From what we can see the mantle looks traditional, not rustic, but I wouldn't change it. Love the painting.

Hope these photos are more helpful.

Here are a few more.

Yes this does look good but Rita, what are you looking for in this room? Is this room the main living room with the tv above?

Ken

Imo you leave this just as is. The mantle can't be decorated due to the close proximity of the tv. The little wooden tray is cute but too overshadowed by the tv. It could work on a coffee table or console though :) Painting the mantle would be a mistake and with the tray ceiling 'rustic' will be a stretch. Possibly a vase on the hearth in a colour taken from the painting.

I agree with others--great painting!

As a different paint color would help as your photo here blends too much for the look!!

Ken

Do you know if it's solid concrete or just plastered laths. If it's solid concrete, you would be able to screw wood furring strips to it with concrete anchors and wrap the mantle in a rustic wood. I have wrapped drywall mantles in Cherry Wood before for a more traditional type look. Where are you located?

I would put the tv down lower (eye level to a seated adult) and have a console right below it, rather than above the fireplace.

This appears to be a cast iron stone fireplace (synthetic stone) which can be stained, not painted and especially no latex based paints. If you stain it you can achieve the more rustic look to tie everything together.

This has been stained two different colors but it give you an idea

Rita,

Update us on what you've decided! We're excited to see your progress.