SFGate

julietyler Have you checked out wall decor from Kirklands? Could be gorgeous with the right tile. I love the cabinet but doesn't look quite right there. How about an indoor tree?

Bridgette St_Hilaire Hi Julie! Interesting idea, will have to look into types of trees that might work. Or maybe find a good fake one lol! It is where we put our xmas tree, but I hadn't thought of putting a tree there permanently! Thanks!

Anta Design Studio 3 options:
1. install nice torch type wall light fixture ( will need electrical wiring)
2. install long tapestry.
3. install wall hung water feature. need power outlet only.

victorianbungalowranch I like option #2 with the cabinet and it could look very asian/zen with a vase or sculpture off center. Still can put the tree there too. An inexpensive option may be to get a nice runner and hang it up.

There are some georgous ones regularly at One Kings Lane, even some really cool woven outdoor ones that are pretty cheap, or a nice Ikat or kilim, and it can look terrific.All kinds of textures and colors and patterns to pick from.

I would move the family photos--they look so lost there. The big one could be kept there in a table frame perhaps.

greenthumb2 Hi. You love your family, right? Go to a professional photographer. Three large black and whites; 16 x 24, in good matted style perhaps wood frames with black and white recessed boxes, or simpler. Runner of carpet is good idea. And, please darken this wall, darker than the inset. It will be so dramatic. One, two, three. Console top is clear of anything except a disc or bronze sculpture. Voila. Classy and personal.

Another idea completely....Black or dark coffee brown stripe same width as landing and bannister left to right would also highlight this spot (and relax the tight feeling it has) if you don't want the entire wall dark. Add new large matted photos.

PS. Love the tree idea. Do a real tree and use a tube light in the foyer to give it the light it needs and light the foyer in the daytime. If feasible to do this in your area..

olldbobbi When I first looked at your picture I saw a reception desk in an office complex. Doubt that's what you want. I like the idea of a tall tree there, without the cabinet. Maybe you can add a pendant light or two to highlight the tree, and also your Christmas tree.

Natalie Wallpaper it. [houzz=Desire Dark Green Damask][houzz=Orangerie]

Inspired Interiors by Wendi, IIDA I agree with Anta Design Studio"s option #3. My initial reaction was to put a water feature there.

decoenthusiaste Do you live near a university with an art department? You can have a custom piece of art or mural commissioned by a student or perhaps a professor whose work you appreciate. Unless there is enough light, I wouldn't go for a tree alone. Center the credenza under the recess (looks a bit off) and have a huge high dollar silk arrangement made that compliments the colors in the custom art/mural and doesn't look "weenie" with it. Nothing else but a magnificent area rug just 8-10" narrower than the credenza and extending at least to where the stairs begin. Nothing on the stairwell wall either. You want to create a stand-alone vignette when you enter the house. Will be stunning!

iamchickaddd I'd try to find a long, pretty tapestry...even a nice hall runner...

iamchickaddd This is an Indian tapestry hung horizontally but I could see something like this hung vertically in your space.

iamchickaddd Something French perhaps...

Rayco Painting turn it into an accent wall.

houssaon I would think about decorative painting for the niche, lighting and a piece of artwork, like this sculpture: Elegant Contemporary Foyer Seasons at Cherry Creek Elevator Lobby A tall painting or print would work: residence space in Belgrade

Elise Consider tile mosaic art? This ancient art form has provided decor for thousands of years. A good tile artist could create a one of kind piece for you that could make your house stand out from the rest. Think of it as a tile rug runner, hung on the wall in place of a fabric tapestry. Perhaps with a water feature at the base? It's a way to bring the outdoors in also.

Bridgette St_Hilaire Wow, thank you everyone for the great ideas!!!

If I do a tree or 2, is it cheesy to use a silk plant?

I don't have a very green thumb...or would I be better off using a large floor vase with some kind of cedar or other branches like this http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Salt-Cedar-with-Cocoa-Bamboo-Floor-Vase/3524180/product.html?

decoenthusiaste Silk has to be superior quality, but rather than ruin floors or furnishings.

julietyler I love the vase at Overstock. I also like the idea of painting that wall a different color. Chandelier or pendant lights hanging as well

Vikrant Sharma Homez I'm with Natalie and Wendy .