Is the air conditioner in constant use?

Tricky. Maybe move the lamp and side table to the right of the sofa. Move the plant to the left (or replace with a low clear acrylic mod side table on left) and place a tall piece of vertical art between the window and the lounge, quite low. You could get some more mod fabric and experiment with size and position then use it to cover a frame in your chosen size. Or try some mod, cube shaped shelving going up the wall, perhaps some block colours in the back of each square (or use mod fabric to create a back), to hold vases and books, and the plant in front. Thinking white cube storage from ikea.

Not suggesting you pull it out but use a beaded or fringe decorative curtain on a decorative track to cover it when not in use and pull back when it is.

I'd do a salon hang of varying sizes and frame styles around the unit. Make sure there's some link between the artworks - all colourful abstracts, all (mostly) black and white, all drawings etc Distract from the unit. I have also been known to paint on the surface of things like anairconditioner - here's a wall phone it was too expensive to remove and which is out of use.

@newgardener,

It's quite a shame that the AC was placed so low on the wall, it would be so hard to sit under it when on, you would get a stiff neck from the cold in no time. It should have been right up below the cornice, then artwork would be simple.

If it were me, I'd have it moved up, repair the move and you have your wall back, not particularly an expensive job just a bit messy.

I like the idea of a gallery wall, but could you paint the air conditioner the same colour as the wall?

I too have an awkward a/c unit, albeit higher on the wall. I'm a bit uneasy about putting things like paintings under it in case it leaks. Am I being too paranoid? Right now, I have limited the decoration to ceramics and copper trays which are pretty much waterproof.

I think the plus is that it sits centrally over the couch (with a nudge to the left) and I would put about five prints across the width of the couch to draw the eye away.

What about mounting the art work on the face of the air con? Could be long and skinny so you don't overhang the bottom where the air flow comes out. Make your own abstract work on a canvas - light weight and if it suffers over time you can always strip and redo for a new look. If you can see it and it looks odd from the side, clad it to look like a box frame.

Have you made any decisions, @newgardener? Would love to see an After photo when you do.

See

[https://www.houzz.com/magazine/10-ways-to-hide-that-air-conditioner-stsetivw-vs~29446243[(https://www.houzz.com/magazine/10-ways-to-hide-that-air-conditioner-stsetivw-vs~29446243)

for some ideas. Good luck