March Project: The Neglected Niche

I have been loving the "Before & After" parties that Lisa at Shine Your Light hosts each month.  They give me motivation to finish projects I might not tackle otherwise.







I know you might be tired of seeing this little neesh (or do you say nitch?)  I know I'm a bit tired of staring at this gaping, sad space. 

It doesn't help that the console blends into the wall now that I've got new paint on the walls.

Here are my plans for this space.  Hopefully, I'll be able to complete them all in March!

First up is stenciling the walls of the niche, both above and below.  I've chosen this "Zamira" stencil from Cutting Edge Stencils.

I'm going to use a paint with a metallic finish, probably something silvery.

If you follow me on Pinterest, you might have noticed me pinning lots of living room ideas lately.  I'm thinking about adding shelving to the top niche to resemble a bookcase.  Here are a few ideas:

Source: laurawinslowphotography.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

Source: houzz.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

Source: houzz.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

I'm also considering painting the console.  I'll have to see how it looks with the stenciled wall behind it.  I'm generally drawn to bright, bold colors and patterns.  However, lately I've found myself pinning more neutral rooms.  Isn't this pretty?

Source: srgambrel.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

Or here's something more contemporary, yet still in a neutral palette:

Source: shorelychic.blogspot.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

My first thought would be to paint the console a bright coral, like this (but without the mirrors):

Source: vintagerevivals.blogspot.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

But, now I'm leaning towards gray:

Source: google.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

Or maybe even white/cream (gasp!) like Emily A. Clark did here:

Here's the rundown:
1.  Stencil
2. Shelving - I'm not sure if this is beyond my skill level.  It might require checking in with my trusty handyman on pricing, etc.
3. Paint console.

Wish me luck!  It looks like I'm going to need it!  Good thing the "After" party isn't until March 30.

Of course, I'm always open to your ideas and suggestions.  You are always so helpful.