Thank you all. I like the idea of canvases, I just feel like everything that I see and like is too "busy" next to the stone fireplace. TraceyP - I just purchased the mirror for over the fireplace so I don't want to do mirrors on the sides. I like the idea of symmetry - trying to find two art pieces that are part of a "series" so they go together. Just really having a hard time finding something that feels like it "fits" there.

Looking around, I saw these at Ballard's: I think something like these might work. They have color but aren't "busy." The are smilar, but different.
Now, if the you like the look, but don't like the price ... look on Etsy (or your local art sources) for someone who takes commissions.

I recommend eliminating almost all of the accessories scattered on the various surfaces.

The mirror above the fireplace could have been larger in scale.

Then paint the back wall a deeper blue paint that coordinates with the chairs. This will also help your grey cabinets stand out from the wall.

Select a pair of artworks to mount on either side of the fireplace. I think this might have a larger effect on the room overall.

Art won't be too busy next to the fireplace if you eliminate most of the stuff on the mantel and cabinets first.

There is too much stuff and it's all the same height. Your fireplace is gorgeous. Clear the mantel and let it show. Here is an artist you might like that will tie in the blues. She has lots of paintings that can complement each other.

Check out allposters.com for a great selection of artwork. You can order it framed or frame it yourself. They also do canvases. I have used that website and was happy with what I purchased.

I agree with others that you need to simplify. Also love the idea of painting the wall the color of the chairs.

I would consider painting those 2 bits of wall a lighter, muted shade from your chairs and then take all your photos from the cabinets and mantel and frame them in neutral colors (matte glass) and hang on those walls. That would clear off the mantel - keep the mirror. Get a couple of matching lamps that don't draw a lot of attention and mirror the placement on the cabinets. You can keep the candlesticks on the mantle but paint them a blue tone, either like sea glass or bolder like copper patina.

Agree with many of the comments above: you'll need to re-home some of the items currently there to give the artworks breathing space. Painting the walls either side of the fireplace would indeed help the fireplace stand out as your focal point. As to which artworks - you just have to keep looking for something you love! You can check out our signarture collections and if you see something you love we can create a pair of canvases in sizes to suit.

Maybe something like this could appeal, architectural drawings framed up- maybe two each side?

Thanks for all the comments. Wow, I guess everyone thinks it's too cluttered!! :) I guess I just want to mention, this is my family room (it's not a "formal" living room…this is where we hang out and watch tv). I want it to be personal and warm. I don't just want artwork and lamps next to the fireplace. I want pictures of my family, my kids, etc. I want it to feel homey….a true "family" room. So, if you don't like the picture frames on the cabinets or mantle, where would you put them? (By the way, I am not opposed to getting rid of the gray cabinets and doing something else there. I just thought built-ins/shelves would actually make it look too busy/cluttered.) Thoughts?

I agree that either a set of two related, but different, vertical abstract canvases that include the neutral colors of the room and the aqua, or four related pieces with 2 on each side, would be good. Reducing the number of items on top of the cabinets and mantel would look good as well.

How about removing mirror above, purchasing a second one exactly the same and hang them on either side.
Place a canvas of something simple/plain that pulls the colors in the room on the mantel ?

It's a very beautiful room and fireplace. Love your furniture choices but I would consider removing some items from mantel and side tables...sometimes less is more :)

How about doing a galley of family photos instead of artwork? You could enlarge some. Another option, have them printed in black and white and use coordinating frames.

BeverlyFLADeziner - I like the idea of painting the back walls behind the cabinets. One thing to note though... If you are standing in this room and turn the other direction, you are looking into the kitchen, breakfast room, and then into a sunroom (currently the kids playroom). The sunroom is painted that same aqua color as the chairs (It's hard to see in the picture, but all four walls are painted that color). In this picture, I am standing behind the couch in the family room, just turned toward the other side. Knowing this now, would you still paint the walls behind the two cabinets that same color family?

I would clear off the mantle as suggested and buy simple matted frames, with black or white frames to insert 8 x 10 black and white family photos. Painting the wall a version of your chairs would help bring more of the blue color into your room, I see a bit of blue in your pillows, but I think you need to add more. I don't think the sunroom aqua wall is a factor.

