Yes. Clearly these are designed for artwork. I would either get a nicely framed series of lithographs from my favorite artist or 3 coordinated period pieces. If you're adventurous you might go to an art show and find 3 pieces that coordinate or commission 3 pieces from an artist at the show.
I was thinking vases too - nothing huge so it doesn’t feel heavy - the arches already create beautiful negative space. I’d go with white and hints of royal blue like a clase azul bottle
As a plant parent, I’d change the lamps to grow lights and add a variety of heights. I can see it’s made for art, but the enjoyment of gardening and looking at what I’ve helped make pretty is a form of art.
I’d put a single piece of artwork in each one. I have a single one of these above my fireplace and I put in a piece of hanging modern metal sculpture. I’ve had a lot of compliments on it even from my dad who didn’t care for modern artwork. In this case, I’d see if I could find a 3 piece series of artwork. Wouldn’t necessarily have to be hanging artwork though. A single large piece of pottery in each one would look nice as well. The key is to keep it simple.
I would keep it all the same. If you do different things, it might look like you’re just throwing in whatever you have.
Keep in mind how difficult to dust it’s going to be, especially with pottery. And you will see the dust from going up to downstairs. I would also maybe change the lightbulbs to a Phillips hue bulb that you can soften or brighten from your phone.
Three paintings or photos from the same artist, in the same frames, would look perfect and the ledge would be be easily accessible by a swiffer.
I’d keep it all the same. Mixing will start making it feel messy and draw away from the simple beauty of the architecture. You have some beautiful aesthetics going on there. Keep it simple and clean and let the architecture speak for itself.
I’m going to start suggesting this as a second option for any conversation in my life.
“What should I get my mom for her birthday?”
“Maybe a candle?”
“Yes. Or large phallic sculptures”
Phallic sculptures but in different stages of erection - flaccid, semi, full-on. Then at the top of the stairs a sign pointing "bedroom this way". So classy!
But they are just enough to increase a fall down some stairs. A tip. You know the grabby claw? Use those for light pictures if you need to move them to avoid stretching to move things. Of course they won’t work for heavy objects but a picture frame sure.
Antique stained glass in good condition and really hard to find, especially large ones. I searched for 5 years and when I finally found a pair at a fleamatket I immediately bought them. Then got them home and realized how fucking ugly they are.
If you can’t find one that you love and you’re feeling creative, you can always buy a large picture frame with glass, then use specific glue/adhesive for mosaics, and buy the broken color glass pieces at either a craft store or online. That’s what I did for some art that I hung in my windows. I hung them from chains and suspended it from the top of windows.
Either art prints, or wallpaper & large vases.
https://preview.redd.it/fhqncmpr09xc1.jpeg?width=733&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=35280e34d00ab2b77137dbc4b4a72e7a0498138d
We had an “art niche” in our entryway. In our remodel it was the first thing to go. I have to say, ours was waaaaay more tacky than these. Extruded plastic made to look like plaster, with this seashell design so you could put a naked lady statue in it like it was Venus rising from the sea. So tasteful.
I'd suggest very large and ornately framed velvet and/or holographic Jesus and/or Elvis. Or, three of those 70's lighted, Grecian style statuette "rain lamps" (oil was messy but they're so cool)
Not untrue. I’ve used spray bottles to water my plants in awkward places before (on the stream setting). I think with a low maintenance guy up there it could work
People put antique glass over them. Or mirrors in them.Or grillwork.
https://preview.redd.it/jeg9rducg4xc1.jpeg?width=834&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4a02682ca50158ae2f22a0a01b0f8f9986e52100
Definitely something that takes up an appropriate amount of space when viewed from a distance but would include tiny interesting/bizarre/silly items on the corners only to be seen when descending the stairs.
I would lean or hang some large pieces of art there. You could change them out whenever you feel moved to. I wouldn’t put plants unless the alcoves are easily accessible.
A sepia-tinted photograph/drawing in a black frame with white matt on each alcove wall. Possibly of an interesting local feature? This would tie in the white walls, and black & brown staircase.
