Bill Tindall, E.Tn.
With the picture in mind I could vision a panel inset and a mitered corner and it looks attractively modern, which is in keeping with the unconventional cove at the base, that also worked. I would find it a challenge to keep the bead registered in the miter, but you will pull it off. Splining the miters?

Lobbying the mrs now to not stain this thing dark but rather french polish it with button lac. I hope you succeed. You could lac it and put in service with the claim you will get to staining it when you get time.......