apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

3 - 5 glass shelves running the length (if, say, you had a collection of something worth displaying.

What a cool place to display your favorite piece or art! I noticed the lights above, which will put the piece in the spotlight. Whether on canvas or in a frame, instead of handing it on the wall, I would suggest utilizing the ledge to have it sit there, resting against the wall. Also ulitize each side of the ledge with coordinating, objects, tall or small, or both.

I'd put books in it, but then thats my collection...what do you want to be the first thing you see when you walk in the door?

Do a rasterbated image! Take a custome picture you took from an adventure, print it out rasterbator style, put it on the wall, then take items from the adventure and scatter them across the shelf. Or if it was me, I'd make a lego city, glue the pieces together and hang it on the wall, or what about an interesting plaster form that you can hang and have a bunch of kids finger paint it, or maybe not even kids, maybe a bunch from friends that have drank a little to much wine. Hehe! I dont know!

I'd hang something, and leave the ledge bare, I think... but I'd probably line the ledge with votive holders and candles for when guests come over, for a dramatic effect!

large piece of artwork or a mirror

What about some plants?
Or some good bare branches hanging from wires?
Or a mobile that doesn't swing out too much.

I agree with David and Clairepetrol. I think shleving that displays your favorite collections would a nice thing to see when you come home.

How about painting the inside of the nook a charcoal grey (artists grey from Ralph Lauren is hot!), or chocolate brown.

A really dark color would be a nice dramatic backdrop for either one big frame, or a group. I see you have recessed lights above, and that will highlight that setting even better!

I like the shelf idea too. Also, what if you painted the inside of the nook an accent color? I think that could look awesome if you pick the right one!

I think some Rex Ray collage artwork would look great in that spot!

http://www.rexray.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=10_9&products_id=92

forgot to add that I think the resin collage would be nice because the nook will be a nice frame for it...

I vote for the 3 - 5 glass shelves running the length option, along with a strong color as a backdrop. For example, a taupey brown would be really stunning if you have a collection of celadon, red would be dramatic if you collect chinese ebony or laquer boxes, etc. Go with a high contrast color. Melon orange with a blue collection, etc. The canned lights above are perfect for spot lighting a small collection of lovely things -- be sure to use museum putty or your treasures will tumble during the next tremor!!

First of all I am so jealous. I would kill for an entryway nook. I would put a mirror up there and then I'd hang a couple of organizing things for mail (like nice wall pockets), a cute key rack, my phone charger on the lower shelf and a long, oval shaped bowl for miscellaneous items. It would be nice to paint it a darker color than the surrounding walls to make it stand out, but the mirror thing is really key in my mind.

I would mirror the back wall and add glass shelves (also recommended above). Have you seen Divine Design- Candice Olson does that a lot with a display space.

One large, significant real piece of art. Don't clutter it up with a bunch of little things. NO MIRRORS, please. No shelves with stuff. Keep it clean and impactful.

Personally, since I have a storage problem, I'd put shelves in the nook and hang a piece of art or pretty curtains over the whole thing to hide them. If you don't have a storage problem, feel free to ignore me.

It might be nice to have a large, custom fountain there: maybe a slate or mosaic wall with water trickling down.

Here is a possible inspiration: http://www.fountainspirit.com/assets/images/productimages/BUSA/LG-ST-Nojoqui-Falls-Double.jpg

I would like a large print, piece of art, or a mirror plus a tall and dramatic plant to one side (maybe a tall piece of lucky bamboo?) in a ceramic vase in a color that sets off the art work or the colors in your home. Also, a landing strip (a small box for keys) is a good idea.

How about a water feature? A flatish fountain would be cool and also add the soothing sound.

I agree with an earlier post about painting the inside of the niche a darker/contrasting color, and hanging your artwork inside.

