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Dear Jessica,
I am building a house in Summerfield and there are a few architectural details that I am struggling with. My question concerns a shelf over the front door and an art niche at the end of a hall. I am not sure what to do with these spaces. Do you have any insights I should be considering?
Correy H., Summerfield

Dear Correy,
It’s good that you are reviewing and questioning specific details in your architectural plans. The art shelf located above the door and the art niche at the end of the hall are spaces that are designed to add character. They can be interesting architectural details — if executed properly. These spaces are not easy to decorate if you do not have a plan in advance.

Accessories can add the perfect finishing touch to a room. While they can add character and style to a space, they can also add clutter. Accessorizing a space requires foresight and planning, keeping in mind scale, color, texture and, of course, style. 

Your questions about how you will use these spaces are valid. In general, I am not a big fan of these spots. The concept of the shelf over the door is cool, but these spaces rarely end up looking as interesting and impressive as they should. 

When you are decorating an empty “nook” 12 feet in the air, you are limited in what you can do. Frankly, these spaces frequently are difficult to maintain or dust and often end up looking tired and messy. 

Unless you have a sculpture or some other type of unique eye-catching piece to showcase, it is hard to avoid getting the store window effect. I have seen many random accessories like large platters and ceramic jugs thrown up on these shelves for lack of anything else to use in that space. Since my style is “less is more,” I prefer a wonderful bright entry area, rather than having to fill a space with “stuff” because it looks bare.

Art niches also can be delightful spots or dust collectors. These niches are easier to accessorize and integrate into your décor than the shelf.

My recommendation is to decide what you want to put in your nook before finalizing your design plans. If you want it to be used for fresh flower arrangements, make sure it is deep enough. If you want to highlight a painting, be sure to plan ahead and perhaps add lighting to the niche. At this stage, you can customize the size of your space or eliminate it altogether, so really think about your overall design look. Decide if the design will add to your plan or look like a spot that needs to be filled with “stuff.”

Both of the architectural details you mentioned, if done correctly, can look striking. Preventing the look of a display case is all in the planning.

Jessica Dauray is owner of Elements of Style Interiors, a full-service interior design firm with offices in Greensboro and Wilmington, and The Studio, a trade-focused fabric and furniture resource. Have questions? E-mail Jessica at jessicaofeos@bellsouth.net.