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What about something from nature, like a birch branch hung horizontally above the TV?

Have you thought about some shelving with accessories? Or a patterned wallcovering (or paint stripes)? I think a big potted plant might look nice as well. You could also lean some floor pillow in fun patterns up against the wall for additional seating.

I think an entertainment cabinet approximately the same size as the espresso parson's table by the couch would hold the TV inside, leaving the top open for a lamp, some treasures and some more lovely wall art.

Hi, It looks like the side of the room with the Tv is not proportional to the rest of the room...which by the way, I think looks very nice. I'm sure lots of people would say to get rid of the TV but I am not oneof those people.
I would:
Get a rug
Get a larger media center/bookcase and use it not only for the TV but also for books and decorative items.
Get a more comfy chair and floorlamp for that side of the room

A tall plant to the left (if there's enough light), and a medium to large piece of art to the right above the chair. I'm thinking something that speaks to the existing small piece above the table - with flowers and/or similar warm colors? The room needs some items that broach the expanse of the wall above the low horizontal the tv is making. Even a bookshelf could be an option.

Hi Heather! How about something like this from Pier 1?

http://www.pier1.com/Catalog/HomeAccentsD%c3%a9cor/HomeAccentsD%c3%a9cor/tabid/508/CategoryID/134/List/0/Level/a/ProductID/3504/ProductName/Hand-Carved-Panel/Default.aspx

I like the idea for a wallcovering (maybe a large hanging piece of fabric based on your cool color scheme). You could also choose a large black and white poster. I think it would look neat and coordinate with your other art.

wheres all the comments?

A pair of tall white open bookcases flanking your TV? (Places to put your magazine boxes, etc.)

A remnant of vintage fabric stretched & mounted on a frame over the TV? Or a large circular mirror?

What about a sticker style wall mural? Blik has some really nice organic ones by Ilan Dei (http://www.whatisblik.com/ilandei.html) - I particularly like the cyclamen, wisteria and anise which all come in color combos that would suit your style. If you don't like those, some artists on Etsy also do custom murals with a wide variety of subject matter.

Rug for certain.

Possibly a large mirror hung horizontally above the television.

Or instead, go and scavenge something old and broken down looking to hang above the television. An old friend of mine found an old wooden ladder that he used as a shelving piece. maybe something similar.

Candle sconces, also. Maybe redistribute that artwork on the open space next to the tv, or take a collection of all different pictures that you have and put them in varying sized frames (and colors, to) to come up with a montage on the wall.

to add to some of the comments surround with bookcases comments, consider buying a big TV/shelving unit to hold the TV, like the Expedit from Ikea ($229 I think). I really hate the bench units where the TV is the focal point; I like to surround the TV so it's less of a focal point. if you have room, you can flank the entertainment center with shelving (I use the Ikea Billy bookshelves-the total wall unit was less than $400).

I realize a lot of designers hate entertainment centers, but if you're going to have a big TV and not be able to do structural alterations and have limited space, it's the best option.

Paint a large square of color in the center of the wall behind the t.v. Use a color like pillows or lampshade

I would tape off a large square or rectangular section behind the unit you already have (just insure it extends beyond the white unit width wise), paint it chocolate brown and mimic the robins egg blue circles you have on the pillows on your sofa - or pick another design. It's a quick and inexpensive fix that will give that wall some impact and the chocolate will offset the white of the wall unit.

I submit that that big problem is the TV: it's not a decorative object, nor is it a work of art. It's a machine: a boring black rectangle when it's not on. The problem is to hide the TV.

I faced this problem in my own apartment. Here's a link to photos of the solution I adopted.
http://picasaweb.google.com/elliottbanfield/FlatScreenTVCaseAnInvention#

I have posted this idea previously, and I don't wish impose on AT's generosity in providing me with a showcase for what might be a commercial opportunity. I won't post the idea again. But I would like to get feedback
regarding its value as a solution to a common problem.

Your place is looking great so far. I have a similar TV set up and just placed a stainless picture ledge from CB2 over my TV. This allowed me to remain uncommitted to any specific artwork and to not have to put any more holes in the wall. You can lean anything you like, books, framed family photos etc, and change as you like. Again it's going really nicely, don't get discouraged. Also, check out the Command adhesive picture hangers. They actually work and again you can change things up without the holes. Good Luck!

Three block wall shelves in white from CB2 or West Elm with maybe a small vase or two or other small accessories in that baby blue color to rest on top of them.

Definitely a plant to the left for balance.

I realize the scale is off, but what about something like the second picture down in this house? http://www.designspongeonline.com/2008/07/sneak-peek-rebekah-of-sigfrids-design.html

I would paint an organic design on the wall in the light blue you've used elsewhere in the room. That should provide an interesting element and some depth to the space without competing with the tv.

