I think the contrasting paint color is a factor. If you can paint both sides the same color and add some height with iron or stacked art it would be cool. It looks like you have some special family photo's you would like to showcase- what about blowing those up with mountings and frames and stacking 3 on each side? I have a corner mantel design dilemma myself- so take this idea with a grain of salt. Please do post a pic once you have decided. Good luck!

Your space seems large. The patterns and colours you choose seems contemporary, modern n bold.. Almost neuvo Art Deco ... Decorating the mantle is the last thing you want to touch when the bigger things need to be solved. It is either your carpet or your sofa that needs to go... Some contrast is needed here. The Color scheme from what u selected - dark blue, mustard, lime green, white. Add elephant grey, black, silver to complete the look. Here goes a complete 180 change... Are you ready? Paint the back end wall... Cool medium Brown, that will compliment the patterned panel. Change the curtain panel blue instead of white. Matching fibre of course, Sponge n distress your mantel - dark brown over the white .. And add matt silver leaf over it. That will give it some pizzas! Please change the fabric of your sofa to some darker brown, dark grey or new furniture with modern lines. Rearrange your furniture so that it is more cozy n around your fire place. Now for the mantle... Add white animal head to the mantle itself either 3 small ones... Depending on your proportions Or a large moose head over the mantle. Balance off with two vases of ostrich feathers and silver n brown branches. On each side of the head and .maybe add your favourite books or b/ w photos - enlarge of your family...in interesting neutral frames There you go! One option of a complete look in loo of your fabric you chose! Cheers! Btw the moose head is from Z gallery! It's the latest in thing now! White head... U also can find cool accessories there.

The Black Forest is where the most desirable handmade cuckoo clocks come from - often with multiple moving parts, dancing people, cuckoo, etc. You could always try for a bit of a Bavarian style to be inclusive - this area also was known for hunting and that can bring in the deer although you might tell him to consider European mounts (just the skull/horns) to go better with the clocks. Add a few nutcrackers and a large mirror with a heavily carved frame. Or go for a chalet sort of style, think skiing the alps...

Thank you ladies! Such helpful and detailed suggestions. I like the curtains for its grand look that I never thought of taking it off. But you made me realized that it is the one item that breaks everything else we have and would like for this room. We have 17ft ceiling. The room is 15 x 17. The mantel is 10ft wide and 65" above the floor. I forgot to mention that the recliners will be replaced by 2 white/cream/beige chairs. Also, the TV connection is below the mantel so putting the tv across from its current place will required professional inside wall/ceiling wiring. We have a wall mount for the TV to go on the wall under the staircase. Thanks again ladies!!