A good option is to purchase a large wall decal. I love the birch and how it looks with your existing sectional:) The pillows are available here:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/172267564/chevron-brown-white-burlap-pillow-cover?ref=sr_gallery_14&ga_search_query=brown+and+white+pillows&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=brown+and+white+pillows

https://www.etsy.com/listing/158000808/brown-white-burlap-pillow-cover-italian?ref=sr_gallery_38&ga_search_query=brown+and+white+pillows&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=brown+and+white+pillows

The Decal here:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/93009462/large-wall-birch-tree-decal-forest-kids?ref=sr_gallery_2&sref=sr_d6b7add9a4b7051ba9d0779170a758426970154864ca03b86c42290ea5d456cc_1386553068_14184334_vinyl&ga_search_query=large+vinyl+art&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all

I'm thinking sepia tone and photography canvas would maintain the serene vibe I get from room. You have lively color in sofa so, I think natural tones of sepia photography could look warm and interesting. Will create sketch for you and post.

I think square or rectangle art would not work with the squareness of the sofa and ottoman. What about a large industrial letter/letters instead? Or a large round or oval mirror?

I would also consider a sofa table behind the couch on the right. You could add some pretty table lamps there and that would also fill the space as you view that wall , provide some low lighting, and a place to set a glass down.

You have a lovely space and I love your rattan cubes. Best of luck!

barnandbungalow.com

Hi qwanda, you are welcome to check out our page here to see if there is anything you may like. Here are a few ideas. You can order our art prints on canvas or on art paper/framed, in any size you need. And you will see more art choices at
http://ben-and-raisa-gertsberg.artistwebsites.com/galleries.html Enjoy!... Raisa

Original African- American art bought directly from the artist would put the money where it is most needed.

http://au.search.yahoo.com/tablet/s?p=African-American+artists&ei=UTF-8&fr=yfp-t-501-s

Hi qwanda, the bare wall looks fantastic as it is, no need to hang anything on it. Not sad at all. Congrats on your SEVEN years of unfettered open spacious feeling! :)

Hi Qwanda

If you like I can show you some original work I have in inventory that might work. Send me the exact same pic of your room but this time place an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of white paper on the wall. And my app will do the rest. I will send you back some selections and you can see them directly on your wall.

Regards

Cam

cookartworks.ca

You are right about putting a tall house plant in the corner. Since the return vent is there get something that has a big canopy, like a ficus. Maybe a really good faux plant that you don't need to worry about mold spores from the dirt traveling thru your house. I'd start with that! The plant will give you a better indication as to how big your art work can be above the sectional. Do you really need a side table? It may be kind of tight on that wall...good luck! :)

I think this is stunning -- http://www.ebay.com/bhp/african-american-tapestry. I don't know the dimensions but it is called a throw, so it could be big enough to hold that space.

I go along with trying to find a local artist that you like and spend the money on originals, we have done that for years after wasting money on prints. I don't think we have wasted a dime, our only rule is we want to meet the artist and we both have to agree on the piece.

Thanks everyone for the wonderful suggestions! My family and I truly appreciate the great advice, and are considering a combination of ideas recommended. Some concepts are already implemented throughout our home, like the collage of sepia-toned family pictures in our foyer and our daughter’s artwork in our Zen room and my office. We are now considering the following design ideas for our family room:

1.Original piece by an artist (either local to DC area or Low Country, SC). Over the years we’ve seen some gallery pieces that have interested us, but are hesitant to pay $1,500+ for those we really like. We appreciate art and know it’s an investment, so we will save for one of those pieces.

2.Sepia-toned or color photos/canvas of scenes from our past/upcoming vacations abroad. Traveling is my passion and our house should reflect this more. I also really like the idea of the large industrial (or wood) letter(s). Could this somehow be incorporated with the photos/canvas?

3.Will add a tall plant in corner by return vent. Any suggestions for the website of a reputable faux plant company?

4.On what should I place my cable box if not on an end table to left of sofa? I could move the sofa to the right a bit to make more room an end table. Thoughts?

Solincia and Barn & Bungalow: Please forward a picture of a console table that would fit nicely in the space to the right of sofa. Should I get rid of the wicker chest? It just holds our daughter’s toys and games. I could also move the basket of book next to it to another room.

SieglerDesign: Please send your sketch. I’d love to see it!

Ed: Love your designs and now wishing I would have purchased a round ottoman. For some reason I feel the need to add something to my blank wall to balance the space, with the kitchen being opposite it.

Cam: Beautiful artwork! Not sure I can afford your pieces.

Again, thanks so much to you all!

Oh! I would move those candles on the floor to make room for an end table. Thanks!

Art is pretty personal. Have you shopped local galleries? How about a painting of the low country around Savannah or Charleston?

