Nice looking on-wall wiring
When someone says surface wiring, the first thought that seems to pop into almost everyone's head is something with all the panache of this:



This doesn't have to be.  What about building a cover over wiring which looks like a fireplace mantel or deluxe shelf?



It could serve multiple purposes depending on its depth:  bar, furniture-wall protector, decorative display, storage, art display, etc.