it all seems rather busy. Less and bigger.

Take all accessories and move them to the bookcase in a nice order, take away what doesn't work

I think you need some color. A few suggestions for some original art below. You can check here for further inspiration: http://www.houzz.com/projects/1295077/art-original-abstract-paintings

You asked for suggestions other than a picture, but I'd like artwork there, for me nothing really beats that. Leaning ones are delightfully casual. I also like tealights for every occasion, so I would use a few attractive tealight holders there. There's probably room for one more object, maybe some interesting ceramic.

If art work is a no, I would remove all the stuff and place a Hg, beautiful ceramic or ironwork piece on the left hand side to balance the bookcase.

I envision a Medium to large vase in the center, a pillar candle on one side and a family picture or statue of sorts on the other side. Beautiful fireplace by the way!!

Also I wouldn't put anything near the hearth besides maybe the usual "fireplace utensils" and possibly a cool basket containing logs/wood for the fire.

Considering this art.

Is this what you were expecting in terms of a result?

Wouldn't be my choice................and the subject matter seems a bit 'thin'

Yes, thanks.

Or a little darker...

How about some original art?

Do you really need the mantle? I don't think it's doing you any favors. I would like to see a large vertical piece over the fireplace such as a tapestry.

I love a mantle and think you should have a different type of mantle made. WE can redeisgn one for you and you can do the work your self or we can also have it done for you depending on where you live. Call us.

Are you opposed to a mount of some kind? If you don't like an entire head, elk antlers etc...I think that could be stunning.

A mantel as wide as the fireplace, reclaimed chunky with maybe iron brackets. Also stained or distressed as to Not match the bookshelf. The fireplace is very pretty on its own too!

Personally, I'd prefer the mantel to be lower and wider (nearly the width of the chimney) and choose a wood finish that is not nearly as dark against such a light fireplace and chimney.

I'd add some uncommon shelving to the left of the fireplace over the lamp or even replace the table with shelving

http://cdn.homedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/wall-shelves.jpg

and use that shelving to display all the stuff now atop the table with the lamp.

If I left the table and lamp, I'd remove all but the lamp from atop the table and I'd likely choose a taller lamp and/or add an uncommon looking clock above the lamp

You might consider opting for some really nice pressed metal/wire art over the mantel:

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-23119701400359_2273_202572189

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-23119701400359_2273_274531390

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/08/71/01/08710134908b47b0b07153c0bfb94a4b.jpg

http://www.lampsplus.com/products/wall-art/type_metal-wall-art/subject_botanical/

Looking country french to me. What about some type of scroll iron work shutters, wall circles going up the wall to the ceiling. Vertical all same size set of pictures above the white table. Mirrors with antique finish in back of black/wood cabinet with a tiny lit lamp or puck lights to brighten the darkness and showcasing collected items on one third of shelves for balance.

This idea but sized to fit.

More iron work

Mismatched plates; do big platters

Window on wall

Fench on wall

Lean nature art on the mantel and set your elephant in front of the art, to one side. Remove the table, it's terribly distracting.

On second thought hang the nature art left of the fireplace, place ONLY the elephant on the mantel, remove table scroll, paint table dark brown and leave hearth bare. put a green plant on the table.

It might be of use to share a design of ours.

So far...still working on it.

That picture is too anemic in my opinion. I think you need something with more colour and impact. And all the items in the mantel and nearby table appear too clutter-y. I agree with another suggestion to move that table away, and have fewer, larger items on the mantel

It's definitely an improvement!!

That table on the left still has too many little items that make the area look cluttered. Like others mentioned earlier, remove the smaller pieces, and use larger, more substantial pieces instead.

Do you really need that small lamp? It looks out of place there.

Visually, your space is out of balance with the dark wood on the right and the white in the middle and the left. I'd put a darkish artwork on the left.

I'd leave the stone of the fireplace alone. It's beautiful and pretty decorative on its own. I like your artwork but it doesn't work there, maybe you can use it somewhere else.

Hope this helps!

Check out my artwork here if you'd like: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShoaGallery

I think of a few items that might work there. Posted below. Many more sizes and colors available.

Okay, so I changed the art out.

Perfection

I'm not a decorator for sure however, I always like nicely framed mirrors above a mantel, (or a picture like you've already thought about), and soft light (flame less) tea lights, or tapers, in a Mercury glass container, or off white porcelain. Whatever you decide to go with, just balance both sides for flow. Your greige color sounds very nice, and perhaps you can find picture frames, vases, (any odd ball, sentimental items you might have collected over the years) that incorporate whatever accent colors you might be using in your home, by way of throw pillows, etc. I love Architectural Digest, and home decor magazines, as you really get to see all kinds of decor from the pros. Good luck with your fun and beautiful project. I'm sure it will turn out wonderfully!

Here are some photos I found. I absolutely love the one with the checker board. All great ideas, and just think, you can change your mantel decor with the seasons! Oh, and a pretty wreath of dried flowers with your accent colors would be awesome too.

Oops... Here it is.

I'd be interested in seeing your rug turned 90 degrees. It may work better for the floor space to breathe.