Yes , I would eliminate the wicker toy bin and add something like this that has storage as well. I would do it in white to match the pretty white trim in your house and keep it feeling light. Good luck!

barnandbungalow.con

Check out Leroy Campbell. His prints are pricey, but his work is spectacular.
http://leroycampbelloriginals.com/#!/gallery_150

qwanda, I know my favorite room in the house is the one filled with things that I love... if you love travel, then you might think about using maps on the large wall - many antique map images are available online and are copyright free. Your local Kinkos can print in large format for a reasonable price, and simple poster sized frames are down the street at Target...not much investment in this senario, but you might find the process (aka Hunt ) for the perfect map inspires other changes in the room and leads you to the perfect piece of art .

Also check out the Romare Bearden prints at art.com.
http://www.art.com/gallery/id--a145/romare-bearden-posters.htm

Okay here you go! Out of time but, hope you get my "concept" for you taking as my inspiration what you have said and what is already in room. Thanks for posting your design dilemma.

I must agree with Ed. I love the open spaciousness of empty. Looks lovely as is.

@qwanda, unless you have unlimited resources, investing in art may not be such a good idea. You never know if an art piece you have purchased will go up in price, most do not, so it is a gamble. Also, when you purchase from a brick-and-mortar gallery, you pay much more because the gallery must charge to cover for rent and staff, plus make a profit. You would be better off purchasing directly from artists or from online galleries. You will be looking at your wall art for a long time, so the most important criteria is to find images you really enjoy looking at, over and over again, be they paintings, drawings or art prints... Raisa

What about a large round mirror over the couch? I think if you put a floor lamp on the left side (no end table), a sofa table with a lamp or two, then the one mirror will fit the open space very well! Artwork is just going to create too many right angles for the space. Also, I agree with others above that you don't have to fill every space--it's okay to have some open wall space too.

I would save the plant for last. I don't think you will notice the vent once everything is put together.

art from art.com

First of all, your space is lovely. It seems very warm and inviting. I was also going to suggest art.com. I love the fact you can "try out" the art work as I see a previous person showed you on their comment. It's super easy. I really feel like art work and window treatments really help finish a space off. Consider a nice chunky floor lamp for the corner. Maybe something on a tri-pod, it should take up some volume.

Your overall look is great. Start with a live tree like a palm or ficus in the back corner. I'd look on etsy.com under original large paintings. The prices are good and you didn't wait 7 years for schlock (?) art. You need something nice that will complete your room.

Wow, thanks! You all are amazing talents. Love the mirror, and especially the artwork. My husband and daughter are big fans of the Leroy Campbell and Romare Bearden jazz and Southern pieces. I've owned prints by them (and Charles Bibbs) in the past. Found a beautiful "Gullah" piece by Campbell and have contacted him for dimensions and pricing. It will go on the wall in our staircase, if affordable.

We also really like the sepia-toned print of the clouds. (Reminds us of a photo in our daughter's BR of her head in the clouds at Shoal Bay East Beach in Anguilla.)

So here's the latest on what we decided:

1. Definitely will purchase a tall tree/plant.

2. My husband started thinking about what Ed and others suggested about leaving the wall blank, and decided we should 1st purchase a ceiling fan because we might not need anything on the wall after that's hung. So please help with selecting a fan, from choices below. Feel free to add to list.







Warm wood stain for following:




(w/ light)


Thanks again!

Have bought both sizes of Minka Aire Artemis fan. Bought it in white and bought it in clear. Clients like them. I like them a lot from a design aspect. Have one issue with "remote" right now but, I think it will work out okay. Seller is taking care of it with the client. Suggest you buy from a local light fixture that will support any product issues that might arise and that do not buy ON LINE.

I love "negative space" and most people never honor it but, a blank wall is a blank wall. That is not the spot I would emphasize "negative space. If you like the spacious feeling of blank wall then why not look at art that is even more MINIMALIST?

I rather NOT see shrubby plant in corner but, see corner treated more artistically with a couple of well place sculptural tree branches, air roots or other nature item.

qwanda, the ceiling fan and a painting over your sofa are not mutually exclusive. You need both. I agree to find the right piece. Did you look on etsy.com? The prices are amazing.

Just make sure you don't go too small. A painting should be roughly 2/3 the length of the sofa. So if sofa is 90 inches long the painting length should be 60 inches. You need a horizontal picture rather than a vertical.

You buy art because you love it and enjoy looking at it every day--not because you think it will go up in value.

Dear Handymam, it's all done in generosity of spirit, I think. The more one sees, the more one refines one's ideas about what one wants. If I asked for ideas about art for my walls, I'd hope to get some -- and I'd love to get an "oh my goodness I never thought of that" reply. But yes, absolutely, one should not settle.

