out your other link as I just saw you posted it.

Hi everyone if you look at the other link I posted you can see more views of the living room. Please ignore the furniture as like I said he is in the process of redecorating the entire house. He’s got new couches and recliners and coffee table and end table on the way. He has already installed a new IKEA entertainment center that is black as well. The original post that I posted a link to above was asking for help on the entire living room layout. If it’s best I can come back and update this post when we get the other furniture. The couches aren’t coming until December though. Recliners and coffee table and end table should be this week. Yes he still has some old brown wooden furniture but I think the intent is to get rid of all that and modernize it. The house was just painted on the inside so changing wall color isn’t an option. The carpet is also new.

Art is the jewelry of a home. You don't usually put on your earrings, etc until you're dressed. Then you select something that works with your outfit. Wait until the furniture, fabrics and textiles are in to select art and decor pieces.

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never a fan of "niched wall"! but since you mentioned this home was custom, which means he designed this sort of walls. so it is what it is. my best advice is forget about generic acrylic "art" pieces you showed here, try sculpture - one piece that fits with the entire niche. if he can have a custom home built, he can find a local artist and commission one that fits. if it is not possible, try groups of paintings and/or photographs (aka collage) that are 1) interesting 2) original 3) and PLEASE NOT the same size and the same theme - they only make the all set up look cheap and contrite. another idea - try floating shelf. this website has many great examples of display using floating shelves. (i am attaching a pic of my own living room i just did. it is not a good one. but i used floating shelf idea for the wall on the left side.) last but not the least, paint the back of niches a color ... your friend likes grey. try a medium grey.

I think your friend should find real art to fall in love with and not focus on gray and blue, but on something that moves him. Nice space to work with though.

I recommend one piece of art on canvas without a frame for the rectangular niche. Let all the levels of drywall act as the frame.

For the stepped niche I'd recommend genuine tea lights or battery-operated ones hanging in glass holders. There is a wide variety of them available. The back of the niche could be painted in a blue paint if necessary.

Love Beverly’s idea. It opens many other possibilities. Like using plants instead of candles.

I would add a tile mosiac wall feature in the very square opening. I love that look. Something morrocan inspired like below.