A large piece of art leaned on the mantel,also add a large basket in the opening and put wood in it for looks,you could always use the wood outside for a bonfire when you need it

I think it's just fine!
Xo,
The wiener dog in the Santa suit.

I love jenn's idea of birch logs (I am a nut about them). Some inspiration photos that might help?

I like the birch wood idea and the huge art installation on the mantle. I've learned to group things in threes and don't be afraid to layer. Let us know how it turns out!

Not to nitpick, but when you do get moving on that mantle, move the small picture to the left and probably also the one to the right. Allow the mantle and new art to be the focus there.

What a lovely room. Have you thought about painting the mantle in some colour that would make it pop? (eg, slate blue, burgundy, etc)

Hi, I think your fireplace is really nice. I think that tends to happen for most of us after all the décor from the holidays comes down. If you're not up for art, which is a nice idea, maybe something sculptural or a large wreath made of a natural material? Grapevine? I'm not sure of the look you have in the rest of the room or what you like, just throwing that out there. Good luck! :)

I had a grapevine wreath up there at one time, but it kind of blended in with the stone. I was going for a beach look before Christmas, but want to move away from that. I like the idea of painting the mantle, tho.

This grand fireplace deserves something big and bold like this: http://www.art.com/products/p19357428065-sa-i7205828/sylvie-cloutier-regal.htm?sOrig=CAT&sOrigID=0&dimVals=534331&ui=2DD9D1BB726C4CFDB02197380CD10D5E

You will not get away with dinky stuff here. I would fill the wood box with birch logs; since you'll never use them, you'll only have to do it once. Then I'd turn the sofa to face the focal wall (and the dog who should be center of attention anyway).

Looks great, grover, and there appears to be a spotlight on the wall to illuminate the painting. Perfect.

All good advice. another option for the wood box would be a grouping of candles, or some vases or pottery. Depends a bit on what you have/like...

Another idea is to put a big family painting with some worked colours

If a Christmas wreath looked nice, what about a non-Christmas wreath? And some big chunky tall candlesticks on the mantel. I do like the idea of the birch logs in the storage area.