We have a lower level den which I told you all about here, and it has a long wall right around the corner from the stairs coming into this room. You can see my office nook there through that little doorway.
So, I added 3 pretty blue botanicals that I found on Ebay, had them framed in black frames with white mats and also added 2 shelves underneath to hold a few of my seashell collection. I love the way it looks on this wall, but always felt it needed something underneath. I figured I add a piece of furniture one of these days. Turns out my sweet hubby really did not like that plan, since he is a big guy and needs plenty of room to walk and hates it when the traffic flow is impeded. And since that door to the left goes out to our garage, this is a well-used corridor and needed to stay open. Of course, a small little console table wouldn’t have made much difference, but to him it was ALL the difference in the world. You know the old saying, you need to pick your battles…well, this wasn’t one of them. So, my brilliant solution was to add something to the wall to balance out this space and ground this end of the room.
It did exactly as I hoped it would, it really balances out the wall and adds a grounding effect to that space, don’t you think? (Wallcolor is Believeable Buff by Sherwin Williams). My carpet is not really pink like it looks here.
It was a perfect solution and at only $55, a lot cheaper than buying a piece of furniture. 
And it keeps my hubby happy. Of course, he doesn’t “get” the whole shabby old piece of architecture thing, but he indulges me anyway. His reaction: “It looks stupid, but at least it’s not in my way….” 
And I just laughed. I happen to love old and shabby, so that’s fine with me. We both got our way. 
Vintage mixed with new and fresh.
An unbeatable combo!
I got out my stud finder, found the studs and just hung it with 3 long nails, making sure it was level with my trusty little level. Easy! I’d love to add more of these things around my house, so I’ll be on the lookout for other ideas I can use. Every room needs something old, don’t you agree?
For more before and after projects today, go by Susan’s blog, Between Naps on the Porch. She’s hosting a Mr. Linky party with more fun things to see.
So, I’m the first to comment… :)Wow – that is so beautiful. I just love things like that!
Perfect piece for that arrangement, Rhoda.
I really should try to find places that sell architectural salvage in our area. J just happened upon the shutters for the back porch folding screen, out in the country. Surely, St Louis has such a place. I see some research ahead, for me!
PS, I saw your note about Kelly and dropped by to let her know we are praying for her precious baby.
I think it looks great! Fills the space and doesn’t take away any “walking” room.
It looks great. I love to use unusual things. Believable buff is one of my favs.
Kathleen
Great idea and looks very nice. My husband used to question why I wanted old, shabby looking things. He has finally figured it out.
I really like that look! I have two places in my house that seem ungrounded but there isn’t room for furniture. Hmmm. Thanks for the great idea!
Loved that hubby’s wishes were important to you. Creativity comes from having a little adversity in our lives… a problem to be solved… and I think it is fabulous. Guys just don’t get it. Bob’s comment about my new lamps: the old ones were fine!
I think it looks fabulous!
Brilliant! I love it! Oh the ideas that burst forth from you are incrediable!
Ha ha! Men. You should have seen my husbands face when I hung picture frames on the wall with no picutures in them.
LOL, they so often don’t get it. It is absolutely perfect! As one who is totally lacking in this area, I am in awe of your talent, Miss Rhoda. Thanks ever so for sharing your wondermous vignettes and makeovers.
Have a JESUS-filled day! ^i^
Girl, it looks great! Of course, I’ve yet to get my stuff hung! They are all still on my dining room floor….oh, well. I did get a pretty mirror at a flea market last week that I put in my kitchen, pictures of that soon.
Today I’m off to the dentist then shopping for clothes for the cruise which is about 4 weeks away!
Talk to you soon!
Judy
I had to read that out loud to Bill…We are both Laughing Out Loud!
He is glad to have a vote on his side. Soups, decorations blocking doorways, pillows; we are fighting an uphill battle!
Oh~ I think it looks fabulous!!
I have to disagree with your husband! That doesn’t look stupid. That was a great idea!! It looks great!
That piece looks amazing, and just the right size. The wall really looks finished now. I agree with you to pick your battles. haha Hugs, Marty
Rhoda, it’s perfect! Absolutely perfect! Hubbies don’t always understand these things, but we bloggers do! Especially the “junkers” among us! It is the perfect weight and scale for that vignette. Wonderful!
I guffawed when I read what your hubby had to say…glad I’m not the only one who got one of “those”! ;o) I think it looks great!
I’m headed over to Kelly’s to offer my prayers.
I love it! I think it’s perfect and a little shabby is good for what ails ya!
Looks great…the perfect thing to anchor that space without using a big bulky piece of furniture!