I don't think it looks too big in relation to the fireplace or the cute cat. But it does stand out as the only color in the room, except the baby stuff on the left. I think if there was more color in the room, it wouldn't seem so obtrusive. You have a good start- that's a really nice accessory and once the room has furniture (baby stuff doesn't count!), window treatments, and more accessories it will look really nice. The fireplace is pretty and that is a great place for the TV.

I think it looks great!!

No, just needs something to balance it on the other side.

OK, thank you so much for the responses. Meghane, you made a good point about it being the only color. That is why we are considering the mini blind colors. I'm also thinking of doing panels on either side of the window. Our sofa and love seat are a rusty brown color that matches well with the large pot.
I tend to try and match too much sometimes. It's hard for me to "mix and match". I fall into the "match and match" rut.
I lurk here all the time and I love seeing everyones decorating ideas and plans.
Thanks again for your thoughts.

Budge1, what would you suggest to balance it out? Another of the same thing on the other side? Or just something that is tall on the other side?

The Grass That Ate The Fireplace! Be afraid! Be very afraid!! Coming soon to a theater near you.

I suppose a full sized statue of Brad Pitt on the other side of the fp doesn't appeal to you? Or not to your DH?

Hmmm... is there somewhere else in the room you can move the grass? The fp is supposed to be a focal point, right? I think that big pot kinda detracts from the fp. Besides, if you light a fire, it would be bad for drying out your plant.

I'm no decorating guru, but I do know that symmetry is great for Victorian and antique decor, but not so great for modern decor, if that helps.

Have you looked at the fireplace thread in the gallery for ideas? If you close this thread there is a link to our gallery on the upper right. It's a fun trip over there.

Don't mind me, I'm just in a silly mood. I think your room is lovely and I'll bet the rust colored furniture really sets it off and looks super. Maybe a piece of that on the other side of the fp is just what you need?

Cute kitty, btw.

I guess I'm going to be the dissenting voter here. In all honesty I do feel the plant is too tall to be next to the fireplace. It's very attractive, though, and since you love it maybe you could find another spot for it. I think a plant like that that was no taller than the fireplace opening would be just right. What is the object on the left of the fireplace? I can't quite make it out on my monitor.

I think it would be better on the left side, so it didn't feel jammed in between the fireplace and the window.

Wonder if you have considered painting the small fireplace wall in an accent color? I think it would give the fireplace area a real focus. Perhaps a rich green or a rust color for a more natural look, or something like Hale Navy from BM for an interesing contrast.

While the darker blinds would be nice, I think you can bring some color there without that, and without getting too much dark color in the space. Panels on the windows will frame them nicely, and bring some color and softness there. These panels from JCP in the cinnamon brandy color might be very nice with your furniture.

linden street

Also, think about moving the items on the mantel in just a bit. They shouldn't really look like they are hanging off the outside edges.

I think you should get the panels before you invest in new blinds. I bet you'll feel better about the white.

Oh, and don't mind Oceanna! ;-)

Good thoughts about moving the stuff on the mantel in a little. I didn't notice it looked so close to the edges until I saw the picture myself.

Don't get dark blinds. I had black ones and I couldn't keep up with the dusting. I would go with panels which would add some color to your room or if you wanted a change you could go with some inexpensive bamboo shades.

I would leave the blinds which are functional and not an object you want to call attention to. Instead, invest in some pretty drapes that will hang to the floor and will give color to the room and softness. Perhaps after you have the drapes the plant will look nice placed under the window.

I agree with most of the responses above: you'll like a plant that is not quite as tall (or repotted in a shorter container? and moved to the other side of the FP); find draperies first (no painting of blinds) and then decide on a wall accent color. How about some low-growing greens on the mantel?

I think with some window treatments and something to balance on the other side of the room .not so much on the other side of the fireplace.. also I have always heard that things on Mantel should be in groups of three all together.. like three candel sticks . three photos, might try that and see if that does not balance out the area some.. but I am not a big fan of dark blinds. but do love nice drapes.. maybe just some kind of swags.. maybe in a tan color if you are getting rust colored furniture..
Just my thoughts, heck I am still working on my house.
Huggy

Thanks everyone. I appreciate your comments.

What Les said, every bit of it. You will live to hate, hate, hate colored mini blinds if you are anything like 99% of the people I know who had them, even the "faux" wood ones. Oh, tacky day, oh tacky day was washed, was washed away when they took those colored blinds away. Never mind. I know you did not ask my opinion of your blinds, but of the plant, but I feel like I need to rescue everyone from colored blinds. It's my main mission in decoratordom.

O.K. let's see: Try the VERY nice pot (and the sweet cat LOL!) on the left-hand side as Les wisely suggested ....

Consider removing all of the items from the mantel -- and simply step back, breathe and look again. Your TV really sets a clean-lined vibe sooooo .... how about a simple line of three or five (or seven -- think in terms of odd numbers) small votive holders Or a long thin black dish -- filled carefully with white stones -- and add three votives .... ((all of this depends on the size of the votives .....))

The line (and dish) of votives will give a clean-lined look .....

As for the windows -- I vote for basic white two-inch faux wood blinds AND then add a chunky black curtain rod with simple panels ......

On the walls -- the classic grid of black-and-white family photos -- mat in white -- frame alike in simple black or very dark brown. Add some wall shelves and lean larger family portraits on other walls (easy to change out with more up-to-date portraits)

Hope this all helps!

Not what you asked, but it looks like you have a really nice view out those windows. That might affect how you "dress" the window.

What teacats said. Your view is awesome so don't do anything to destroy it.

LoL Patricia, you are very convincing :) Leaving the blinds "as is" is the easiest route, so I'm happy to hear that people think they should just stay white.
I would like to do panels on either side of the window. We have 3 windows that I would have to coordinate dressings for. I don't want to cover up much of the window at all, since we do have a peaceful view.

Teacats, those are great ideas. We actually have several of those elements in other areas of the room. Glass votive holders with rocks in them on the coffee table. Straight line black frames on another wall. Clean lined decor on the wall to the left of the fireplace. Maybe I'll play around with the mantel stuff and see what I can come up with.
I will move the plant to the other side of the fireplace and take a photo and post it. Maybe that will help me decide. It's always so different to see your own house in photos...it helps things (mistakes?) stand out more.

I think the scale is a bit big and it takes away from the fireplace as the anchor of the room. And yes, you have a gorgeous view!

Susan