Sorry, it's more like 8x8

I would suggest a large piece of bright artwork centered on the wall. Maybe even a beautiful, rustic clock! Some candles on the mantel will be a nice soft element, as well.

i agree, with a nice large piece of art work. Unless the mantel is dressed up properly and balanced, it can look cluttered.

Flair,

I think the fireplace sticks out farther. What you see is a corner, not a joint.

I like the artwork idea, but make sure it's big enough!

Great ideas. And it is a joint. The fireplace sticks out farther.

On second thought, that stonework had to be expensive, I think you should show it off. Would a metal clock be too hard to see? How about a metal candleholder?

oh ok i see it now.....but i still think i looks better shorter.........:)

A bit of whimsy to keep the room from taking itself too seriously:

If the firepalce was on its own, I would add art, but given the lovely stone and cabinetry, I would just add potlights to highlight the stone and let it be your focal point - natural and warm. I think I might consider removing the mantle to make it a bit more modern and it's a bit odd the way it was extened from the cabinets. [houzz=]

I'd remove the mantle piece completely. The fact that it extends beyond the fireplace is strange looking, so is the exposed joint!

I like the pictures that sluggodog posted. Maybe taking off the stone over the mantle and adding a nice large piece of artwork would be nice. The mantel cuts the stone in half and makes it look top heavy. Or you could make a floating mantle and showcase the stone.

It loses something with the mantel removed.

The mantle stops at the stone. It looks like it goes over the tv in the pic but that trim is flat. Just FYI.