SFGate

by JDawnV

Suggestions Needed! How to 'fill' wall openings?

Hi All,
We just purchased a new home and one of the biggest eye-sores to me is these wall cut outs with the railing pieces. My husband is a contractor, so first things first; those railings are being removed... But then what?

There is two of these openings (as seen in the picture), then first wall is between the entry and the dining/kitchen and the far one is between the entry and front room. I like the openness it creates, so I don't know that I want to just try to patch the drywall and completely fill them in. It is a load bearing wall, so my initial thought of just making the whole thing a half wall will not work.

I'm looking for some finish suggestions to partially fill these or make them look finished?

(The home currently has lots of oak, it is an acreage and has a very ‘older country’ feel. My style is pretty eclectic; I will maintain lots of the oak but combine it with fresh colors and modern finishes.)

Thank you in advance.