There’s this wall that I crop out of almost every photo I take of the great room. It’s awkward in and of itself, slightly recessed, large and blank and right in the middle of the living room. It’s that far one that the fauxdenza used to be on:
I say used to because over the weekend we moved the cabinets to their new, permanent home in between the built-ins. Since they mostly house toys, it made sense to move it down there, but also, we also kind of felt the credenza was temporarily there mostly because the walkway between the leather chair and the fauxdenza was bordering on too tight. Especially where the corner juts out–this house and its angles. Anyway, it’s a funny wall. It’s always been a funny wall from when we moved in. And we did this:
Those same pictures! They are actually lithograph prints I did in college that I put in Target frames. The great thing about Target frames is they’re cheap. Which is also the worst thing about them. We’ve had them for about 4 years now and they are officially sagging and impossible to keep straight. Just another reason to address that wall, I guess!
There was a brief moment in the wall’s history where we had our piano there which created a very tight walking space. We’re incorporating the piano into the family room now, and are so grateful it will have an official place in our home. So now that wall looks like this:
Partially light due to the fauxdenza. With those same crooked, sagging frames. It’s time to decide what we want to do with it once and for all. The original dream was to put a fireplace there. It wouldn’t be a picnic, having to figure out venting (the study is on the other side of that wall) and such, but we were willing to put in the work if it was the best option. But was it?
The more we thought about a fireplace, a few concerns came up. The living room portion of the great room is not centered with that wall. So the fireplace would have to be off-centered to really make any sense at all. I found some good examples of how that could work, although it wouldn’t necessarily be the ideal. The other concern is the walking space. Since that is our main corridor to the dining room/kitchen/laundry room, we want to make sure to keep it open and spacious and a fireplace (like the fauxdenza) would definitely crowd the area. So, ultimately, we nixed the idea for now. We might revisit down the road if the set-up in the living room ever changes.
That also left us with the conclusion that we should probably stick to something mostly 2D, like art, although incorporating sconces would also be nice since that wall tends to get dark and shadowy in the evenings. Over the past week, I’ve gone between two options.
The first would be one large piece. Which is very, very appealing.
 There’s nothing like one, huge, expensive statement piece.
I love that they aren’t busy, but it would have to be around 80″-90″ wide to really feel proportionate which is huge. And like I said, expensive. And is there anything I love so much that I’d want to see it that big? Forever? Actually, that first black piece I think I would love forever and ever.
The other option is a larger grid of frames, which is where I’m leaning since it has a bit more flexibility and less expensive. Since the wall is so large, I’d like the frames to be quite big (significantly larger than they are right now) so it wouldn’t get too busy.
It would also be a good opportunity to bring in family photos, current or ancestral. (Kim’s vintage photo wall is one that I’ve had bookmarked since she did it!) Or maps or more art. Architecture.
Whatever it is, I think floor to almost ceiling (gotta leave room for lighting!) is the way to go. And since the wall is recessed, I’m thinking of painting it darker to make it look more intentional.
Large frames in a grid with photographs + accent painted wall. Yes? Weigh in in the comments! Wall, we’re gonna figure you out this week!
Inspiration Photo Cred: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
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Or Kuba cloth?
Have you thought about an African Mudcloth tapestry? Like a black and white one? If you already have mudcloth pillows (can’t remember if you do or not) it would blend nicely. Then you wouldn’t have two picture collages in the same room, although I think that is also nice. You could stretch it somehow so that it looks less ‘drapey’ and more like a piece of art.
OK… I just love ALL the ideas :D
Forget about the wallpapers, I am in love with the art and pictures. I mean seriously, they are the essence of the wall that comprehends perfectly. Got to pin the picture. So beautiful Julia :)
I’m all for a textile. There is amazing work being done by quilters all over the country as modern quilts and art quilts are getting a voice. I recommend googling “Quiltcon 2016” (or searching on Instagram) – you will be blown away.
But art provides such endless options- cool wallpaper or some amazing work of your own. Hard to go wrong- but I’d go big to provide a nice foil to your other gallery-type displays.
Yay!! You heard me on the email thing! Thank you. As to the wall, I do like the idea of a dark wall and large frames and also a narrow bench too. Would be lovely.