@Less, you have demonstrated beautifully what I so badly tried to suggest about the mirrors on either side of the fireplace. It is true a picture is worth a thousand words!

@Sb04 Your room is lovely- the light fitting with the mirror is fab.........(at the risk of repeating myself) two mirrors might be even better :) especially as under the mirrors on the cabinets an array of family treasures can be displayed. Less has done a great job with the visuals.

I think looking for one gorgeous piece of art will allow a great range of options for you- as finding that one piece is hard enough without having to find a pair :)

However, if the two mirror idea isn't grabbing you then perhaps a couple of great family photos, not the staged studio type, of amazing family moments printed on canvas could work.

If you want to display family photos, instead of scattering them over the room like fallen leaves, designate an area where you will display them in an organized fashion. There are tons of products out there to receive various size photos. It then makes a bigger statement in the room and doesn't appear like clutter. What good are displaying family photos if no one ever looks at them? This way it becomes a "special place" for the family.

Here are some examples

Serene photography?

take half the stuff off the mantel and the built ins and group it on the wall.........way to much going on there. you have enough ontop of those things to fill the wall space.

TraceyP - what a lovely compliment! Thanks!

Wow, BeverlyFLADeziner, you really think that I "scattered my family photos around the room like fallen leaves?" That's pretty harsh. I will admit that I have a lot of frames and other items on my mantle and shelves, but that was done purposely. I do want lots of framed pictures, of my kids, of family, photojournalistic moments that I want to look at every day. And up on my mantle and shelves is a place that I (and others) do see every day. I don't know why you would think that they are in a place where "no one ever looks at them." I'm not looking to create a staged house or decorator showroom, but a place where I can have family memories and feel at home. I understand and appreciate not everyone feels that way, and doesn't like such "clutter" on their mantles or shelves, but I enjoy having those personal mementos. I certainly did not just throw frames around the room like "scattered leaves." I literally spent months finding the right frames, different sizes, colors and textures of the frames to coordinate with my chairs and pillows and other items in the room, and finding decorative items such as vases, candlesticks, etc, to complement those frames. I understand it's not your taste, and that's fine, but it just stings a little to hear that someone believes I just threw them around without any effort whatsoever.

And yes, I know I asked for advice, and I certainly can take constructive criticism. But you could do so in a more gentle manner than to suggest I haphazardly just threw my carefully placed items around the room like fallen leaves.

Another thought after reading more responses (including your own). You can have both art and family photos...it doesn't have to be one or the other. Love the gallery wall idea from Bette P; you can do something like that with a mix of family photos and small fine art photos/art/décor. Keeping at least some of the frames larger will help it not to look too busy or replicate the shape of the fireplace stone. It's a beautiful room and I think it's great that you want it to reflect your family...it should! Enjoy!

Beverly- I like the collection of pic frames above- the 1st pic. Where is it from?

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/studio-wall-easel/?pkey=call-wall-decor-art&&call-wall-decor-art

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Adeco-Decorative-Black-Wood-Wall-Hanging-Photo-Frame-Collage-with-10-Clustered-Openings/45246120

http://www.umbra.com/usd/mosh-multiframe

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007AM80ZI/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687702&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B006W6PNHQ&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1SX0XRDD2ECY3P2EQV1T

Chris

Bev

Sb04 , I love your house!

@Chris Zec, just had a look at your projects- you have captured some fantastic images.

Tracey, you're a genius! Sbo4, try these 2 photos of Chris's you d better pay him, lol

I create custom art, any size and color palette. Feel free to check out my site www.sarahphelps.ca

chookchook2, Thank you! And I actually am a professional photographer :) So most of the other "wall art" in my house is of my photography. That is why I was looking for artwork on the walls, as I have so much photography already throughout the house, I wanted something different on the walls for the family room. I thought maybe having paintings/artwork next to the fireplace would sort of offset all the large scale photos I have around the house. (I worked as a photojournalist for 15+ years, so I have several travel shots around my house from many of the different places I covered). But, yes, Chris does have great work!! Kind of funny because I have some VERY similar shots to the ones you posted of his!