If you aren't gifted with a paintbrush, find a design you like on a graphic design website, blow it up on a copier and trace it onto the wall. The great thing about organic shapes is that they don't have to be perfect.

Whatever you do... DON'T do the whole masking tape painted stripy pattern thing and DON'T do those dumb wall sticker things. I think those two trends need to die a horrible death. the wall stickers are way overpriced for what they are and they all look dumb and cheesey and you would have to an insane amount of time doing the whole patterned paint job thing that you would be better off buying a tasteful modern patterned wall paper.
I would recommend getting a larger piece of furniture for your TV (you should be able to find a nice clean modern armoire or tall cabinet at someplace like CB2 or Ikea.) or set up some sort of modern shelving system (something like Vitsoe shelving on the high end , http://www.vitsoe.com/en/gb/gallery/at-home/living-room/1/1, or the Anga system from Ikea on the lower end http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S49842434). Then get some nice framed art and call it a day.

I would love to see your TV in a nice baroque picture frame painted white…

hey! i had the same problem. i have a 27" flatscreen on a little cabinet against a huge wall. i got these shelves from ikea and they look awesome next to it. i can use them as DVD/cd storage next to the tv. ($50)

http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/80073163


also i really like the person's idea up above to horizontally hang a branch. i think branches make beautiful decorations in a home and you don't need to take care of them like regular plants (which is good for a person like me).


can also try something like this (could try corn starching fabric to make same design if you don't want to use coffee filters. personally, i don't really like the filters)

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/boston/hot-or-not/hot-or-not-coffee-filter-wall-080620


but i agree it definitely needs something.

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/boston/easel-as-tv-stand-066022

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/good-questions/good-questions-plasma-tv-decor-031550

http://www.momoy.com/2008/04/01/luxurious-tv-frame-from-vismara-design/

http://www.unplggd.com/unplggd/look/hd-evny-invidia-flat-panel-tv-frames--084895

I actually like the console that you currently own and sometimes it is best to work with what you have.

I would frame out a large section of the wall behind the console with molding painted white. Starting from the floor, have the sides of the frame exactly as wide as the console and go all the way up to the ceiling. Inside the frame hang a modern wallpaper that matches the eggshell blue in your room.

Install thick, white wooden shelves and fill with white and silver accessories. Good luck!

I like this:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/dc/real-estate/hgtv-host-kristan-cunninghams-diy-remodel-the-baltimore-sun-086274

Mirror above the tv. Floor lamp next to tv. Shelving on opposite side from lamp? Or paint framing on wall and hang something funky inside.

Love the turquoise shade with circles. Would you share the source?

Take a look at these European designer modern wall units offered at eRoomService.com. These designer wall units are truly unique.

Oh, it's rare that i come in with a suggestion no one else has given. I think the room is really lovely and serene and sophisticated. I think it needs some movement.
some three dimensional wall sculpture in an organic flowing shape that is mostly horizontal.

Like... these!
http://www.umbra.com/ustore/product/470040/c660/wallflower.html

It is no wonder you have a problem with how to present the TV. Master interior stylists and editors around the globe are vexed by how to present those ugly plastic boxes and will typically whisk them out of the room when the editorial photographer comes calling.

The problem, aside from the box itself, is scale. The easiest solution is a media armoire which will hide the electronics and TV when not in use and will create a focal point from which you can create a vignette of furniture and accessories on that side of the wall. You could try and style the space with the cabinet you have, but I am betting it won't be much cheaper once all of the accessories, bookshelves, wallpaper, or whatnot is purchased. And you will still have that blank, dead eye of the TV staring back at your room.

Whatever you do, don't rush this just to get it done by an arbitrary deadline. Spend the money on the right pieces. Furniture should last you a decade or more.

I think plants would drastically improve the space. A nice big potted plant to the left of the TV. If you want to make it even less industrial, try some art prints in gold frames to add a touch of warmth. Or a lamp with a pattern or interesting shape to make the space more feminine. If you want to go further from the industrial look you have, you could cluster a lot of different small to medium images in frames on the wall above the TV. When you have enough things up it will go together and I've seen it work really nicely to liven up a space.

Heather,

I felt inclined to comment because I have almost the same exact setup as you. I have a low white media stand, with 3 sections, a TV of about the same size, and the 3 magazine files on the side!

Here's what I did to give mine a little interest:

- Mount a floating shelf above the TV to anchor the space (I used a more traditional white crown moulding style shelf to break away from the industrial look, a bit shorter than the unit)
- Put three matching black frames with colorful art on the shelf (repetition really helps a space feel put together)
- Turn the magazine flies around. I put a vase pn top of mine to add some height
- put a small decorative object on the opposite side of the magazine files to balance the weight

That is my setup exactly. Wierd.

I also think centering the TV, and putting the blue box in the middle would help a great deal.

I even have a very similar wall color, and a chair in the corner ... I feel like I am looking at a photo of my apartment. I will post a link later tonight so you can see the creepily similar set-up!

