Can someone please help me with this empty planter box? I had a vase in it but removed it as it didn't look right. I was thinking of a tall lamp but you will see the electrical cord (outlet on the outside of the box) and it wouldn't fill up the same.
I saw 3 sized hurricane candle holders at Pier 1 that may work. I cannot find a photo of them but they are round brown metal ones.
This area is in our foyer and we are in a side split house.

Here is another photo from a different angle.

Personally, I would try a set (2 or 3) of wicker baskets or bins in a dark stain. I would store attractive blankets in one perhaps. I would want that little insert to serve a purpose of some sort instead of being soley decorative.

You could put greenery in it. If you don't want the whole thing to be greenery how about having a basket of greenery at the back end against the wall and using the rest for something like 3 different size candle holders. Would they get knocked over there? Or how about greenery and get those candles that are battery operated with a remote control to set in there and light the area up at night. You could turn them on or off when you want to. Hubby got me some for Christmas and I love them. I'm just visualizing them reflecting on the greenery.

Greenery and fill in with candle and perhaps some decorative balls???

Decorative rocks or sea shells with candles?? But maybe electric candles to be safe...

I like this. These are easy to keep alive too.

Could you get someone to make a lid for it? Either hinged or just a board to sit on top. You could store things inside and pretty things on top. Otherwise you could put some smallish pots with real plants in them and change them out when they need to be. If too dark, you could put a couple baskets of artifical plants and hanging grapes...be a dust catcher but would look nice.

I second the hinged storage bin idea as it's practical. You can still place three large scale crocks w/ greenery atop it.

Love the plants. What do they call that particular plant. Hubby has one at his office and they are very sturdy.
I would do one plant in as large of a container that would fit along with wicker basket.
Interesting idea on hinged lid, I like it as well.

The plant Always posted is Mother in laws tongue I believe.

Interesting little area.I can see were this can be a issue too.I like the hinged lid or board on top.Something tall at corner and can add pictures of family and treasures.
You have got a lot of good ideas.Dont forget we like to see the afters too.LOL

Froo,I've always heard of these being called snake plant.That's what DM & family & friends called them.But that is interesting name too.

I have always called those plant 'mother-in-law' plant.

Could you have a piece of plexi glass or heavy glass cut to fit the top and put photos or mementos in there?

Wanda

Sanservia is name of plant. AKA Mother in laws tongue and snake plant. Not sure I spelled it right.

Neighbor had partial walls between living room and dining room with planters. She had a piece of marble cut for each one. Looks nice. She has some of her collections setting on them. If she ever changed her mind and wanted to use the planters again, she can do that and store the marble.

I like the idea of the hinged lid for storage.

Like Jackie mentioned I would have a hinged top made for it but I would use it for shoe storage. I have two daughters and they leave ALL of their shoes in our foyer so that would be a great place to store/hide them.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: kw2,

I think the foyer could benefit from some color and texture. Personally, I would not want live plants in there (maintenance and moisture issue) but instead would opt for high quality greenery in low wicker baskets. For the change of seasons, add a few spikes of poinsettias or sunflowers, etc.
Good luck whatever you do will be beautiful!

Great suggestions - from storage to plants. Here's one more:

To emphasize the height of that area, you might use some birch or other tree/bush branches. If unavailable in your yard, you can find them many places, including florists, home decor and craft stores.

If you purchase a plastic rectangular planter (usually faux terra cotta), you can "plant" the branches in a plaster-of-paris type solution. For evening drama, you may either back-light them or use miniature string lights.

A little moss could hide the planter edge. Alternatively, spraying it white or the same color as the inset would also camouflage it. WRT color, the branches themselves can be sprayed too, e.g. silver for maximum drama.

The entire planter can be removed and stored to change out seasonally.

Hope you have time to post follow-up pics. Best of luck -

I could envision some colorful pillows/quilts in that area. They may even be something that can be grabbed and used when needed.

I think that I would use it as an area that can be changed frequently rather than one long-term solution.

Ah yes! Mother in laws tongue rings a bell. The heigth it provides would look great in the space.

Wow, great suggestions! The only issue is that the foyer area in where we contain our young dog when we are not home and from what I have been reading, that particular plant is poisonous. I agree it needs color. The storage is a good idea however we would rarely use it since we come in another door of the house with a mudroom.
I will try a few things and update with pics.

Did anyone mention displaying collectibles/antiques (books, maybe?) you may have? Nothing fragile, tho...