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.
Rhoda, that looks great…your hubby sounds like my son, who thinks shabby and rustic is dumb.
I left an award for you on my blog!
It looks wonderful! I just love it.
I like that a lot! I would have never thought to do that.
Caleb would say the EXACT same thing 🙂
Rhoda, I think it works well there, and it holds down that wall! I agree, it needed the weight of that piece to work. Good job, friend! 🙂
XO,
Sheila
Looks great;) I love the touch of the ocean and botanicals;) French
What a difference! The architectural piece really finishes it off. My husband doesn’t get shabby, either; but I love a touch of it. Sally
Oh my goodness – I almost choked on my diet soda laughing when I read what your husband’s response was! That is MY husband, and I recently wrote a blog about how I need to not let it stop me. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE what you’ve done! It completely balances the room. I have some walls that need something like that. And yes, my husband would make the same comment as yours. LOL
Sheryl
Hey Rhoda~
I love seeing old pieces getting renewed in a different place. Old and chippy is always fun.
Donna
It looks great, Rhoda.
I’m impressed! To be honest, when you pointed it out to us at Scott’s, I was a bit sceptical.. but it looks great! It gives an anchor to that wall… Elizabeth
Perfect!!!! I love it! and the whole arrangement is just right!
Suzanne
That looks perfectly fantastic.
I think it’s gorgeous and perfect!
I love the rustic look to balance out the flawless/new look.
And I’m glad to know that my dh isn’t the only one who gives me fits about decorating sometimes. *sigh* That man has no taste but he insists that he get a say. haha!
Love it! Men…they just don’t “get” us sometimes. LOL
Hugs!
Kat
Rhoda ~ I absolutely LOVE your blog and your wonderful ideas! Thanks for sharing!
Men (unless gay) have no clue when it comes to decorating.
I think it’s a brilliant idea!!
Hey Rhoda; What a wonderful way to add to the setting with out taking up lost of space. I really like the wall vignette. A great way to please yourself and your hubby, you are very wise woman…
Hugs;
Alaura
What a great idea Rhoda! I love how you use black, it’s something I never tried but it looks great in your den. Men. I’m sure he really admires your ingenuity. Keep up the great work! 🙂
xoxo
Jane
Well you tell that sweet hubby of yours we like it;o) Great find!
Blessings
Lisa