I love our new house, don’t get me wrong, but there are things that builders are doing nowadays that either baffle me or are aesthetically pleasing and yet practically annoying. Eight foot ceilings fall into that latter category.
Have you ever tried to change a lightbulb while balancing on a flimsy Ikea bar stool? I have, and I’m not real keen on putting my life in danger for 60 watts. Risking your life should be reserved for saving your kids from flash flooding, raging infernos, evil extraterrestrials. Not light bulbs, and while I like the airiness of our house, I much preferred the sturdy feel of our kitchen chairs under my feet. At my old house, that was all that was required to change out a light bulb.
But the thing about our house that baffles me the most is the Bizzaro Big Open Space above the front door. As you can see from the picture, right now it has Christmas decorations. (Yes, I said right now; I’ve been on deadline, cut me some slack). In October, it was filled with spiderwebs and orange lights and giant fuzzy spiders. But I’m not inclined to fill it with hearts for Valentine’s day, nor typewriters for Secretary’s Day. I’d like to quit risking life and limb by climbing out there at all (trust me when I say it’s not easily accessible).
But that leaves the question of What The Heck Do I Do With It?
And that’s why I’m soliciting ideas. Help me out here, people? I’m the girl who needs a committee to choose a paint color for the living room. This is really NOT my strong suit. What can I put there, oh wise readers? I’m soliciting any and all ideas, no matter how bizarre.
And how about you? Do you have a spot in your house that calls for innovative decorating? What was it and what did you do?
PS: In honor of YOU, dear readers, because we love you and we haven’t given anything away in the longest time, we’re giving away a Kindle Fire (or the gift card equivalent, in the event you have or don’t want a Kindle Fire) to one lucky commenter from now until February 13, when we will choose a winner at random from commenters, to be announced on Valentine’s Day.
{ 88 comments… read them below or add one }
I was in a house recently that had a space similar to this and they had put some awards and pictures of their husbands there. She had lost her husband to cancer several years earlier so it was like a little memorial. It was very cool and a nice way to remember him. You could put stuff like that as a remembrance of someone important in your life.
I would definitely paint it an accent color. Perhaps a light Burgundy color or a two tone/textured paint like sponging/ragging or a crackle paint. My mom did sponging in our front room. You might ask her about it. I would add a faux plant (either a potted tree or a basket of ivy). Being from Texas and all you might put tin stars on the walls. You also might think of putting white shutters on the window.
I might also add “dust collectors” and other things that you don’t use all the time and you wouldn’t mind not dusting. For example a ceramic pot, antiques, or other larger knock knacks. And perhaps light it up with soft LED lights.
Bookshelves with a rolling ladder is great, but not at your front door. I would suggest putting up a railing of some kind,either plantation style or wrought iron and then hanging a beautiful quilt on the railing.
It would be neat if you could make some sort of shelving up there and use it as a library. (Though I’m sure you have one.) I’m not sure oh how much space is there but add a sliding ladder. I’m going to win the lottery someday and build an awesome house with a sweet library in it. =)
I’ve avoided buying houses that have open spaces like this…instead, we opted for the floor plan that modified the cathedral ceiling-d great room into a bonus room, with, as you noted, about 200 extra square feet of space. I definitely like the idea of adding a few bookshelves with a rolling ladder. Though not cheap, probably less expensive than laying a floor and enclosing the space!
WalGreens puts their sign up there. Perhaps some of your favborite book covers, enlarged. Also, you need to invest in one of those long bulb-changing poles used in churches.
LOL! The book cover thing might be a little to All About Me. But then again, it’s my house
I definitely need a lightbulb pole…..
Jane is on to something- sell the space to advertisers. hahaha.
Do you remember the scene in Bridget Jones Diary when he tells her likes her just as she is? Beside them was a huge branch with white lights. I absolutely love that look. Me personally because I am a weirdo I would probably wallpaper that wall where the window is with a like deep purple wallpaper with black silhouette type pattern, place a huge white tree branch like the one from the movie there (so it can be seen in the window outside) and have soft purple LED lights on it. Or a soft mellow purple wallpaper with the branch and white LED lights. Or knowing me, I would have the entire area along the left there lined with books, tea cups and other ecclectic mish mash of dust collectors. Along with the korky oddbit (like a fake raven my mom gave me to remind me of when I took her to the Tower of London and Merlin, one of the female ravens took a liking to me and followed me all over the place!) But then thats me…I am kooky korky weird!
The world needs more weirdos, Ti. It’s signature style.
I thinking a silk ficus tree on either side of the window with white lights.
That could be really pretty. We did white lights around our patio columns at the old house and I love the look!
Would need to install an electric outlet back there though. Hmmm.