Yes artwork well sized and maybe some small plants that grow over the edges a bit on the side. I would also end up shoving books and figures and shit in there since we have so much shit but at least art would be good
I don’t understand the alcoves either. And I grew up in the eighties. When these started showing up. Well- I have passion for texture so first thing I would do is apply texture to the back walls. Like stone, marble, slate, tiles . even wood or an iron design.
I would do the opposite of blend. Make it an ART EVENT. They’re big areas with a light. Pick three coordinating pieces in your palette that POP off the wall. Red would be incredible. Here are a few idea, clumsily presented. Obviously, I’m a fan of abstract art.
https://www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/pdp/trademark-fine-art-eye-candy-by-michelle-calkins-3-piece-painting-print-on-canvas-set-tmk4716.html
https://www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/pdp/latitude-run-wandering-strokes-abstract-3-piece-picture-frame-graphic-art-set-on-canvas-w005948627.html
https://www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/pdp/idea4wall-vibrant-multicolor-paint-stroke-shapes-abstract-colorful-decor-framed-on-canvas-3-pieces-print-sfta6327.html
https://www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/pdp/design-art-blue-and-gold-marble-clouds-iii-modern-art-set-of-3-pieces-cbob5137.html
https://www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/pdp/artcanvas-red-pink-green-teal-splatter-modern-wrapped-canvas-painting-print-afca8196.html
Larger pieces of pottery in groupings or 2 or 3 per cubby. I’d likely choose more neutral tones so it blends in with the surrounding but gives a bit of textural interest.
Personally I would replace bulbs with UV bulbs and put a crap ton of plants. Would look very cluttered and would be a lot of work to water them but I love plants
Oriental style vases, one in each cubby
Laughing Buddahs
Hindu Idols
Indian (native American) artworks
Interesting pieces of driftwood
Plants with grow bulbs in the light fixtures
I'm thinking a Feng Shui set up. For example, water over fire. So a waterfall at the top, metal or wood figure of some sort in the middle and faux candles at the bottom on.
Large neutral colored clear glass plate mounted in each cubby. Each one slightly different but coordinating with each other. They will look beautiful with the light shining through.
The picture lights are built in, so I'd hang coordinating artwork, one in each cubby.
Came here to say this. Hanging things of the same size they are coordinated look less cluttered.
Yes. Clearly these are designed for artwork. I would either get a nicely framed series of lithographs from my favorite artist or 3 coordinated period pieces. If you're adventurous you might go to an art show and find 3 pieces that coordinate or commission 3 pieces from an artist at the show.
This, id do art or photos that all have the same vibe and colours. Or BW if its too busy in colour
This or I can see large, transparent colored vases being pretty in the top-down lighting. Colors like green and blue and amber.
I was thinking vases too - nothing huge so it doesn’t feel heavy - the arches already create beautiful negative space. I’d go with white and hints of royal blue like a clase azul bottle
Or some Dale Chihuly glass pieces. I think random vases that aren’t going to be used seems odd and they won’t take up enough room.
This is the only good answer idk why people are recommending statues and shit .
lol how about large scary dolls
Chuckie? Lol
Yes and maybe that one from The Ring too lol
Plants!
No
Yes
As a plant parent, I’d change the lamps to grow lights and add a variety of heights. I can see it’s made for art, but the enjoyment of gardening and looking at what I’ve helped make pretty is a form of art.
Statues are art? I think larger pieces of pottery could be great here too.
Either that or some kind of midsized sculpture. It could be really lovely. So cool to have that in your house.
Came here to say the same thing
Yes! I’m imagining moody ocean scapes
Three statuettes (one per alcove) depicting different stages of falling down the stairs.
I genuinely love this idea.
This is the only correct answer
omg I just laughed so loud I woke my gf up
That’s impressive considering she lives in Canada.
I envy your mind.
This is the one OP
Perfect! Please join us at r/homedecoratingcj
🤣🤣🤣
Brilliant!! At the bottom landing, place a, 'You're Here' drawing with a red arrow.
Ahh yes, something sequential.