This is Heather -- Thanks so much, everyone, for the really helpful comments. I really appreciate the great ideas! Cometz -- the lampshade is from lampsplus.com. You can view it here: http://www.lampsplus.com/Products/Aqua-Interlace-Giclee-Opaque-Drum-Shade-13x13x10-Spider__37869-H5331.html

I actually have the exact same console from CB2. I also purchased the matching bookcases. Together the three pieces (bookcases flanking console) create a very pleasing arrangement. The bookcases are available from the Crate and Barrel Outlet http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=4500&f=30335. A less expensive option would be a pair of Sloan bookcases, also from CB http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1090&f=23935. I have these bookcases as well and their finish matches the console almost perfectly. Hope this helps. BTW - I love the paint color on the walls.

I think something like this mirror (or maybe another round or oval one) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21546195 would be cool, maybe placed a little off center of the tv, and then I'd move the magazine files and put something vertical - a tall vase with a bamboo stalk or palm frond or something with color and organic, or maybe an aloe vera or bromiliad (both easy and low-maintenance) planted in a tall vintage urn or pot - or another ceramic vessel that has or compliments the great blue colors you've already got. Or if you don't want to water it, maybe a tall one of these http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=583&f=4424 with some of these in it http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=830&f=5160 ... sorry I'm a little link happy - :-)

That's why I bought a 42" Hitachi Ultra slim. It's cooler looking from behind than in front. I'm able to use my TV as a room divider.

I think a Jetscape would really tie it in if hung to the left off-set from the TV.

http://www.jetscapes.com

Please don't take this the wrong way, but it kinda looks soulless to me. Maybe its that put away too much for the cameras, but it's almost like a hotel in that there doesn't seem to be anything personal. Add something that's you, connected to your life.

And everything is from the era; it all looks like it could've been manufactured in a six month period. Add something OLDER.

ANd the word "manufactured" brings up another point: Add something from nature (the plant some folks have mentioned, or the branch), AND add something crafted -- not necessarily one of granny's afghans, but something that shows connection to individual endeavor.

Also: the blue shade with the circles the brown pillows with the circles on same side of the room == TOO MUCH. Or at least too close. If you put a chair on the other end of the room, even moving them there would help.

Lastly, what you have hanging over the sofa doesn't work. THey stick out like a sore thumb. As is, the B&W doesn't work with the palette. Framing them in a manner that helps transition the eye might work.

Aside from the pillows/shade closeness, I do like the sofa-side of the room, and really like the window treatment.

There's a lot of good ideas. The ones I would choose are:

-Shelves with a good mix of books and pics (or collectibles)
-More art or a tapestry
-Candle sconces
-Wall mural

I was just wondering, how come you have such a nice (and obviously very well thought through and put together) composition of pieces on one side of the room and then the other side looks like it belongs to another apartment....

I think the best and simplest way to go is just ONE BIG piece of art, or for that matter, that very effective go-to-idea of having a nice textile stretched over a canvas frame. That way you dont add too many stuff to the room and still get away with creating a nice statement.

oh, and by the way... some pillar candles should be cool too!

Try framing cloth with embroidery hoops and connecting them in a grid to carry through the chain link theme.
Be sure to paint or stain the hoops to make it look less DIY.

I was just thinking that tv stand is so small compared to the rest of the furniture on the other side.

I'd get a bigger stand to make it look proportional and perhaps something to anchor that space above the tv...like maybe a shelf with some small/large frames and things on it?

Also - I love your table lamp. Where from? :)

A tall plant would look nice along with a beveled mirror centered on that wall.

Alisaan -- thanks so much for the advice! The table lamp is the "Dane Table Lamp" from cb2: http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=120&f=4988

Hi Heather,
I don't have any advice for you because I'm facing this exact dilemma myself. I've enjoyed reading everyone's comments (thanks!) and I'm going to think about what advice works best for me and my space.

I hope you provide an update with pictures - I'd love to see what you've done!

I'm having trouble envisioning the two sides of the room as a whole, but I definitely agree with the other who have suggested something tall on the left side of the TV, like a tall plant or small tree, or a bookcase. However, I also wonder if a curtain panel hung against the wall from a ceiling-mount track behind the TV would be helpful. I'm imagining a neutral color but strong texture, like this:

http://www.westelm.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?partNumber=WE-PRODr379&storeId=17001&langId=-1&catalogId=17002&viewSetCode=E&parentId=WE-SH1RUGWIN&retainNav=true&cmsrc=WE-SH1RUGWIN

I think that would provide softness and interest to an otherwise boring elevation.

Another possibility is wallpaper. Again, I would look for neutral texture.

Just wanted to say thanks again to everyone for the fantastic ideas. I'm so excited to get to work on my living room project. Thanks so much, Apartment Therapy, for allowing me to share!