The mantle and tv media bookcase are causing a focal point problem. Maybe move the bookcase to another wall. You could mount the tv above the fireplace and go from this point. what is on the other side of the mantle to the left?

How about a fabulous mirror or large clock to draw your eye to?

i like the idea of a large mirror, but the media bookcase has to be moved. is there another wall in this room? need more pictures.

Um yea, like I said, the entertainment center is built-in, so it can't be moved... nor is it my house!! No other wall in this room, all windows, and opens into the kitchen. On the other side of the mantle to the left is the doorway leading into the hall. This is really the only space for this large photo to be displayed, I was just wondering how to decorate the mantle around it.

Wooden framed mirror matching with wood like media cabinet or black frame

I like the idea of a mirror or clock, but maybe consider a wreath on the wall or some small plants/flowers on the mantle.

I'll be honest - with this sort of architectural structure, it's difficult to make the fireplace a focal point. If it were your home, you could always paint the built-in the same color as the wall - but as a renter, that's not an option. What I'd try first is using a bolder piece of art. I would replace all the small knick-knacks with a pair of tall, sleek items - vases or ceramic statues,etc. Nothing else. That might give the mantle area more 'presence' to offset the dominant built-in with TV. Also, relocate the little sign above the built in... we don't want anything else to draw the eye that direction. I can't see enough of the room to determine your color scheme, but I've included a generic example.

I would love to see a vertical piece of art such as PaintColor has shown you, but if you want to use the current piece that's there, I would remove everything that is on the mantel except the interesting little sculpture that is in the center.