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I have a living room that has been difficult for me to decorate. I have black leather couches, a black-white and stainless steel entertainment center.
To the left my open kitchen has black granite and dark coffee cabinets.
Even further to the left I have a small kitchen nook that has a diner style table that is brown and black. My curtains are black and white.

I truly love the black and white theme.

Unfortunately my walls are a cream color, and I have one specific wall that is the first thing you see that is boring.
Ideally I'd love to have a black modern upright piano, but realistically speaking it would clog the area.

All I have on the wall is a small painting that looks sad and miserable.

As mentioned before, this is one of the main things people see when they walk into my house.

Please help! any ideas would be appreciated!

Welcome. That painting is definitely too small in scale to the wall area. Since it's the first thing you see upon entering, I recommend you shop for graphic or abstract art or perhaps a wall sculpture that is larger tho the rectangular shape is ideal for this area. A large framed poster featuring some black and white plus an accent or three in vibrant colors will draw the eye. The accent color(s) can then be scattered around the two adjoining spaces via things like pillows an upholstered chair, a lamp base, more art, accessories, a runner upon entry, etc. Your preferred black and white spaces will remain a neutral and bold backdrop to the spots of color. Also, be sure to feature pattern and textural interest throughout. Don't neglect the importance of lighting in your design plan.

By the way, try to conceal the cords behind the sofa in a safe manner. They should also be positioned in such a way as to prevent a tripping hazard.

I addition to the previous recommendations, paint the walls or one focal wall to compliment your black and white scheme (assuming this is not the case of a rental property that forbids you to do so). If doable, your art will serve as wall color inspiration. Factor things like room size, lighting and the feel you seek. View all potential chips under the room's daytime and nighttime conditions. Once narrowed to. Two or three, paint a test board and view it over several days to further pinpoint your final selection.

You might try posting pictures on the Rate My Space Forum which is geared strictly to decorating and problem solving. There are a lot of people with great decorating talent and willing to share their ideas with you if you ask. You can also peruse the different rooms and perhaps get some ideas of your own.

Looks like you have just enough room to put in a simple console table with slender proportions, 12 - 14" deep, between the window and the slider.

Over it, you could hang a large mirror or artwork. And on it, you could add a slender table lamp.

http://www.houzz.com/console-table

If you are unable to find a table that suits your tastes, budget or space, consider installing a floating shelf -- or a series of them -- for display space and a focal point on that bare wall.

Good luck!

My first thought was a large tall mirror.

How about a large fiddle leaf fig tree. Sometimes a stark modern black and white look needs something alive, and green in the mix.

Always, can you post photos of the connecting rooms you mentioned? Agree about the scale of the 1 item but viewing the remainder might help.

My initial reaction (JMHO) was it sounds as if you need to select an accent color to break up/enhance the black and white.

Good Luck!

Happy Thanksgiving, all -

quote:

Originally posted by cocok:
How about a large fiddle leaf fig tree. Sometimes a stark modern black and white look needs something alive, and green in the mix.

I agree!