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.
What a great compromise! And I totally agree: every room needs something old in it. 🙂
I always love your designs! Keep up the good work and keep sharing them with us!
Very nice Rhonda!
It is beautiful. Your husband sounds like my husband. But at least, you get to put up your architectural piece. Love it and your blog.
Rhoda-I was really laughing when I read this. That is my husband to a “T”! He cannot understand why I buy things that are brand new but made to look old or my decorating style. He would totally decorate for function and not just style if he had it his way. I guess most men are very much alike. Now I don’t feel so bad after reading your post. By the way, the wall looks really good!
Pat in Chicago
L. O. L. (seriously) on the “It looks stupid but at least it’s not in my way” comment. Could your husband and mine be long lost brothers?? That would make us family (not a thought that you wanted to have this morning I bet).
That sounds just like something that my husband would say. He just does’t get it 🙂
And your wall looks FAR from stupid. It looks fabulous!!
Rhoda,
The piece looks great on the wall! Love what you did with it.
I am going to have to get out and hunt for some things like this.
It’s the little details that add up to a big ‘WOW!’
🙂 Diane
I, too, love mixing the old and worn out with the new and pristine. This is a great piece and I’m sure one you could use lots of places if you ever tire of it there.
Beautiful Rhoda. As you know, I love to use the old architectural and industrial items for decor in my house. This little piece is quite a gem!
I love using old things too. I like it there, it was the perfect piece. My husband is the same as yours, he is always bumping into things. I can’t count how many times he has knocked my shelf off the wall.
The wall look fantastic!
Wendy
It. Is. Perfect.
Once again, you blow me away.
Thanks so much for a link to the party,
Nat 🙂
Oh my gosh I absolutely LOVE it!!!
A wonderful idea! Space looks great …..
Rhoda, it looks great! And you’ll always remember that you bought it shopping with Eddie. 🙂 What do hubbys know, anyway! LOL
Love it! I agree, old pieces are wonderful, they seem to soften and add wonderful character that sometimes is very had to find with new pieces. My old house is full of old things. Keep up the good decorating! M.Ann
The architectural piece looks PERFECT there! It really “makes” the whole arrangement!! Great job! 🙂
This is very nice! You’re so creative!
I think it brings out the wall nicely! I need some ideas like that for a bare spot in our living room/dining/kitchen with the vaulted ceiling!
I have that same white urn/vase thing too! Love using old with new as well! 🙂 Great ideas!
You did a great job with the pieces. I always enjoy your ideas and your beautiful home.
Leave it to you to come up with such a BRILLIANT solution that made both of you happy. Personally, I LOVE this wall. And really, I think I like it better this way than with a small console table.