apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I'd put shelves in there and display a collection you love i think if you're going to go bright with the entertainment center you may want the niche to be a little more neutral....


And what a great dog you have....

I would put shelving in there for books and whatever. It is a perfect space for that. I would also think about painting the interior a fun color.

it could be a great place for a bar/wine rack area (if you don't already have such a place). I agree about a curtain or a blind to cover the entertainment niche when you aren't actually watching TV...

If I had that niche, I would back it with mirror and put glass shelves up. I would use it to display by cobalt glassware.

I also agree with curtaining off that tv nook -- how about using your sari?

I think you should put a fabulous piece of art, maybe a statue.

We keep our library books in ours, which is right by the door. Not so stylish, but very practical.

i'm confused about which niche you are talking about so maybe my advice won't be helpful. the one to the right, i initially thought was origami cranes strung on a string, which actually would be very sweet and inexpensive! If you choose to paint, perhaps thing about a monochromatic color scheme so as not to make it too visually confusing. Also, a more distinct piece of furniture in the left niche would be very nice so that it's shape and design are a piece of art as well. So you could still paint it a bold hue but find a more interesting piece.

Nice smile from your pooch!

I agree that it should be something that you love. And, I agree that lighting is important. I'm not so sure that I would put shelves in unless you are dying for shelf space. I think the long lines are nice. I also agree that how it relates to what is around it is important.

The placement is a bit odd in the room.

IDEAS, for you to feed off of to help you find what you love:

A tall, tiered candle holder? Or hanging candle lanterns (morrocan comes to mind, but that might be last year's trend...)

Plant (something tall and striking)?

Something that conceptually bridges the living room and kitchen? Where is your dining area? Maybe a pretty, tall wine rack if you enjoy such things?

A photo montage of important moments in your life in a planned, visually integrated fashion.

Please show us what beautiful thing you do later when you have made the change!

I agree with what others have said about putting some mood lighting in the alcove and displaying something personal there. But regarding the other one where the tv is; I would cover it with a large piece of mdf and cut out holes for the tv and for the Dvdplayer and cable thingy underneath. That way the TV alcove wouldn't compete so much visually with the decorative alcove. Maybe you could paint the Mdf a shiny red as you wanted. I think that would look great.

Had similar.
Squared off top - shape is easier to live with. Painted inside white.
Am looking for large indian mirror (with carved doors) to hang over the space
For me, it is too tricksy to display/store things there.
Or - as suggested above - may hang doors (jali uk) and make a little altar space.
Or cheaper option might buy nice wall hanging and stash stuff behind.
Good luck
Love the dog.

Nice space with lots of potential!

I would install glass shelving with a light shining down to create a buffet or wine-bar type area for glasses, nice plates, etc. It's next to the kitchen and would be nice for entertaining.

You could also paint the wall around the arched nook the same color as the kitchen area (red would look good) to tie the two spaces together while painting the inside of the ached nook a deeper shade of that color (deep red.)

Keep the living room a separate color than this new "dining area" and paint the inside of the TV nook a darker color.

Friend of mine bricked up and plasterd the recess so that there was only a small box shaped recess left.
She used it to display single sculpture - wooden carved doll I think.
Looked beautiful and very effective.

Find some fabulous patterned wallpaper (it's all the rage these days, you should not have a problem finding something you love) or even a great fabric... line the back wall of the nook with that. Pick a color motif which coordinates or picks up on the glossy red of your entertainment center. Then, hang a decorative mirror, preferably tall and thin (so as to show off the patterned wall behind). Finally, place a gorgeous Phaeleonopsis orchid in a pretty pot in front of the mirror (you can obtain these cheaply at Trader Joe's... just make sure to ditch the terracotta pot and find a unique receptacle of your own). The simple beauty of the orchid blooms will be reflected in the mirror, while the attractive patterned backdrop will frame out your new elegant and modern niche. I would stay away from shelving... it will only busy-up the space -- what you need is something pared down and clean with just a beautiful shot of color and no knick-knacks! Good luck... and I love your beautiful dog.

is tearing it out an option?