I would paint the front edges black to frame whatever you chose to put in each square, and remove the 4 doors completely. Possibly create a new solid base to lift it off the floor.

Terri,

Sorry but I think the spot would look amazing with a lowline unit and in fact I disagree that you think a lowline will expose the AC more. Your tall unit already does that because the eye naturally travels to the perimeter of furniture and your unit takes the eye straight to the top!!

You have lovely light tiles and depending on your decore, you could have any colour of timber, even black if it suited.

The current unit is unfortunately too bulky for the area, too tall, not wide enough I feel but that's just my opinion. It certainly could benefit from a paint but for me it's simply too tall not the wrong colour!

Good luck and keep us updated with photo's.

Cheers,

Barbara

Could take a mondrian approach depends on the rest of your decor

Here are a couple of ideas that might appeal to you.

I agree with the idea of painting it. I also think the unit and its contents are too symmetrical. I'd paint the doors in different colours, and place them more at random rather than at the corners. I'd also shuffle around the contents of the shelves so that you're looking at different shapes and heights in each "box" rather than at items that are all centred and more or less the same height.

I'm thinking you might feel this is dated because you have had it so long, we all get like that at times. Check out Ikea's product now - how is it different to yours?? If you just want to revitalise it, then yes, you can paint it preferably either black or white or even a grey. If it is a veneer, then you can buy a special undercoat that will then allow you to paint normally. If you really wanted to achieve a different look, you could attach some decorative beading to the edges. Kooky Karen's ideas also make for a fun feature and can look formal or informal depending on the colours you choose.

I would definitely leave the doors on, depending on what you have stored there, they can be handy for storing things that do not display well.

I agree with Barbara, the unit does take the eye up to the air conditioner but it will always be the elephant in the room and the benefits far outweigh this.

I think it need to be painted white as dominates the room. I like the idea of a pop of colour and some lovely lighting in the shelving

It would look good painted a soft off white colour and to balance it more, I suggest the four doors go along the bottom of the unit.

hi you could paint it white with a black trim on the edges this would tie in with your kitchen and the black doors existing plus you can buy some white storage boxes and place them randomly or in a row these will lead the eye away from your air con unit and some candle holders (small battery ones) could give some mood lighting in some of the alcoves without going to the expense of lighting

ps I would paint your little table and chair white and cover the seat with a bold print blk and white fabric

Just a thought about the shelving unit switched with the dining setting might be enough of a change. Painting it could also be quite a job so moving it might give your husband a nicer outlook through the windows as he has brekkie. Sorry if this is a silly thought or the space won't work that way.

If you do move things around then a lovely hanging pot plant or small buffet between the entry & the table & chairs would off set the a/c along with some art work. :))

Here's another shelving unit that might give you some inspiration:

http://www.ozdesignfurniture.com.au/porto-shelf-unit

Yay, only took you a year to do it - you are as good as me. Looks good, I like that you left the timber you did.