apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I'd vote for somthing 3-D. Maybe a tall vase of branches or grasses, or a tall thin sculpture, or maybe a plant. Put it about where the radio is now.

I think the scale is wrong--get rid of the little pieces on the sideboard, and get one big object. Put a huge tree/plant/fern on the floor next to the window, arching away from the window, and over the top of the sideboard. .

I think a small, random grouping of photos (black and white) would be really nice next to it. I LOVE the artwork though! Did you make it ...or where did you find it?

A huge tree on the floor next to the sideboard which is kind of asymmetrical and hangs over the sideboard.

Maybe a mirror. or some photos. But I love the wite walls. Definitely get rid of all the litte nicknacks and lighting on the credenza and opt for one big lamp -- maybe the large lamp could balance the painting? and perhaps a bright red bowl.

Totally unrelated - but I love that painting! Where did you get it from?

Italy

Hang the painting much lower, and clean off everything but the vase.

Get rid of the toys, radio and little lamps and get some large-scaled Dining-room type pieces on there:

A great big red ceramic lamp with a tall drum shade on the right, some large-scaled red or green ceramic vases to the left, some hefty ceramic or brass candlesticks with thick candles or a nice silver or brass tray in the center with lots of big candles on it...

I think a few dark shelves (two or better even: three) of the Pottery Barn/cheaper at Target variety would balance it out, and then putting some items on them incorporating that R/W/G black color scheme would be nice.

Decoration isn't always the solution to a *design* problem. If the wall is the problem, consider changing the wall! You can build a "flat" out of thin lumber and skin it with paneling or masonite, and paint/paper/treat the flat however you like. Secure the flat to the wall with a few screws; spackle and paint over the screw holes when you move out.

You can create all kinds of dimension and architectural detail with flats by making them different sizes, embedding lighting into them, etc.

I agree with the scale points. You need something tall on the right side where the radio is, and you need to upgrade the sizes of the items on this banquette. The two items in the middle feel too little and lost, and there's a bit of a disconnect. I would use a grouping of three with various sizes and heights. I would also consider adding some kind of organic element-- either some flowers or reeds, etc.

I don't think you need to add anymore or you will take away from the strength of your beautiful painting. Why not consider removing a couple of the smaller pieces on your sideboard and adding a bigger colored accessory that pics up a color from your Italy painting. Something red or green. Maybe something that also suggests Italy or a beautiful glass vase. I think your white wall is the perfect background not to compete with your art and accessories! Don't add to the wall (in my humble opinion).

There are too many small objects in the vignette. Adding more art pieces will only make it seem cluttered.

Palmetto and Headzo are right. Clear off the credenza, and place something with some HEIGHT where the radio is now sitting. A piece of sculpture... or a vase with real cut branches. A tall potted cactus (you're in NY so that might not fly)? Or try a vase with a few of the large split leaf philodendron leaves:
http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2831125280053495645nURpCD

The item should have a little heft or bulk -- real or perceived.

Balance the height asymmetrically with a few carefully chosen objects toward the opposite end of the credenza. Keep them lower. How about this Noguchi lamp? http://akaristore.stores.yahoo.net/1ag.html

Pair that lamp with your existing wooden truck and you've got a winner!

i agree with the clutter being a problem as it doesn't really let you focus on any one thing and perhaps almost emphasizes more that there isn't "something" filling the space in the wall.

if you were up or something a little more over the top, i'd consider doing panels of fabric on the wall and behind the art but probably still in a white so that it'll add textural contrast but not be too overwhelming.

i love the art on the wall. i don't think you should change the wall but maybe do the tall plant or lamp idea and clear off the credenza a bit. i think it really looks beautiful already, though!

Like the tall plant idea, and it looks like that would be a pretty good location for an indoor tree of some sort, since it would be right next to a window.

I think your white wall is fine and with the suggestions here will look spectacular. I don't think hte white color is a problem at all. As a matter of fact, white is a much maligned choice. White calls can look spectacular as foils for decorative furniture and accessories done well. But I've never understood the "not allowed to paint" issue. Can't you always paint a rented space? My understanding is that you just have to prime it and return it to the original color before leaving. What would happen if you actually did paint?

Hi all,

Thank you very much for all the suggestions. You're right on - the scale is wrong. I am definitely going to get a tall green plant and a bulky red lamp. The kid's toys do not belong on the sideboard anyway.

It seems so obvious now to go with the colours in the painting; I can't believe I didn't think of that myself. (But that's exactly why I posted this question - I knew someone would be able to spot what I couldn't see).

As for more art on the wall itself, I think I'll wait and see what it looks like with the plant and the lamp. Then it may be obvious what is missing. I'll keep in mind the idea of shelves and black/white photos. The painting, by the way, is just a home-made experiment with colours, nothing fancy.

Thanks again - Anna