I love the idea of a large light fixture and a reading area. I would also convert the walls into bookshelves with those rolling ladders to access my books. Great space!!
omg, I LOVE those rolling ladders.
Not a cheap solution, but it would be cool!
And also, invest in a ladder. Remember, the life you save could be your own.
I’m thinking a faux room. The books and a skinny shelf, and then maybe a chaise painted on the wall. It’s probably a lot of work to floor it up and make a space (although in the long term, you might want to think about it). In the interim, maybe the faux room or silk plants (says the woman with zero decorating abilities and still has some of her college furniture).
Baskets look marvelous up high like that and hardly show dust at all!
I think a larger light ficture hanging down lower would be a good start. Also, changing the paint color. A old writing desk would be nice with books laying around, maybe an overstuffed chair and/or bookcase – as if that is where you go to read/write. Only issue is having to dust the stuff.
You should submit the questions on Ask Geneveave (sp) on HGTV – she might be able to help (or her fans).
I do like the big light fixture. You can get some really great ones that are fancy chadeliers, but have stained glass or colored glass, or somesuch to brighten up the white…
My sister has severalareas like your. The easier to reach she keep decorated either with holiday stuff or theme/antiques. Another area which is very difficult to reach she has professionally etched windows and in another area she has “theme” murals. Her house is gorgeous… she is so artistically inclined.
I’d choose an eye-catching light fixture. Can’t tell from the photo how wide those shelves are where the Christmas decorations are, or along the side, but if they’re wide enough, I’d choose some pretty ceramic pieces in colors that tie in with the rest of your decor mixed with some sort of floral pieces.
Ooh, ooh, I know. A swing! Yes, I giant swing. Better yet, a ginormous gilded cage with a swing inside of it!
Yeah, I’m good at this stuff. Next problem?
Love this answer
Oops, put this comment under the picture instead of here:
I’d love to see a large palm type plant on the right side, then on the left a nice large vase (floor size type) and next to the vase to the left a woven suitcase/box type. Along the left side, I think a couple of large matching pictures side by side would be nice, and maybe some sort of iron piece on the shelf, large candlestick, or wine rack with some greenery. Maybe a soft neutral roman shade pulled up over the window as well. Good luck!!
The others who had the idea of bookshelves would be great too,
not sure I would put anything way up there-whatever you put will have to be eventually a)dusted b)taken down when you get tired of it…I’d leave it bare and should anyone ask why you haven’t done anything with the space just smile and say ‘hmmm…haven’t had a chance to really think about it.’
When we were looking for houses, those soaring entryways were a big strike against the property for the reason you mention–what do you DO with that (aside from hang a huge honking chandelier that’s more appropriate for Phantom of the Opera than anyone’s home)? Meanwhile, my husband, the engineer, looks up at those spaces and thinks, “There goes my heating bill.”
Unfortunately, my only suggestions are a) huge honking chandelier; b) plants on the ledge; and c) spy on your neighbors for ideas.
If you didn’t mind the hassle, I’d totally remodel. Add a catwalk from the second floor and turn it into a reading nook for you or for your kids. I love cozy little spaces like that. A window seat and perhaps built-in bookshelves above the level of seating. But again, huge hassle while it’s happening and not the least expensive option.
I like your husband’s idea. I’m a bookworm. Love the “funky” reading area!
If there is a safe way to get there, and it is structurally reinforced to support the weight, the idea of a reading nook is very appealing. However I know that most of those types of spaces don’t get structurally reinforced (thank you Mike Holmes of HGTV) so you are probably going to have to live with some kind of decorative idea, which is painful.
I would recommend ditching that teeny tiny light and replacing it with something that will make a statement and suites you and your family. Hit the estate sales and auctions in your area – you can usually find something really cool and very economical. Also keep an eye out for statement pieces that you can put in the dead space. Antique trunks, the carousel horse, a dime-store Indian figure, a few sizable items will do it. And since they are antique/old, a little dust won’t show. I don’t recommend putting fabric up there – it is really a dust collector. Antique oversized books on a trunk or two would look fabulous.
You know, I’m agreeing with the gals that are recommending you see if you can make it into a room, for reading and/or storage. Just think about how much you’re going to spend air conditioning/heating all that air space above your front door. If you can afford it, a bonus room is always good. And if you tell your husband “man cave” he may even be all for it
As for my house, it’s boring boring boring, and I’m no decorator, but I have this huge blank (but relatively narrow) wall over the stairs to my basement, and we hung a giant Chinese scroll that we received as a wedding present. It looks great.
