SFGate

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design Good golly! The rest of the room is charming, but that's a real problem at the entry! I'd definitely tear out that ledge. Of course you'll then face the problem of matching the wood flooring. Let's hope that it's fairly new and not a problem. The owners will be able to tell you.

So, if you buy it, I'd at least remove the brick from the ledge. If you can't match the flooring, you could make a large tiled entry (not ideal), or you could create a full height double sides bookcase out of the space.

You will also need to repaint the front door interior to all white.

feeny Personally, I don't think the painted brick is the problem (though I agree about the ledge). I think it's the shade of green on the walls. I like white painted brick against white walls, but softer taupes and grays (and even soft greens) can work against the white too.

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design But it's that gorilla in the room that is the real problem.

feeny I totally agree, the ledge has to go.

houssaon I wonder why the ledge is there in the first place. But I would get it out and build a coat closet. It will be function to screen the entry and hang up coats.

judyg To the right of the fireplace you have a paneled half wall. Panel the left side to match. Paint the front door white. Flip the couch to the half wall so we can see the piano; put the console behind the sofa; put the bench where the console is now. Start hunting consignment shops for two chairs to go where the sofa is now.

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design They don't live in this house. They're considering purchasing it, presumably unfurnished.

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design I like that houssaon's idea of a coat closet there. I hope they don't find a body under the brick!

Melissa Elizabeth Ideal scenario would be to remove the entire wall. If matching flooring is an issue, the bookcase idea is a creative one! Depending on where the entryway stops, you may be able to panel the brick with beadboard along with the rest of the logical entryway (again, probably not ideal, but just one option) to match. Definitely make sure the door is monotone once you get in, and if possible finish the crown molding above the door by continuing it. Also, the rest of the room and fireplace itself looks warm and charming! I would just go with a color more like the ones mentioned by feeny. ... Regarding demolishing the brick, I have to wonder what on earth you'd find under there! - Could be interesting.

Darzy You could remove the top of the ledge and put a beautiful pieces of rich mohogany wood there. But, it could turn out to be a catch all for purses, mail, coats, etc. But, it could also be used for hors de ourves table. I like the coat closet idea but I think would be clostrophobic coming inside the door.

Victoria Ricca Thanks everyone! We looked at another house in the neighborhood and were told apparently they used to be planters when the homes were built in the 50's/60's. If you got rid of the brick ledge would you keep the brick for the fireplace? I don't think we want to go through the construction of ripping up the hearth part, but I'm not sure what to do with the fireplace face then. I was thinking grey walls and white trim.

This is my first time posting on here...I LOVE IT! :):)

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design I'd leave the brick fireplace unless you want a more contemporary look.

Darzy You could convert it back to a planter. I suspected that is what is was and I think it would be cool to "bring it back".

Lori_Tartaglia Volpatti White kitchen and breakfast room with fireplace and arches, Greenlake Residence Living
You could leave the brick base and add a bookcase/ room divider to the top.

Ralston Decorating Group Hi, this is my professional opinion. I would repaint the room to a liter color, keep the brick painted and on the ledge, you could have it cover with wood panels, removing the brick is a hassle and you will have a major problem with the floor. If you decide to do the wood panels ( raised panels ) make sure the cabinet maker, makes it look finished at the fireplace, so it will look as if, that was done when the house was built.

Marie Hebson's interiorsBYDESIGN Inc. Hi Victoria,
I'm for either cladding it with millwork or ripping it out all together.
It isn't adding any real value as a ledge to put things on, and its taking up valuable real estate in terms of floor space.
I'd put a wide, half pony wall with bookshelves on the fireplace side, as I like the extra space in the living area. Best to leave colour recommendations for a local professional - love gray tones, always keep grays on the warm side rather than on the cool side for that cozy, earthy feeling.

Good Luck with your project!

olldbobbi Carolyn, dead body! Eeew. I don't like the ledge thing either, but removing it could open a whole can of worms. There's the floor issue, and it looks like it's attached to the fireplace so there could be some brick replacement there also.

Depending on your style there are ways to work around it. Here's a few photos for you: [houzz=Palo Alto Residence]
[houzz=50s remodel]
[houzz=Planter Detail]
[houzz=Personal Resort, Las Vegas, NV]