Congrats on the condo! I do feel the current trim calls attention to it - if it were me, I would continue the bump out to the ceiling and drywall the whole thing to help it disappear

Thank you for that input! I think that would be more pleasing!

It's quirky but innocuous. Taking it to the ceiling would to me look like an elevator-to-nowhere. Definitely don't put a plant up there! Getting a stronger entry rug would help keep the eye focused lower (not this one specifically, but just to illustrate how strong)

, and since you have so much sun at the left of the door, a showy plant -- either with big leaves, or good height, flowers or fruit -- would do the trick too. (And if you want, paint the crown molding the same color as the wall.)

One more tip: get a reading lamp where the lamp head points downward, like a pharmacy lamp, for that corner, instead of your floor lamp.

I agree with La La Girl. I saw a similar fix and it was a great solution.

The trim draws attention. either remove the trim or paint it the wall colour.

Thank you! All good advice. I reached out to the builder…since my materials for framing are already ordered, too late to change now. I would have to do the framing and drywall myself or hire out. It’s always a possibility, but a simple décor solution is preferable now. I like the idea of painting the trim same as wall color, and thanks my two cents for the rug idea! Keep in mind this is the model that is pictured.

I would live with it for a while. What bothers you now may very well fall by the wayside a few months from now.

Personally I would not invest in recreating a tall column there. I would most likely remove the white molding and leave as is.

That’s true. It’s not as noticeable when you’re actually in the space, but I sometimes focus too much on details. Most people probably won’t notice. I do think painting the trim as the wall color will help.

I appreciate all these good ideas! Thanks!

No decor. Something up there would draw the eye to this odd/unattractive feature.

Similar to setting a flower pot atop a cutoff tree stump. Just remove the stump!

Definitely agree! Less is more in this situation!

I’m feeling much better about this now! Thanks Houzz community!

Leaving it as is is a perfectly acceptable solution.

As much as I generally go for less is more, this is also a spot where something can be placed and viewed from the second floor.

Wait till you move in and see what inspires you.

Thank you Jennifer! Good idea to wait and see what inspires. I do have a large copper bin that might look cool up there 🤷🏻‍♀️

Or NOT…haha

Nothing there is no reason to draw attention to thta at all and who would dust it , in fact I would probably just have it made to be a bumpout all the way to the ceiling to avod the dust collecting there at all.

I can see myself enjoying beautiful art / sculpture from the upstairs balcony.

"I reached out to the builder…since my materials for framing are already ordered, too late to change now."

That is ridiculous! He definitely has a few extra 2x4s and sheetrock to cover that up. Look around the development ... you will see plenty of wasted materials!

OP send Pal's photo to your builder and tell him he has poor design skills and is cheap!!

I would ask them to make it shorter and with no trim

Congrats on the new home!

Thanks Debbi, That’s an interesting solution. Having the builder alter anything now is a little complicated. It’s not a custom home, so lots of timelines and possibly change orders come into play… I should have thought about it earlier on.
I think suggestions of living with it for awhile and simple fix like making it less noticeable (painting trim same color) might work for now.
I do like your solution though! Thanks for taking the interest!
Ha! I definitely will not put a plant up there😊

I wondered if painting that bump out area black might look kinda cool. Maybe set it off on it’s own?? What do you think?

I know this is a fireplace, but pretend there’s a door there🤔