You could remove the mantel and put a nice bright piece of art there.

Have you thought about working with a designer in your area? The final phase of furnishing your home is the most personal. The details are the most crucial part of finishing and the biggest opportunity you have to make the rooms your own.

I hired a designer to help me with the paint colors and yes, I am seriously considering have her come back and assist me with pulling the room together. I appreciate your comments!

Hi, I'm really glad to hear it!!! You deserve to have a home that celebrates who you are, is a place where you experience comfort, security and happiness. A point I guess I'd just like to add; the most powerful tool for growth is relationships. The connection between a designer and client is enriching for both parties and lives on longer than any project. I have clients who have all become friends going back many years. The benefit goes a lot deeper than just some business dealing.

I agree that you don't really need a mantel, but art would be key to completing your room.

I agree with the others -- and I'd choose something tall and bold to show off the height of the ceiling and bring the eye up. I'd actually do the same thing with the art over the couch, but others might not agree with me.

How about a sunburst mirror of twigs.

Margo, that mirror is no longer available:(

I never really considered not having a mantel. I do use my gas logs in the winter. Do y'all not think that would be an issue with a large art piece?

Leave the mantel and add art or a large architectural piece on or over it, the mantel will deflect the heat from harming anything above it and you could also add a very large 2 ft x 4 ft mirror standing tall on the mantel with candles would give light reflection Setting the mirror to one side and putting an old iron gate or something in front of it and then candles in front of that..I do not know if you are using the area to the right of the furniture as a walkway from the door, but you could expand your living area to that side for more light.

I had this canvas print and added the three candleholders. Probably would need something more colorful but just wanted to show you. I found a beautiful starburst on Horchow website. I don't know if I can upload the link but it is called "Kimani Starburst" if any of you would like to see it.

Nice!

Isn't it theeeee best when you shop your home and find something you love!

Sunbev, I am having hard time picturing your suggestions. The area to the right of the chair is the entrance into the dining area and the patio door.

We don't want to go into another footprint of the area/ dining area, Do love the painting on the mantel, here are a couple of pics of the layering of items on a mantel. The last is a gate or something which you could place in front of a mirror. Hope this helps.

A Mirror would be fabulous! Place a grouping of vases in front of it, Beautiful!!

Thank you all for your suggestions! I have a better vision now!

I'd advise against a mirror unless it is going to reflect something beautiful or interesting. A chandelier or view would be required because whatever the mirror "sees" will be doubled for you to see.

agreed.....

LUV it! I would suggest to do one or the other accessories you have selected, to go with it! Too much will take away from the mirror:) I really like the wheat, personally:)

The wheat works with the mirror, which looks GREAT there. The other pieces....would they fit on the hearth as they are awfully nice, too.

Can you nestle them behind the beautiful bowl,on the hearth?

YES! A little height right there would be perfect!

Like this??? There was not enough room to put the candlesticks behind the bowl.

I was thinking on the other side????

Or this:-)

I like the mirror in your photo, and I think these would look good too. They're by Howard Elliot...the Compass, the Brisbane and the Patrick. I think the Patrick picks up on the aesthetic of your rustic chest.

I see the ceiling! Is that what you want to see more of? Nice mirror, but needs to be in a special place with something wonderful to reflect.

Dana, I will look at those. The last one is beautiful!

That is true about the ceiling:(

lol, I think I like it better on the left:)) and LUV the starburst mirror as well!

Laslin, I have the Howard Elliot Raphael, and I love it. The last one is my favorite for your home too. With some great pieces layered in front of it, I think you'd notice their reflection and not the ceiling. Also, hung flat instead of propped will make a difference too.

Ok ladies and gentlemen, I am going to have my decorator come in early next week hopefully. I did purchase a rug, two lamps and a large piece of artwork for over my couch along with the mirror for the mantel. I can return anything that doesn't work once I get this complete. I have just stressed out over what to put where! It is so hard for me to order something over the web that I can't see or feel or know the quality of it. I do better when I go to a store:-)
Once I get this done, I will post some updated pictures. Thank you ALL so much for your suggestions.

May be your mirror can be attached to the wall somehow to give you width space on the mantel itself. Pick things you like you are the one to enjoy the sight of the items everyday!

This may be a case of 'the cows having already left the barn' since you've already painted but: If you're trying to warm up the room and you aren't married to the look of the brick, you might consider dry walling that wall and putting a natural stone on the hearth. This would give you a more neutral background for whatever surround you'd like to use for the fireplace, (also gives you more options vis a vis the material: wood, painted wood, stone, etc).

I really like the mirror on the mantel. I think it is a great idea to have the designer come back to help you finish the update. It is most assuredly worth the investment to get expert advice.

Hi laslin, I noticed the mention of Starbursts and I make and sell metal ones in my Etsy shop - from 6" to 38" in diameter, in any color you want. You can find me at www.inspiring4u2.etsy.com -also I'm happy to work with you to create something you'll love that's specific for your space. I've included some photos for thought. Thank you kindly. Lisa