I don't think it's too cluttered. Isn't that what a mantle is for? I've grown up in a very eclectic environment so maybe that's just what I'm used to.

I do think making a gallery area on the wall would be nice. In my opinion, you could use all the frames you currently have. I don't think the frames all need to match.

As for the color of things. I think painting the wall on either side of the fireplace would look nice, but I also don't think it's necessary. I think it would make the fireplace stand out more if that's what you want.
What you asked for originally was for help with the art. I agree that it's nearly impossible for us to pick something out. The issue with computer monitors displaying colors differently makes it nearly impossible by itself, but we also can't possibly know what you desire from art.
Someone earlier mentioned Etsy and that's a good place to start. If you find an artist who's work you like, many of them will work with you to make something perfect for your space. You could probably even send then paint chips of the wall and the aqua and they can make the colors match. Here's just one option I saw with a quick Etsy search.

60 x 30 Custom Original Abstract Impasto Texture Silver Gray Aqua Brown Metallic Oil Painting by Je Hlobik

Best of luck! I love the look of the room and your home is gorgeous!

Just wanted to say a humble thanks for the kind words...yesterday was our first day on houzz and this was our first comment. So encouraging...especially from a pro photographer! Thank you! Oh, and do check out Alicia Dunn Art if you're considering the abstract contemporary look!

TheAnswerIs42 - Thank you! And I actually love the paintings that you posted!!

Oh, and TheAnswerIs42 - this is my gallery wall in my kids' playroom, which is the room right across from the family room/kitchen (shown above, behind the barn doors). Like you, I also love using different sizes and colors so that nothing matches. I spent a lot of time putting this wall together to give it a fun look for the kids playroom. Just wanted to share :)

Another idea is to divide up a Chinese screen and put half on each side. I have a shorter version of this screen by length (fewer panels) and it is gorgeous. Even it this one doesnt suit your taste you can find another. I thought of it because it appeared in a magazine recently Elle Decor.

Hey Chris, Welcome to Houzz, it's not too late to run, before you get addicted, Lollollollollollollollol!

Idea/image of art-with-color, placed over beautiful stone, is a great match. Maybe there's a bit of blue in your grey stone, idk, but I liked it a lot. And 2 mirrors put your ceiling 'shine' in between the 2 [or is that just me].

[have you ever used the teal chairs for extra seating at the table?].... looks great.

No I never thought of that, but that is a fantastic idea everdebz! Thank you!

Debs is not just a pretty face.

LOL!!!

Thank you everyone for the great ideas. I will definitely follow up with pictures once I get something up. I will be posting more threads for different rooms, different dilemmas in the near future! I just may tag a few of you on those posts that have been especially helpful, would love to have your comments on the other rooms!

Merely fyi ['saved' in my book so I remembered it]:

Try Contact us at bottom of the page.

Chris Zec, if you are trying to send a private reply, you can go to that person's profile page and email them from there IF they have their messaging turned on. If they do, there should a button in the upper right that says "Send me a message" or something like that.

If they don't have their messaging turned on, you're out of luck.

This is probably repetitive, but I see your desire for the photos. Very nice, and if you want them to be a focal point then Target has Art Frame packages that give you same frame andsame mat and you just put in picture. If you bought two of these or four of these you could arrange them according to the grid that comes with them and hang your pictures in a very dramatic and enticing way. Also IKEA has lots of frame styles. Maybe this has been discussed already, but photos should count in this room if it is your desire.

Not that all the frames are the same style and the mats are all the same width. This gives structure to the frames and all the frames are same width apart, probably 3 inches. Again you need structure when you have random pictures in repetive mats and frames. It makes it look organized and works nicely; it would be lovely on either side of your fireplace in what ever color or type of frame you select.

This is a kit that could work; research the site.

FYI, if you're looking for artwork you can also try Minted.com and maybe you'll see something that strikes you. But I do like the idea of repeating the mirrors and hanging something larger scale over the mantle. Or maybe hang large canvasses of your family over each shelving unit? Whatever you decide to do, keep us posted! And I do like the idea of painting the walls a bright green blue -- I really think that would make your stonework pop! But that's just me, and I like bright colors. Either way, it's gorgeous stonework.