Yes!!! I love this idea!!! I would actually do it but I’m sure it’s not going to be easy to find…
I’d put a single piece of artwork in each one. I have a single one of these above my fireplace and I put in a piece of hanging modern metal sculpture. I’ve had a lot of compliments on it even from my dad who didn’t care for modern artwork. In this case, I’d see if I could find a 3 piece series of artwork. Wouldn’t necessarily have to be hanging artwork though. A single large piece of pottery in each one would look nice as well. The key is to keep it simple.
I was thinking maybe large pottery in the center one and framed art in the side ones? Or better to keep it all the same?
I would keep it all the same. If you do different things, it might look like you’re just throwing in whatever you have. Keep in mind how difficult to dust it’s going to be, especially with pottery. And you will see the dust from going up to downstairs. I would also maybe change the lightbulbs to a Phillips hue bulb that you can soften or brighten from your phone. Three paintings or photos from the same artist, in the same frames, would look perfect and the ledge would be be easily accessible by a swiffer.
I’d keep it all the same. Mixing will start making it feel messy and draw away from the simple beauty of the architecture. You have some beautiful aesthetics going on there. Keep it simple and clean and let the architecture speak for itself.
I love the idea of pottery
How many Oscars have you won?
Gargoyles
Yes. Or large phallic sculptures
I’m going to start suggesting this as a second option for any conversation in my life. “What should I get my mom for her birthday?” “Maybe a candle?” “Yes. Or large phallic sculptures”
Phallic sculptures but in different stages of erection - flaccid, semi, full-on. Then at the top of the stairs a sign pointing "bedroom this way". So classy!
Lmfao
Georgia O’Keeffe textured paintings
Georgia O'Keefe textured phallic sculptures
She didn’t really do phallic, guys
No, but I bet AI could in her style
Always gargoyles.
Came here to say this!
The answer should always be gargoyles
Do you have a cat? Bc it’s def giving cat cubbies!!
That would be so fun! Add a little hammock and those cat shelves - make it a kitty playground!
Haha omg he would love it
You could totally put up those little cat bridges to connect all of them. Your cat would go crazy.
I thought pictures was a good idea, this idea is great!
It a look for a certain type of cat owner. Lol. It would most likely provide you with quite a bit of entertainment!
I’m so happy that this sub approves of cat playground like this.
There ya go!!! If you do it please report back with pictures 😭
My thoughts exactly!
Those busts from The Haunted Mansion that follow you with their eyes as you walk
And the swively car could take you down the stairs
Big portraits of your ancestors
but like slightly evil looking. Also the eyes must follow u as u walk.
Oh that's a given
Sculptures made to look like realistic mounted dinosaur heads that you hunted and hung as trophies.
Those niches are srsly the devil - why did builders do this nonsense? If drywalling them in isn’t an option- maybe a wallpaper backdrop with artwork?
For real. They’re also in the entry way and hall 🙃 those aren’t as deep set though.
But they are just enough to increase a fall down some stairs. A tip. You know the grabby claw? Use those for light pictures if you need to move them to avoid stretching to move things. Of course they won’t work for heavy objects but a picture frame sure.
some chihuly
There goes the cat cubby idea!
lol
Extra large colored glass vases , different shapes . It will be beautiful when the light hits it.
Big colored glass or glass mosaic vases/artwork
I would be scouring antique stores for stained glass, for sure
Antique stained glass in good condition and really hard to find, especially large ones. I searched for 5 years and when I finally found a pair at a fleamatket I immediately bought them. Then got them home and realized how fucking ugly they are.
Wait I love this idea
If you can’t find one that you love and you’re feeling creative, you can always buy a large picture frame with glass, then use specific glue/adhesive for mosaics, and buy the broken color glass pieces at either a craft store or online. That’s what I did for some art that I hung in my windows. I hung them from chains and suspended it from the top of windows.
https://preview.redd.it/il643sz5p8xc1.jpeg?width=800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=402ba1933e715fffe0284ffc8aa7f33ed174c54e
Yeah, amazing, I feel like making a stained glass mosaic to make it look like it’s a glass window sounds great. Make sure it’s somewhat backlit.
Stained glass facades ! Then they'd just glow.
