how about a long custom mirror

Try the large metal medallion from Ballard Designs....its 49.5" Diameter

First thing I thought of was very large framed mirror. It would reflect some more light around the room and you could bring it up to the top of the window insert. Next idea would be two compliementing paintings one on top of the other and framed in the same style of frame. Or even three wider and shorter paintings one on top of the other. Or third idea would be a beautiful painting with a wall sconce above it. The wall sconce should also shed light downward onto the painting. The wall sconce would compliment the picture and frame and the scale of painting to wall sconce should be considered carefully (i.e. two thirds painting, one third for sconce).

A large mirror, 3 of these 36" squares, or panels such as these for impact. All of these choices are from Hemisphere.

I have the same dilemma - 17 foot ceilings and a huge bare wall right as you enter the room !!

I am with darzy 0 custom stuff tend to be very expensive try the group of mirrors or a group of the iron wall art

http://houzz.com/photos/316489

http://houzz.com/photos/283069

I am sorry the first one was a technical mistake

http://houzz.com/photos/286368

Really large mirror would get my vote if you don't want to go for art.

http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/tapestries/p_100519376.jpg

Typical: I was trying to send you to the article on tapestries for the 21st century....

Also why not a panel of amazing wallpaper up the walls to the height of the curtains. You can then add a huge frame or mould over it
http://www.zoffany.com/pages/products/products_wallpapers-detail/nureyev1/1/

Maile, nothing will say "wow" better than a great piece of art. It does not have to fill up the entire empty area, the art piece will be attracting all the attention, so the rest of the empty space will be ignored, that is how the human eye works. Look for a piece or a set of two or more pieces of art you like, in colors you enjoy, and the space will be bringing you joy every time you look there. Best of luck!... Raisa

here's an idea that's a little different. I don't know about WOW but.....

You have a great opportunity to create a beautiful focal point by using stone from floor to ceiling. You most likely would remove the existing stone and start with new stone veneer. You can then add a mirror or decorative piece as suggested in the other postings. I would also add more ceiling light.

Below are four examples of tall fireplaces with windows on the side of the fireplace.

a large colorful work of art similar to the inspiration but vertical?

http://houzz.com/photos/3145592

Can't tell if your chandelier is a wow, but if so, lower it and install a mirror to reflect it.

If you really want to make this room shine do a gorgeous tall mirror from Restoration Hardware. Its just about a play of light. They have many of them and you can also go to a custom framer and have them make you a mirror. http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod2460678&categoryId=cat2390402

I agree with suggests of mirror, iron, or art, and chandelier...but don't forget to add layers of texture on mantel candles, art fixtures, flowers...some of that can add height drawing up to the item hanging on wall and/or chandelier

Is that a carpeted floor or a wood floor? I can't tell. I also think the coffee table is too simple and modern for this particular room. Love the drapes. Makes the room softer.

The furniture is temporary as all the pieces are on order and should be arriving any time. I'm not feeling the mirror idea but I am with the iron and art.