I like the idea of a railed off reading area. This way you can spy on people coming to your door and drop things on their heads after they enter. Obviously, I’m kidding about dropping things on their heads, but the picture did come to mind when envisioning it.
i had a friend once who had a window like that and she bought a large antique looking bird cage and had some greenery with it. It was really pretty
I think I would call a contractor and see if it’s possible to just close it up.
i have know idea what to put there something that is nice to look at i am pretty sure i would not like that space at all my luck i would put something there then have to dust it and fall so maybe just paint it that would be safer for me or have someone paint a big picture on it
My first thought was to add some floor space and make an awesome reading nook… I love Kathy/Cookiedough’s idea of the paper stars though…
I’m weird — I’d probably paint it to look like bookshelves loaded with antique books or something (I can’t stand the idea of books being unaccessible for actual reading)
I have no decorating taste whatsoever, I also need the opinion of everyone I know to pick accessories and paint colors. I think a simple but elegant light fixture would be nice, nothing too fancy or that would need much maintenance. Ikea has some really cool fixtures that are easy on the budget.
I would say a large chandelier that hangs much lower than the one you have. I might also consider painting the upper portion (above the shelf) a separate color (a statement color) to set it off. Then I’d leave the rest of it empty (especially if it’s that tall).
I suggest using a box covered with a rich fabric as a table with books stacked upon it and a candelabra. A tall urn or basket with tree branches or willow stems in it would look nice. Painting the window wall would warm it up, too.
I like that idea! But I think books might be too small. Although maybe oversized antique books?
Definitely painting. Actually, the whole house needs painting. Builder used cheapo crappy paint
Yes, large antique books would look fab!
That was my thought, Julie. A small book case or end table with a few large antique books. Maybe a tall candle in an antique holder.
Also, perhaps a hand painted wooden sign or something to hang on the wall above the books. A small decorative railing to finish it off.
Then again, I have zero decorating ability.
I have no idea what to do with it either. As a mom with 7 children, every square inch of space in our home is utilized. All I can see in your photo is space that could have been another bedroom or bathroom, LOL. I’m sure I’d end up at least making a loft space for a reading nook or something. And I totally agree with the thought that anything you put up there is going to need to be dusted eventually, so whatever it is had better be easy to clean! I’m loving the idea of the telescoping light bulb changer.
ps. It’s still January, so Christmas decorations are fine. It takes so darn long to get everything put up, why pull it all down again so quickly?
Seven! Yes, I’d be seeing spare bedrooms and bathrooms, too!
And thank you for the permission to have been lazy about taking down the decorations. I feel much better about myself now
Instead of chandelier (I’m not a fancy girl), I’d find a nice big fixture with a fan. I like ceiling fans. Heat rises so in the winter I use them to push the heat back down and in the summer, reverse them. I know all the designer shows always show them decrying them but there are some really nice ones out there. And heck, they do help with the heating/cooling bills.
We have them in all our rooms, actually (Texas) but do you think it would look weird in an entrance hall? I really don’t know…..
A former boss’s mom stood on a folding chair to put up drapes once. She cracked her pelvis when it folded and fell. OUCH
I often visit a friend’s home who has that kind of area rimming their living room. they have it decorated with an old iron gate, an antique toboggan, some driftwood and various framed found objects from their travels. Since most of it is large enough to fill the space, the dusting work needs only a long handled duster. no tiny objects to send flying off.
Also you could hang paper stars from the ceiling in various sizes and colours to give it some oomph (technical term there). I made some in using Martha Stewart’s instructions for paper stars (http://www.marthastewart.com/272828/paper-star) one yr for a friend and they still run down the hall of her home 10 yrs later.
I love the idea of stars!
That could be very fun! I wonder if we could set a telescope up to look through that window? Of course, then we have to risk life and limb getting to it, so maybe a broken down antique one for show only?????
yep, that is a good idea! one for show and have a theme!
I have a very similar space. Though not quite as big and no window. But there is electricity. haha We have lived here 7 years. I keep my eyes peeled at all times for something to put up there. Something that wont show dust. Every time I see one, it is always plants. So thats out. haha So right now, it is empty. Sadly.
Ours is usually empty. And no electricity. I have to run a cord from the half-wall in the upstairs open area in order to do Christmas lights. Seriiously, if they’d just laid a floor, we’d have another 200 or so square feet of house!!!
I think that a nice dark warm shaded color would work, it would make the entry a little bit more cozy and it would give it a look like you entered a warm room. Or a mural that looks like a library ( books on shelves) with a rail that would look cool. I have a coat closet next to my front door, that has a open space above it that I hate, that has a high ceiling and very hard to clean.
Julie do you collect any antiques? a friend of mine is into photography and has any area similar to this. she has designated this area for all of her antique cameras and equipment. I personally would put my old singer sewing machine and phonograph in this space. just an idea.
Perhaps just paint the walls and ceiling above the molding a really light pastel (i like a really pale green, but, really, the color needs to be one you like). This will give you some color and you won’t have to dust!
By the way, you need to find out how much weight that area will support… ask the builder or previous owner if you intend to do more than just add something of visual interest..