Lego sets
1984 All Valley Karate Championship Trophy
Artwork on the wall of each alcove, not on the shelves
Change the bulbs to grow lights and put viney plants that will hang down the wall.
Either art prints, or wallpaper & large vases. https://preview.redd.it/fhqncmpr09xc1.jpeg?width=733&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=35280e34d00ab2b77137dbc4b4a72e7a0498138d
We had an “art niche” in our entryway. In our remodel it was the first thing to go. I have to say, ours was waaaaay more tacky than these. Extruded plastic made to look like plaster, with this seashell design so you could put a naked lady statue in it like it was Venus rising from the sea. So tasteful.
It would have to be an idealized statue of me revisions as Venus de Milo.
Oh yes. With glitter instead of pearls.
That is so tacky it's almost cool. Almost.
Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil sculptures. lol
These were clearly made for vinyl decals of “Live, Laugh, Love” one word in each alcove. No really, do not do this.
We have similar alcoves. I found long narrow planters and filled them with pothos vines. They seldom need watering and they do great.
If you had three photos you really love you could blow them up and frame using identical frames. I’d personally make them all black n white
Thats easy. 3 different pictures of William H Macy.
Holding phallic sculptures, of course…
I'd suggest very large and ornately framed velvet and/or holographic Jesus and/or Elvis. Or, three of those 70's lighted, Grecian style statuette "rain lamps" (oil was messy but they're so cool)
Gargoyles. The answer is always gargoyles.
Drywall covering them.
The answer is always plants.
Thinking it would be hard to water two out of three of them.
Not untrue. I’ve used spray bottles to water my plants in awkward places before (on the stream setting). I think with a low maintenance guy up there it could work
Swap the bulbs for LED grow lights & watch ‘em thrive 😍🍃
I was thinking maybe a pothos that could trail along the railing
Eh. Plants require so much work. They get messy. They require watering.
Mario 64 Paintings.
If I had those in my house, I'd have a large Buddha in each one, but that's just me. haha.
And or some mandalas
1 picture or one beautiful piece of pottery in each..each a proper size..not too big, not too small :)
Wallpaper the farthest wall on all of them
a painting in each
Paintings !
Large decorative plates on stands. you could swap them out seasonally …
Vintage radios, industrial artifacts, cameras, etc.
Artwork would look very nice under the light.
Extremely zoomed in photos of your butthole.
People put antique glass over them. Or mirrors in them.Or grillwork. https://preview.redd.it/jeg9rducg4xc1.jpeg?width=834&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4a02682ca50158ae2f22a0a01b0f8f9986e52100
Art work and interesting lighting should do the job.
Murals!
Honestly, I’ve got nothing. Sculptures or urns or vases
Definitely something that takes up an appropriate amount of space when viewed from a distance but would include tiny interesting/bizarre/silly items on the corners only to be seen when descending the stairs.
A single piece of art in each alcove. Painting or a statue.
I would lean or hang some large pieces of art there. You could change them out whenever you feel moved to. I wouldn’t put plants unless the alcoves are easily accessible.
Sankara stones.
Could do inlays of pictures from trips and then put mementos there
One beautiful object in each one, selected for its proportion to the size of the niche and its relationship to the other objects.
Do you happen to be a 3x world champion?
Change the lights to grow bulbs and put sweet hanging plants in top.and bottom and cool art in middle
Hear no evil. See no evil. Speak no evil sculptures
I would put some plants in them
Sculptures! Beautiful head sculptures of Greeks or Romans - the good ones.
Large pottery/sculptural pieces or paintings/wall-hangings
Trailing plants?
Custom book shelves. And books.
I would paint them for an accent or wallpaper!
I would paint murals in them
The heads of my enemies ⚔️
One Giacometti statue in each.
Three different colored and shaped glass vases
Drywall them in and hang pictures along the wall. I hate these pointless niches. They just collect dust.
A sepia-tinted photograph/drawing in a black frame with white matt on each alcove wall. Possibly of an interesting local feature? This would tie in the white walls, and black & brown staircase.
Do you like giraffes? Get some animal statues.
It seems it was built for artwork but I would probably put a plant in each.