Real 'artists' put their heart in to their work, and for their art to belong in your home, it should mean they touched your heart. Don't buy a piece just because it matches your decor. Think of fresh flowers, which are divine art, do we ever choose them because they 'match' the decor? I think mostly we don't. We bring them in because they have their own beauty, they speak their own unique language. Someone on another thread said it perfectly one time, (paraphrasing) 'truly beautiful art won't match your sofa'.

If its difficult for you to choose something, you just haven't found what speaks to you. Perhaps use some birch wall decals to give a graphic punch to the blank wall space and replace when you find the art you truly love. The decals can then be moved to another area of your house. You don't have to use the birds too.

Hi do check out my blog pinksaucer.wordpress.com if you like something I can sell you. I'm a local New Jersey artist

You don't exactly have to fill up with one single painting, you can make a collage of paintings if different sizes. Also you haven't mentioned your budget. In case you want to have an open budget a good option is to look online maybe even on dailypaintworks.com

And I agree that you should get something that speaks to you rather than a space filler as you will be living with it and developing a relationship with it :)

Re: ceiling fans - I find that I never like the ones with lights in them, I think because they draw attention to themselves.

Art doesn't just mean paintings. One of my favorite rooms on houzz has a whole wall of African artifacts. Here's another with a kuba cloth panel on the wall.

We are very particular about what we want to go there in that space. It has to be something the entire family agrees on because we feel a connection to it for whatever reason (family, culture, travel, music, etc.). We want the space to feel warm, inviting, relaxing, and spacious.

Thanks Divyaad. My budget is $1,000-$2,000. I have started browsing your site and other sites for artwork, but need to continue those searches as well as visit area galleries.

Thanks sielgerdesign. I will not purchase fan online. Also, I like the branches in vase in the attached pix. Where would I purchase the branches and a vase with the shape and size like the one in the 2nd pic (as the vase in 1st pic is too large)?

HERE Design and Architecture, please recommend a fan without light as I’m also contemplating this option. Thanks.

Thanks Groveraxle. I definitely don’t want to crowd the wall. Over the years I have considered all types of artwork, including a framed Kuba cloth that Room & Board sold a couple years ago. We also thought about items we’ve collected from our travels around the world, but decided against them.

Hi Quanda, Fine art is a such a personal choice! Pick out art because you love it and can't live without it....not just as a design element. I am an artist and my website is www.cottoneart.com , some pieces are for sale or sometimes by commission.

I agree with approach on art....need to care about what is up on wall!

Real dried tree limbs, branches or "air roots" like I show in my paste-up board to you previously above will be a challenge but, I think can be worth it. You will have to check out "florist supply" and sources in your area that provide "botanicals" to designers and businesses. The AIR ROOTS in my paste-up are from a showroom at the design center here and were brought in special by the showroom to sell to Az market. The "air roots" remind me of the swamps of the south where the tree's root structure is exposed as waters rise and recess back to ground level. So, you triggered that idea for me when you mentioned the south. NO POT. Mount branches or trees on their own stand or lean them against the wall.

So, I apologize for promoting a difficult item but, it is a special item so, I wanted to bring it up for you to see.

Also, attaching another art on wall approach if you are art lovers and that is to go "classic". Have copies of great art around for yourself and your children....you do them a favor though they will never know until they are grown. I know my parents had all kinds of books, art and cultural things around I never understood as a child but, later as an adult I realized how lucky I was!

Here is "classic" idea for you on the art attached below: Its the approach I am asking you to consider and not so much the specific art though it is great art. I am huge fan of "pencil" drawings and "pen and ink" drawings so, that is the basis of this idea for you.

I like the fans from Modern Fan Co. They have a number that are simple and unobtrusive. I think Big Ass Fans also makes some that are nice.

Hello,

I'm Julian, an Artist / Photographer that works for Round Pocket (www.RoundPocket.com), an Art Distribution Firm in NYC.

They provide Custom and General sizes for Various Canvases with a Fine Art Finish.

If you interested, you can request a quote with Mr. Will Sofrin (help@roundpocket.com).

You can also visit my website:

http://julianscorpio.houzz.com

Thanks!
-Julian

We have so many options!

what about something like this?
i took some shots at this years jazzfest that i think would work nice...i could send some along if you thought it might be a fit for you and the family.

I would suggest getting original art and you can support your North American artists by shopping at Etsy.com (just search under art) and also Artfinder.com. That way you get ORIGINAL paintings from living artists. I know Artfinder has a free return policy as well. Artfinder.com and Etsy.com. Good Luck!

And of course, the very talented stable of fine artists here on Houzz : )

Hello, Is the a" Houzz venue" for artists to advertise their work? I am a painter and would love to share my work with people looking for work to put over their sofa! My site is www.cottoneart.com

Hi there, Feel free to browse our online gallery www.jameshoustondesign.com of Limited Edition images captured by world-renown photographer, James Houston.