When I see that space I see a darker paint color to draw your eye up to the space. Maybe a mural of some type with a large chadelier hanging from the center of it or rope lighting hidden behind the crown molding bordering the bottom of the space to give it a soft glow. Another idea is painting it a darker color and hanging framed art work on the walls with mini spot lights to showcase the art and draw your attention up.
We live in a development in Fort Myers, Florida and many of the homes look exactly like this. It’s wasted space. Some people put silk plants on the shelves which helps to make it look nicer, however, it’s still wasted area. So, here is what my friend did. On the top floor, you looked over a railing to the bottom area here and so she had a contractor come in and put in a floor that went from the railing to the shelf area. It was beautifully completed and now she uses it for a playroom for her children. It could also be used as an office or whatever. There is still lots of light from the window. Great idea and it’s a real plus. If interested, I’ll be happy to put you in touch with her for pictures and the details.
I would put up some nice silk green plants and perhaps a picture or two. Then leave it.
I have a similar space/height in the middle of my house. I would recommend nothing on the shelf (keep the white color) and hang a statement piece chandelier.
I say put a large light fixture of some kind. My landlords in the entry hall have similar to your entry way. They have a large light fixture and for that ledge, I would put a grouping of urns large and small.. Then I would get a very large duster with an extention handle, so you can dust them now and again…
I’d paint it a dramatic color and call it a day. Or maybe get some old suitcases and make a little display. I fell yesterday and am feeling blue so I’d love to win a Kindle. Keep whining.
Oh no, Tracy! Hugs!
I say green plants on the ledge, curtains around the window and maybe some artwork or decorative pictures on the sides?
Good luck
I like the idea of plants…but they’d have to be fake. Watering would be a pain.
Having stood beside Julie and stared at that space, I have no ideas. My first guess would be some sort of fake greenery. But then I think that it would eventually need to be dusted, and while I know two kids who would be more than happy to climb over the railing and dust them just to climb over the railing, I would not recommend it.
You had talked about railing the whole thing off, Julie. Any plans to do that?
Don would love it, but the area’s not level with the upstairs floor, so we’d have to cut a door in the half-wall, but in a step or two, add the railing…. Maybe some day.
And yes, the kids would LOVE the dusting chore!!!!!
All these comments and ideas are great! Keep them coming! Back in a bit…mommy duty calls…..
I am unable to tell much about your decor but it looks as if you have a large mirror with a white frame on your wall that looks kinda shabby chic.My suggestion would be a large white wrought iron chandelier with an antique look and you can also dress that up for the holidays if you choose(like hanging snowflake ornaments at Christmas, hearts for V Day and etc.)You could also try a large tapstery wall hanging but it would need to be something large to catch the eye as you enter the room.
It’s actually a painting. Funky tracings of some wood that looks like faces.
I like the chandelier idea, but I was hoping to go a bit more economical. Also, I’m not sure if I’m a chandelier kinda girl.
It’s really that weird space above, and I don’t think a hanging would work. I think it needs to be something sitting on the ledge under the window.
My husband wants to put a rail around it and make it a funky reading area. Not a bad idea……
I had something similar once, and had a antique rocking horse and a trunk with some fabric spilling out… but you need to remember that things might look smaller due to the height/distance…
Cool idea! I’ve seen something similar at model homes, actually, and it does look pretty. But yeah, the size is a thing. I wish I had a carousel horse! That would be cool!
Hang a big beautiful eye catching chandelier (maybe you have one out of camera range) and leave it at that. All you need is one piece to draw the eye and don’t worry about filling the space. That’s my recommendation. Easier said than done perhaps.
We don’t have a space like that, but we do have recessed lights in high ceiling spaces and we had to get a ladder and a long telescoping light-bulb changer (fantastic device, adjustable to fit different bulb sizes- you should have one). My first agent warned me about the dangers of using chairs for such things when I broke my arm falling off a chair (warning came a little late). Her former landlord stood on a chair to hang a sign, fell, and one of the feet of the chair (how to put this delicately?) somehow impaled in a certain area. I have no idea how that could happen, but she said she never stood on chairs because of it.
nope, no chandelier — just the boring fixture that came with the house.
But I’m not sure I’m a chandelier kinda girl? Also, I’m sure I’m not a chandelier kinda budget at the moment. Bummer.
As for the chair story. O.M.G. I’m in pain just thinking about it….and I will definitely invest in a taller step stool at Home Depot. The barstools are no longer in the picture!
OK, Sherri, that image is burned into my brain. Yikes!!
The first thing I was going to recommend was the light bulb changer. I have a stairway light fixture that’s impossible to get to unless I call my handy man.
Sorry, VB. I can’t forget it either and she told me that story about ten years ago.