Here's a pic of the ficus tree and chair

I have a huge clock over my fireplace too. I just have a row of battery operated tea lights running along the mantel for ambiance. Pretty when lit up at night;)

I would remove the ficus tree from that corner, it looks squished and un-natural.

Sounds very pretty Margo, never though of tea lights. How many?

I have 5 but then a vase on the right side. Something you have to play with to get the right feel;)

I'm a Realtor so we are always rearranging furniture. You have plantation shutters on either side of the fireplace, so that is definitely the accent wall. You might also add just a shade darker on that wall for drama. Adding crown molding would frame the wall and dress up the room only if you are planning on staying in the home.

Hang the clock in the middle of space ( top to bottom) between the ceiling and the mantel.You will create the illusion that the ceilings are tall. This will also give you room to place things that are taller and shorter on the mantel like lanterns, topiary, crystal etc, Keep couches off the walls and let them float in the room, place a sofa table behind them to add additional lamps or standing lamps for darker areas.

You have nice wood floors and I think your rug might be too large and covers those pretty floors. I would remove it and see how it looks or just place a smaller rug in the center under the coffee table/ottoman and from legs of the couch.

The tree needs to be in a corner near the window to make it appear more realistic.

Sannathomas, good point regarding the tree be the window. This will be helpful when I move it into my hubby's study :-)

I held the clock up halfway between the mantel and ceiling but seemed too high. I will try to post a pic later to show...

Add some things on the mantel like an 8x10 picture frame, a 1' tall topiary, you can stagger the height of the items on the mantel. with a mix of low and tall lighting. The wall will be dark at night without lighting.

I'd like to use a little color up on the mantel too. Should I continue with the rust or pull another color or use a complementary color for a vase of candle holders?

Saw you had another thread, hope you don't mind us popping in again. Glad you lost the battle with your three-year-old...cute! You have very nice taste! If you're at all interested in photography, please pop over to our page. We enjoy working with homeowners and designers and will send you a custom portfolio based on palette/textiles. At any rate, wish you many happy years in your beautiful home:) About the rust...Wyeth blue looks beautiful with it as well!

Thanks Chris! I will definitely check out your page :-) Thanks so much for your input too!

Just to let you know, we have not yet uploaded our botanicals. Saw you were interested in those; if interested you can see some on our Facebook page or website or follow on Houzz as we finish uploading. Thanks!

Definitely loose the ficus tree. If you want sometime in that corner consider a mirrored all sconce to bring light into that dark corner. Once you hang your clock (midway ceiling to mantle) and add decor on mantle, it will appear perfectly placed. Don't overdo the mantle decor. Let it breathe. I think your coffee table and brown couch need to come in closer to the TV wall. If that leave an awkward space behind the couch (due to step down), add a thin sofa table behind it. Your couches seem just a little too far apart.

Texture on the wall. Wallaper..natural grasscloth. Mount the clock on wall a few inches higher. Finally white plaster accessories, 1 plant and a metal orbe or sphere.

I have a few blog posts that may help you out.

Www.timothyriversinteriors.com/blog