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.
That is so cool! Love how it looks on your wall. You are so creative, Rhoda!
looks great, Rho~ love the architectural piece – fabulous!
GREAAAAT idea, Rhoda! I love the way it feels more “homey” now… And God bless your sweet DH~ he’s SUUUUCH a “maaaan”!!! Mine would say the same thing, but he just wants you happy, and the FIRST person who says “Oh RHoda, I LOVVVE THIS!”, he’ll smile n’ beam and act like HE did it, and it was HIS idea!!! (And I always think THAT’s sooo cute!)… Kudos, kiddo! Hugs, Linda
Oh my goodness! I love your blog! you have amazing style. I know I will be checking in often for some great ideas!
The word “charming” comes to my mind…and what a conversation piece, too… 😉 Bo
It is perfect Rhoda! I love the whole wall…cherry
You’re right – it’s the perfect balance! I laughed when I read your title for today’s post – too cute! 🙂
Love it! I was wondering what you were going to do with that beautiful piece. It looks like it was meant to be there. Your hubby’s response sounds like something I’ve heard a time or two at my house (lol)!
~Amanda
Great idea Rhoda! Sometimes men just don’t get it. The wall would really look unbalanced without the piece you added below the shelves.
My husband ALWAYS wants lots of room around everything. I can’t convince him that you only need 18 inches between the couch and coffee table.
~elaine~
Very cool piece. Mishelle
OH WOW Rhoda, just so amazing what you have done with it…and of course everytime i come here I just think, hmmmm how can I do that?
so inspiring…
Great idea!
It looks great Rhoda! I find that black ties things together so well. And your architechtural piece along with your prints and contemporary frames & shelves make a stunning display.
Great piece!!
PS: Not sure if its just me but I can only see about half of your photos.
The perfect spot! I love old pieces like this one. I went on a mantel thing a few years ago. My dad and I bought about 5 in New Orleans one year. I used one for my sons headboard. We were going to use them in our new house but later found out they didnt pass the fire code. You did a great job with yours!
your hubby sounds like a piece of work – love it.
This is perfect here…what a find! 🙂
Oh MY Gosh…it looks FABULOUS! LOVE it!
Looks great and fills the space perfectly :o) Great find!
~Des
I think it looks great! The only reason a cabnet would be better is for the storage space – but other than that, it serves the same purpose and does a wonderful job of filling the empty wall space and hiding the electrical cord. I would have never thought of that. You are too clever!
Love it, Rhoda, and laughed myself silly over your husband’s comments!
Victoria :o)