I’ve been working on a project for a lady who wants to combine her European traditional/Asian style, with a bit of high-tech. Meaning, installing a flat screen TV on a focal wall. She has a collection of blue and white porcelain she would like to include in the design. So, I needed to find a great looking piece of furniture to anchor the grouping, like a long credenza/sideboard that had a lot of impact and style.
I ran across a few pieces that would have worked but this one stood out as the right one. I loved the antiqued lacquered cinnabar color, and Asian styling. It was found at a consignment store for a resonable price. It was a great complementary color to use with her blue and white porcelain.
In the rest of the room, the walls are a deep sesame color. Draperies will be done in a stylized blue/cream print. The area rug will have blue, beigh and cinnabar colors. Also a rust colored leather sofa with 2 french upholstered chairs in a blue print. At least that’s the plan, it’s still a work in progress.
I thought I’d write about this, because sometimes it’s hard combining our high-tech equipment with traditional/global furnishings. Many cabinet pieces would work. Instead of this Asian piece, you could have a large French bombay chest, or a Balinese alter table, or 2 carved chests from India placed side by side, or a country French lowboy, or an 18th century buffet. Any wide chest, sideboard or credenza would work well to anchor the grouping, add interest and compliment our love of the flat-screen TV.
In traditional style, I do like to add a few more accessories, other than just the TV. Symmetry is always a good way to display accessories…2 vases on the wall, 2 lamps, balanced artwork, plates, candle sconces, or plants, etc. The accessories seem to help contain the TV, from floating, by itself on the wall.
Many of these great case pieces can be found easily. Try consignment stores, antique or thrift stores, import stores, homestores (HomeGoods has some beautiful pieces), or repurpose an old buffet or dresser.
If you like traditional style but also want to integrate your high-tech flat-screen, combine them for a great look. Opposites attract and can live happily together.
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1. Wow, Cathy:
I LOVE IT!! For those who don’t have the luxury of a media room, it is great to see this classy option for incorporating it into the design. Of course without the blue clouds showing it might not be quite as stunning — imagine a taco bell commercial amidst your lovely blue vases LOL — but it sure beats a lone TV on the wall. You’ve got me thinking about how I might make my TV blend in a little better. We put an electric fireplace below our wall mounted TV but it has always “lacked” something and I hate that the TV is often the first thing people notice (okay mostly the first thing guys notice). But I think that the sconces on either side is just an awesome look with the plates above. Oh gosh, now if I can just sell my husband on the idea.
by Joan — 9/18/08 at 9:38 am #
2. Thanks Joan,
Ha Ha, Taco Bell! Yes, you can get all these screen savers, or photography or art to cover the front of the flat screen now. Or a program of just clouds (or waves or fire burning in a fireplace or rain forest etc.) So it’s something interesting to look at instead of a blank screen. Match it to your decor as the blue and white clouds go with this one. also adding a few things on and around wall areas draws the attention off the TV and onto the decor.
Good luck selling your husband on some changes…the TV is usually the domain of the big guy. Change things around while he’s at work or out of town. LOL. Maybe he won’t notice HA!
Glad you liked the design.
Best!
by Cathy — 9/18/08 at 6:09 pm #
3. Hello,
I’m Octavia just new to re-decorating my new home of (3) years and I’m looking for a special of monkey that is wearing a little red vest along with a shrine looking hap that is also red. I saw on the ad last night on TV one that was made into a lamp. If you have anything like this item in stores please let me know.
Thanks
by Octavia — 9/19/08 at 3:14 pm #
4. Hello Octavia,
The word is out! What city do you live in or near? If someone sees your request maybe they will write in to the site. Check back often to see if we can locate that monkey.
by Cathy — 9/22/08 at 2:01 pm #
5. I think this is exactly the piece I’ve been looking for. I have a living room w/ greens, blues, painted furniture and thought I would throw into that mix a red Ming-style, Mandarin-ish, somewhat Asian entertainment cabinet to go under the flat-screen TV.
I’ve been searching for weeks. Where did you purchase this, when, were there more and approximately how much.
I’d so appreciate if you could end my frustrating long search.
Kiera
by Kiera — 10/4/08 at 2:45 pm #
6. Hi Kiera,
I don’t know if I’ll be much help. I purchased this piece at a consignment store. Meaning it was an overstock from somewhere or it was preowned by someone. This was the only one at this store. It sold for around $1000. But well worth the price.
I’ve seen similiar pieces in import stores and some beautiful pieces at HomeGoods. I did see some in the Pottery Barn Catalog as well. Keep your eyes open or Google “Asian sideboards, chests, consoles” and see what comes up.
Good luck and hope you find what you had in mind.
by Cathy — 10/6/08 at 10:37 pm #