How can I make over this built-in planter?

Hi Jess, here's one idea for you.

https://www.lovelyetc.com/updating-retro-built-in-planter/

Is there storage beneath the planter area. If so, use it to your advantage and then possibly paint in the same color as your walls or a complementary color you love.

Wow my mom had one of those in our home when i was a kid. We hated it. She took it down which made the entryway larger. Of course we had to get new flooring. Ours was not load bearing, so check to see if you can take it down, because it looks like there is a board going to the ceiling. You could always bover the plant area and make shelves on the top. Is the bottom brick? Ours was and there was no way we could figure out how to make it storage.

I see that your carpet is gray. If you want to keep the brick box, paint the bricks white or light gray to go with the room's decor. Everything in the room looks light and airy. The red brick weighs it down and does not work with your decor. My first choice was to tear it out but then you would have to fix the flooring under it. Good luck.

Where is it in your home?

Jess

If this area could be used for other things then you could take it out but you would need to have flooring to match what is under it. You could use it for potted plants, for a bar, or to place colored bottles for decor there.

Decorative see-thru shelving

Keep it as it is, maybe paint the Brick something brighter like Cream or Antique White. You really are considering reducing Equity and Home Value by taking it out and leaving it bare. You will notice a Difference in Air Scent and Air Quality and regret it, if ever you do take it out.

I would either take it completely out or make it a small landing with storage basket for keys, etc.

I'd take it out

Removing the planter will not affect the Equity you have in your home. Equity is the amount that you have already paid towards clearing the amount owing on a mortgage.

Any effect on Market Value is negligible, as the 'dated feature' is decorative only, not structural.

Hi Jess, do you love the planter or could you use the space? Here is one idea for redoing your built in planter. Personally I would remove it. Good luck www.lovelyetc.com › updating-retro-built-in-planter

Updating a retro built-in planter - Lovely Etc.

Our house has a lot of quirks unique to ranch homes from the 60s and 70s. ... And a built in planter separating the dining room from the living room. I’m not really a retro kind of girl – so the paneling got painted and the planter box found a new purpose.

If the bricks are real, I agree with folks telling you to paint them lighter tone. If not real, I'd look into turning space into a cabinet for boots/shoes.

I see an outlet at the base. Maybe you can hook up a wiring conduit and set up a charging station. Everyone can grab their phones on the way out the door in the morning?

Maybe turn it into a mini bench where someone can sit to remove their boots?

I had one in a house and actually turned it into a "bar" serving area: https://bachelorettepadflip.com/2014/07/02/diy-fake-butcher-block-countertop/

I actually like it! You could paint the bricks white to brighten up the area and if you don't want plants in it, you can add a top and use it as bar and the plant area as a small storage area.

I would take the planter out and make it a shelving unit. If you don’t use the light remove them.

I have one in our entry also. I turned it in to a charging station and mail drop off.

If you have it in the budget to repair the flooring, I would remove the planter altogether. If you want to makeover the planter I would paint the brick or apply shiplap around the base and add a solid wood top to cover the hole and make a little table.

you could paint it

Hello,

Add shelving above it ?

I would take the planter out and make it a shelving unit. If you don’t use the light remove them.

Make it a storage area by having a lift off lid. Make it into a desk, Bar/Cellar or remove it or make a built in cupboard instead.

I think it's super cool and very retro. I would keep the planter and plant colorful flowers in them. If you don't like the base you could paint it.

Personally, since it is not load-bearing, take it out.

Hello Jess, hope this inspires you. How about putting a solid counter over the hole and painting it and the lower brick a nice color to match your decor.