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Monday, November 5, 2012

Design Suggestions Please!?!?

 
The wall that we have our TV on in the family room is very large and has windows at both ends. I already have a pretty nice media console which we are using there now, but it just looks so small on that giant wall and I don't know what to do with the area on either side of it. If the windows weren't there, I would have considered trying to do some built-in shelving/cabinets similar to the picture below, but I think the flanking windows might make that look funny.


Does anyone have any suggestions for a way I can make our wall less boring, while still using my existing media console? Or do you think I should just put the console somewhere else and start from scratch? I'd really like to find a decorating solution that covers up that outlet on the right too. It really bothers me that that's the closest outlet to the TV... I hate exposed wires!
 
Please offer any ideas you may have!  If you have pictures of your ideas, you can email them to movingtothecountryblog@hotmail.com.
 
Thanks in advance for your help!

14 comments:

  1. I would start with nice curtains to block out the incoming light and add some color/texture to the wall. Depending on your style, building your own valances for the curtains could be nice. I would also paint that wall a complimenting color. Adding some fabric panels flanking the tv, maybe long and slender could be nice. But I would caution, if you go with curtains it could be too much texture. So maybe dimension blinds, two long slender fabric panels (plywood wrapped with batting and a fabric of your choice). Then I would add some kind of basket or chest to hold/hide blankets (or toys if you got little ones). That could be placed in front of the outlet.

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    1. Sgt. Rich, we must have been typing the same thing at the same time. I agree with using a light texture too.

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  2. Those built ins are beautiful but I think adding that type of unit would block out light from those windows. I really think window treatments would look nice. Long, warm colored curtains could really help balance the space for a small price... But, your windows are so close to the wall that they would have to be a thin material so they aren't too bulky when drawn. I will email a pic of what is kind of in my head. Also, I'm a HUGE fan of painting my walls. I know many Ryan buyers are hesitant but you could do just that one accent wall to make it pop. My last thought: hang the TV and put a longer console below to cover more space and make wires less obvious.

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    1. Thanks for sending that picture catherine! I love that idea. And I was planning on doing a gray base in that room, so I love your idea of a light gray wall with darker gray curtains.

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  3. I think built-ins around the windows would work. You just have to be careful about the scale of the built-ins relative to the room. I've attached some pictures to give you some ideas.
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/91217466@N00/4360306151/ http://theinspiredroom.net/2012/07/24/get-organized-small-home-with-built-in-ikea-bookcases/

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  4. Check out houzz.com and search for it.... They always have great ideas and pictures for everything!

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  5. Hi *colette* As for me and my house, I usually use entertainment centers to house my television because they add such warmth to the space plus they hide the electronic equipment and wiring that I find hideous in a decorated space. I have been staring at those walls considering the options you have and there are so many to choose from. The first thing that captured my attention was the placement of the windows and the unlimited possibilities for the space in between. The space reminds me of the loft in our new home which I am housing several Ikea book shelves for the 2000 books I have collected over the years. The loft is serving as our study lounge so with that said, I kept visualizing the built in book cases you are considering in that space which would work perfectly because the depth of the cases would in no way block the view of the sun entering your family room. The first link showing the Ikea book shelving Carly included in her response would work perfectly. The other thought that came to mind was having the book cases custom built to redefine the space and add character to the family room. I am currently using California Closets to customize four different spaces in our new home. They will come out to your home to discuss your desires and custom build the unit to house the television, decorations etc. You can have them build a unit with the depth of field not imposing on the windows and have your television mounted to the wall within the unit. I like the idea of starting over with the space and place the console in another room. The consultations with California Closet are free and you can make a informed decision if it would work now or later. The other option is to purchase a much larger unit that is slender not bulky which is less expensive than the custom built. Ikea has some really nice entertainment units that are sleek and will work. I have been using my ikea entertainment center for twelve years because the quality is great. However, I have given up the unit to my daughter a couple of months ago and it looks fabulous in her living room. So with that said, I would visit Ikea and set up appt with California Closets. I know I went on and on and on and hope this helps. As for the window treatments, you may want to consider micro mini blinds to keep the space from being crowded out because of their positioning to the corners of the wall and if you do not use the custom built ins to add a simple, pretty valance to each window.

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    1. Thanks Nadase... I am intrigued by the califoria closet service you mentioned. I'm checking out their website now.

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  6. Hi Colette ,

    What about hanging the tv higher and putting a frame around it. I think you can order tv picture frames from eBay, pottery barn... Then try to find four similar (set) smaller pictures and hang two on each side of the tv vertically...closer to the windows. That might visually fill up the space if you don't want to change out your console.

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  7. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16803508103 Probably can find something cheaper local.

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  8. Thank you everyone for the ideas!! You guys are the best! Since I'm on a bit of a budget, I think for now I am going to try hanging some window treatments and some artwork on either side of the TV. I love Roger and Donna's idea of a TV Frame, but the cheapest one I found after a quick search was $700 :(. If I can figure out how to DIY it, would love to do that too.

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  9. I've had a stand for the TV flanked by shelf units, they give a combination of the effect of built ins and an entertainment center, they would work with your current furniture, and work well with your space, and you can try it without the commitment of having something built in that you may eventually want to change, especially with the windows as they are. If you were to build something in, I would go all the way across, creating a bit of an alcove effect around the windows.

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  10. I know I'm late to the party, but have you considered built ins that go all the way along with wall? I mean... window seats and then a console just a big higher but not up the whole wall. You would cover the outlet, give yourself some interest, and have a bit of storage.

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    1. Hey Tammi, that's funny I am just in the process of writing a "family room" post... I still can't decide what I want to do on that wall, but I have some other ideas for the room so I'm hoping if I get some other stuff together it will give me some inspiration. I do like your idea of built-ins with window seats... I love both of those things.

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I am so thrilled that you stopped by and I loooove comments! Leave me some love and I will respond shortly. Peace and love – Colette.