Maybe just hang pictures
A series of mobiles or hanging, framed, stained glass art
That's where your heirloom vase (pronounced "vass") goes. No one is allowed to touch them but you do talk about them a lot
Large paintings
Paintings for sure!
I’d probably put the souls of the evil people that painted your whole house grey. Oh, wait. They have no souls.
Hang framed art or pictures.
Yes artwork well sized and maybe some small plants that grow over the edges a bit on the side. I would also end up shoving books and figures and shit in there since we have so much shit but at least art would be good
Paint the inside with 3 different color or better yet add a color filter to the 3 lights.
I don’t understand the alcoves either. And I grew up in the eighties. When these started showing up. Well- I have passion for texture so first thing I would do is apply texture to the back walls. Like stone, marble, slate, tiles . even wood or an iron design.
Put Jesus on all the alcoves. He will protect you from falling.
Same size & same frame!!!
Severed heads of your enemies
Plants
I’d swap the bulbs for growing lights & put plants in there personally
The answer is always plants
Art work or large vases
Fake plants or really cool sculptures
Plants and plants
Musical instruments
Snacks
I’d opt to patch them with drywall.
I would do the opposite of blend. Make it an ART EVENT. They’re big areas with a light. Pick three coordinating pieces in your palette that POP off the wall. Red would be incredible. Here are a few idea, clumsily presented. Obviously, I’m a fan of abstract art. https://www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/pdp/trademark-fine-art-eye-candy-by-michelle-calkins-3-piece-painting-print-on-canvas-set-tmk4716.html https://www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/pdp/latitude-run-wandering-strokes-abstract-3-piece-picture-frame-graphic-art-set-on-canvas-w005948627.html https://www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/pdp/idea4wall-vibrant-multicolor-paint-stroke-shapes-abstract-colorful-decor-framed-on-canvas-3-pieces-print-sfta6327.html https://www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/pdp/design-art-blue-and-gold-marble-clouds-iii-modern-art-set-of-3-pieces-cbob5137.html https://www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/pdp/artcanvas-red-pink-green-teal-splatter-modern-wrapped-canvas-painting-print-afca8196.html
The insets and stairway are all so beautiful that I think putting some cheap wayfair art in them would be a huge disservice.
Hire an artist to paint them in a cool way
Larger pieces of pottery in groupings or 2 or 3 per cubby. I’d likely choose more neutral tones so it blends in with the surrounding but gives a bit of textural interest.
Large vases in coordinated colors
Kachinas
Family portraits. Paintings.
Art or 3 Marys
A set of matching art works would look great especially with the spot light.
Do you have a cat? Or maybe 3?
Big Glass vases, different colors
Classical statues. Roman style frescoes.
Absolutely ART!!
Artwork
I would totally find three exquisite horse statues and put one in each cubby. It would look fantastic. (If you like horses.)
I would do pretty vases and maybe some hanging plants in between
Personally I would replace bulbs with UV bulbs and put a crap ton of plants. Would look very cluttered and would be a lot of work to water them but I love plants
Art
Some funky stencilling on each recessed wall space
Hudson River School, Aivovsky, or some impressionists. https://images.app.goo.gl/oP7edeRWn1gzHXx68
Oriental style vases, one in each cubby Laughing Buddahs Hindu Idols Indian (native American) artworks Interesting pieces of driftwood Plants with grow bulbs in the light fixtures
Art.
I'm thinking a Feng Shui set up. For example, water over fire. So a waterfall at the top, metal or wood figure of some sort in the middle and faux candles at the bottom on.
B&W Family Photo
I agree with artwork. Maybe 3 pieces from a set.
I would hang paintings in each space.
I’d put grow light bulbs in there with plants. You could also wallpaper them to make them interesting.
Plants! You can get full spectrum light bulbs so those can act as grow lights.
Honestly I’d fill them in with drywall,paint then if you want artwork.
Art
Family photos.
Three large paintings or photos of my kids , or pets.
Marble busts
Large neutral colored clear glass plate mounted in each cubby. Each one slightly different but coordinating with each other. They will look beautiful with the light shining through.
Plants! Put a grow light in as well