Just don't clutter up the ledge with candles, mail, cellphones or other little tchochkes!

i wouldn't add any shelves. it will look too cluttered.

one, large painting is best.

i would paint the recessed wall area a lighter color than the rest of the walls.

although the shelf idea is very practical, i am not sure that this would be best for this space. this is right next to your front door and i think you would want something attractive there. my first thought is to think of it like you would a credenza. i would hang or lean a piece of art or mirror (something taller than half the height of the nook), and layer a few things in front of it. for example, a vase with branches in it that you could swap fresh flowers in when you get them, and a ceramic piece, or something that has meaning to you. i wouldnt over do it with small items on the ledge as it will look out of scale. best of luck.

I'm a "less-is-more" kinda guy. I would put a simple piece of art in there to almost fill the space, or a collage of framed art, or framed art work hung in a grid-like manner. I like the idea of painting the inside (something that complements the existing colors).

If this were my house, I'd paint the recessed part a complementary color to whatever you have going on in your great room then hang a large, wide and simply framed oil painting there. No need to spend thousands on the art, you can find plenty of artists online selling great stuff at reasonable prices. No shelves, no mirrors, no clutter of collections. All of that sounds awful to me. I'd hang the painting a little higher then you normally would in order for there to be a visual space between the ledge and the painting, otherwise it could look a little heavy. I'd personally use the ledge as a landing strip since it is so perfectly practical, but if you're going for a photo shoot look then keep it bare.

The thing about a painting vs. shelving or a fountain too is that if you sell your house you can take it with you and if your style or taste changes you can easily exchange it for something else. In 20 years the idea of replacing or refinishing something built in and dated might be daunting.

Let us know what you decide to do!

I would probably lean one large print or piece of art on the shelf and put a few decorative, personal things beside it- keep it casual and personal. That's me though.

ART

Paint the inside of the niche a darker accent color and hang a large piece of art. Maybe a nice box or something on the ledge for a mail catch all. Keep it simple and it will have a strong impact. You've got an amazing niche for art with lights and everything! You're lucky!

No mirror, no shelves no collection of stuff.. please keep it simple. I think a canvas will look best since you've got lights right above it and if you can't direct them, they may glare on framed art w/ glass.

A piece of art doesn't need to be something square and framed.

I could a great tribal jacket, hung on a rod. It would give you dimensionality, color and texture. Painting the inside of the area would set the composition off.

Some jacket options are short vintage Japanese silk jackets, called haori (I think) or pieces from SW China. If you go onto eBay and do an advanced search in their stores for Miao, you'll see some things. There are other tribes, but that's the easiest one to search on.

All of these are nice and geometric in ways that would work in that space.

One thing I will suggest is to paint that little strip at the top that is currently white the same color as the wall. People tend to leave anything that is remotely ceilingish white, and I think it looks unfinished. Same thing with the arch next to it.

Having giggled like a 12 year old schoolboy at the use of the word "rasterbator", I think the idea has merit.

Blow up an image (postcard, photo, vintage advertisement) at your local copy shop to the exact size of the alcove, then fix it to the wall. Then use three or four related objects to decorate the shelf.

Ideas could include a photo from your best ever holiday with related souvenirs on the shelf, or an evocative image from your wedding with mementos like cake toppers or place cards on the shelf, or a vintage Volkswagen ad with toy cars on the shelf. Basically whatever is iconic to you as a couple.

collaborative, home-grown, "never-finished" installation art that grows out of the space like overflow from an open portal, showcasing the depth and evolving with your adventures.

or one big ass piece of really amazing art.

and I agree with blandwagon- it should be iconic and personal, whatever you decide.

(but the never-finished installation art could be something your guests could participate in, and would give you the freedom to change as you change.... i know it's crazy. but it'd be awesome!)

You could take inspiration from Japanese tokonoma.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokonoma gives a brief definition.
Do a google image search or flickr search
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=tokonoma&ss=1

How about a large 3 dimensional sculpture against a nice colored background. Could even make your own using different metals. Or make a hanging mirror mobile using different sizes of mirrors that are suspended on leather cording or even fishing line. Would be dramatic with the lighting you have from above.