The niches, flanking the fireplace, were originally spec’d by the architect to be bookcases. We decided to turn them into intimate little conversation spots. Custom banquets were designed and built to fit perfectly inside the niches. The walls were papered in a stripe and the ceilings in a trompe l’ oeil coffered ceiling wallpaper. Each space received a pair of crystal sconces, a crystal chandelier and an over- scaled gilded mirror, and then, secluded with woven sheer portiere’s.