Hi mjd232 -- It is a bit small, but I'll tell you what -- so is the piece over my own FP. It's my husband's and my favorite piece ever, cost $12 from an unknown artist, is exquisitely framed in burl, and demands the most prominent spot in our home.

What you're doing with the large-ish vase on the right is heading in the right direction, and that is to incorporate the piece into a larger vignette of several items. Don't go so far as to appear cluttered, just bulk up the weight of the one piece alone.

Peruse this search for lots of different examples, and see what sort of arrangement you're drawn to:

http://www.houzz.com/photos/query/mantel-vignette/nqrwns

I might look to add an ethically collected yellow butterfly specimen or smaller art piece, perhaps... (assuming that's what I'm seeing around the subjects head?)

https://www.etsy.com/search?q=yellow%20butterfly

I back barnhart up 100%. your home should be what you love, and where you love it. remember often where you put something is often a completion of the art work.

Picture could have been better presented with a narrow linen matt next to the image. Wall paint looks a bit peachy.

Could it be hung on the left wall next to fireplace so that it doesn't looked so dwarfed by fireplace and extra large floor vase with large plant....that way it is still featured on the focal wall.....that way you can add a large mirror over fireplace so the piece of art does not compete with any other art on the focal wall.

We would recommend putting the photo another 8-12" higher to leave room on the mantel as to not crowd the objects and balance the chimney section of the wall.

I think I would reframe it with a wider matting, and then a tiny bit thicker frame, that would bring that painting right up to scale!

Maybe a larger frame would help.

Thanks to all for your input. We are going to use some paper to try the idea of a lighter mat to extend the size of the image...would prefer not to get a bigger frame. Thought it might help to have a better photo of the whole wall. What about painting the section of the wall over the fireplace a darker color picked from some of the rock? Will look forward to any other suggestions.

Suggestion - not sure if adding another in the same size would help.

http://www.pier1.com/Nomad-Weave-Metal-Boat-Basket---Black/2516720,default,pd.html

Warm wood, cool gray stone, simple black fireplace face and picture frame. Vase to right is impressive but small round (?) stone veneer does not tie in with squared stone veneer on fireplace. Overall good pieces but nothing ties all together.

I like the picture. What if a wood tone floating shelf, matching the built-in and mantle, was mounted above the picture? Keep the space between picture and floating shelf equal to space between picture and the mantle. Then, display other artwork or items that combine the gray stone and warm wood tones.

The frame is too heavy for the picture. In terms of size, you want a picture that's the size of your current frame. Pick up frame wood colour from furniture in the room.

Thanks everyone for your input. We liked the idea of raising the art and putting something underneath but don't have immediate access to the one suggested by Groveraxle. Do these metal twig style candle holders work? Also does anyone have comments about whether or not to paint the drywall above the fireplace one of the colors from the rock? Will look forward to your comments. Thanks.

I think it's too small and layering the mantle will make that space cute. If you rest the art on the mantel and then play around with accessories and maybe add a larger mirror in behind, etc.

Thanks Groveraxle! Your renderings are so helpful! Let's keep going. We are also thinking of new upholstery for our sofa and chairs. The one recommended is charcoal but we are wondering if the room is getting loaded with too many dark colors. We are looking for a cream color shag area carpet. Your comments please on the charcoal. Thanks.

Top image furniture looks lighter gray. Middle image nice charcoal gray ties with lamp shade, chairs seen beyond and artwork of wall. Bottom image is really great- charcoal ties with tall vase, seems to darken the stone veneer while tying together with black fireplace front. Wood floor balances with the wood mantel and known wood cabinet to right of image. Forget cream shag rug. You have plenty of light walls and large windows to bounce natural light into space. Love this look as pictured here. Given this palette, you can fine tune what balances out on mantel or above.

its too small. Maybe get a larger frame or mix it up.

i think that i do not like the fireplace wall painted a different color. if you do the dark charcoal couches, they will look very grounded. we can lighten with light pillows.

I like art over a mantel to be no wider than the firebox below. It is fine from that aspect, but the problem is your art and your firebox are both framed in black. That's not working because it relates two items that shouldn't really be related. Black is too harsh to use with a child's portrait. If you keep it the same size but get a new mat in lighter tones, I think you'll see a big difference. Pick a light color from the portrait itself for a better look. Perhaps the flowers behind the child would be a good one.

After looking at your furniture...does it have gold accents on it? I feel like it is very formal compared to the stone fireplace and plan black framed art...if the furniture is accented with gold..I would reframe your art with a more formal modern gold frame.......I think the room could really use a rug seems cold with the gray furniture and glass table mixed with stone and hardwood...to many hard surfaces....so much potential.....

I would add a warm neutral rug and pillows. this will pull the warm of the walls and rug together with the gray furniture. I would continue to layer the grays and warm neutral off the wall. I would change out your lamp shade to neutral.

Yes to the cream rug. The only other things I would do here are keep the current upholstery and replace the table with something that echoes the mantel and built in. I might replace the lamp with something more sleek.

Hi! Unfortunately the current upholstery is rather threadbare and needs replacing. The photo of the charcoal one recommended is attached.

I would put that same photo in a larger frame with a much wider 'mat' around it. A craft store can do that for you {for a fee} if you cant find a new frame & mat on your own. {such as Michaels or A.C. Moore}. That way you can keep your same art but it will appear much larger & fill that space better.

If you choose to remat and frame, Michaels has a system where they lay you artwork flat on their counter, then will import your artwork into their system and show you what selected mat, mat width, and frame might look like. Does not hurt to look if you wish.

I love how groveraxle painted that section of wall over the mantel gray in the computer altered photos he/she provided --I would totally do that if it were me, looks GREAT!

If you paint out just the area over fireplace wall I think it will really make your walls look Yellow...if painting I would paint entire room.....I really think between the bookcase,stone,wood mantle and oversized pot with plant you have enough going on.....on that wall...

I had the same problem with an original painting on a large blank wall. I painted a large rectangle on the wall about 6" larger than the picture (on all sides). I used an antique gold and it looks really wonderful. It now fits the wall and my teenage granddaughter thinks it looks like it is in a museum and my husband says it looks like it is hanging in a gallery. I'll try to send a picture.

Thanks for the input so far...we are trying the different options. Would a mirror look good over the fireplace if the wall was painted the charcoal? If yes what style/shape of mirror would be recommended?

Any suggestions for style/size mirror for over the fireplace? Other accessories with a mirror? We are thinking that the current art is just too small even with reframing. Thanks.

I live the canvas art from zgallery...40"x60" would be a very nice size.

You might try framing the framed picture. I did that over a sofa to make the artwork bigger. Paint a rectangle about 3-4 " larger than your picture then buy a frame for the space and add your framed picture inside. Pat

How are things going? Any changes in your space?

We are making progress. New items include an area carpet, glass coffee table, wire boat accessory and lamp. The side table under the lamp was just refinished so is staying. The charcoal fabric for the sofa and chairs has been ordered and the painting of the wall above the fireplace is a high priority. The wire boat also looks very good with fruit on the eating bar so suggestions of what else could go on the mantle...something maybe silver or peuter color.....would be most welcome. Will look forward to your thoughts. Thanks.

This piece is too small in the way you have it placed. If you want to use it at the fireplace, I would recommend setting it on the mantle and leaning it against the over mantle. You could then add some taller pieces (vases, etc.,) to the side of the picture. This would give the area interest and the needed height. I hope this helps. Good luck with your project!