too short to prop.

I agree, hang. It will fit the space better.

Better to hang it in this case. Agree with just a few inches above the mantel.

Too short to prop.

Accessories on the mantle are too stumpy.

^Yes^

I am no expert, but I think by hanging it would be more balanced?

Thank you everyone! I shall hang it:). BeverlyFLADezigner I would REALLY appreciate your feedback about my awnings. Real dilemma to replace with similar colour (we do like the look and less sun/heat) or get arid of them.

^ Lose the shutters, increase the size of the awnings. Paint the front door.

RL Relocation LLR... colour for door? I assume inside door is what you mean not the aluminum one.

If possible, paint the storm door to match the door.
I agree with RL about no shutters and bigger awnings. I know they are not very fashionable right now, but I understand the need for shade.

Both doors are currently white

i would repaint the exterior ,it will dramatically change the look of the house

and paint the shutters darker then exterior lighter and loose awnings

No shutters...the windows are too large for them.

Hang the artwork.

OK so here is your home if we take down the shutters and the awnings. Landscaping must be addressed to show the brick ranch off to its best.

There are lots of ways to address the sun both inside and out.

Solar shades can be mounted inside the house. They cut the sun and the glare but still allow you to view the outside.

Of course 2" blinds are like having awnings on the inside of your home. They can be angled to direct the sun

The blinds can be selected in a wood finish or in a white finish depending on what the inside of your home requires.

Of course cellular shades that travel both up and down can block the sun.

Next I'll address your awning options.

I believe the current canvas awnings are making it really dark in your home which is not a good look. You make want to consider a wood slat window trellis, with or without vines to minimize any sun issues. The bracket can be angled or straight

Angled window trellis

Straight window trellis

Window trellis can be decorated with flowering vines or not.

If you want to do canvas awnings there is no reason the awnings have to have a pitch of 45 degrees with sides on them like you see in the image below

They can be less pitched and without sides like these images below.

Thank you so much for your feedback!! You have given us many great ideas.

Nice home. Please don't paint the brick.

Consider removing the shutters (not a great fit).

A dark bold burgundy or a bold black would work for your exterior doors.

Budget permitting, do consider removing the awnings, then add a shed roofed front porch -- about 6' deep -- across most or all of the front of your house to shade your windows.

You could use hip corners for the shed roof of your porch at each end and add a forward facing gable only over the actual entry. Then add a sidewalk from your new entrance toward your driveway as you plan your landscaping.

Agree with others: hang the art as show in the pic posted by

BeverlyFLADeziner

Well done BeferlyFLADeziner.

Like your candle holders.

After you hang your art, try leaving the mantel empty. Try putting the items you had on the mantel on the shelves and/or built-ins instead. Move them about and, ultimately, follow your own taste on what looks best where.

Thank you. Picture is hung and I had actually left the mantle clear and moved items on shelves! Lol. I think it looks less cluttered.
I am going to call tomorrow and get some quotes for landscaping the front yard. It needs some colour and texture! We will remove the awnings and shutters and see how we like the look. We can always put them back. Thanks again everyone. I love this site and find it so helpful!