Don't like covering that wood, but I think painting the mantel to blend with the fireplace would unify that. It would also help to have bigger art there and very simple balancing items on each side.

What lovely, relaxing room it is.

wow, the larger art work makes a big difference as does a darker mantle. Thank you!

Paint out the panelling the same as the walls so the fireplace stands out as a feature.

My pleasure.

Maybe just get a brushed steel or nickel face for the fire place and white framed picture above the mantel.

We've talked about painting the paneling to match the walls. I decided to not paint it, at least for now. I guess I'm not sure that it will have the impact I hope for.
My husband loves the mantle wood but I don't like the size and style of the corbels.

I would remove the smaller decor items from the mantle and table tops. Remove the picture on the wall to the right of the fireplace and just have one large picture above the fireplace. The white lamp is too lightt.

Lovely room.

I hung the picture on the wall to cover up the paneling, but it doesn't really do that, does it?!
Thank you, starting to look for new art work.

I have found a beautiful photo my hubs took in Yosemite to put above the fireplace. I'm going to find a frame before I have it printed but what size?
341/2" between mantle and ceiling, mantle is 7ft long.
Thank you!!

If you look at the rendering I did, to me that is the right size for a pic above your fireplace -- a few inches above the mantel, and a few beneath the ceiling, width just inside the width of the fire box.

But I hope you get other opinions. I fly by instinct only.

Thank you Rina for pointing out the size connection between the picture and the fire box. I didn't see it and it's very helpful info!

I agree picture no larger than fire box. Also I suggest you replace that floor lamp with a new one with a shade. That lamp really dates your room. And I think remove that wall hanging and get a bigger lamp for the table.

Thank you! So much easier to see what a difference small changes make-like bigger/different lamps & items on the mantle.
You all are so creative, with artistic eyes:)

Paint and build some additional storage cabinets with lights...

great idea, but not in the budget for now. Those are beautiful cabinets!