Jilly, that “cat mountain” is so cool!

Stacey, isn’t it awesome?! I saw it here:

https://mymodernmet.com/cat-landscapes-lim-heng-swee/

Nice suggestions from Jilly! I also like the way the frames of the art compliment the mantel. Everyone’s different but I’m drawn to mantels with simple decor. Sometimes just art on the wall can be enough, or layering some items on the mantel leaning against the wall can work nicely.

Just a couple examples of layering…also with very simple hearth decor.

In your first picture, I'd remove the glass (footed candy dish?), shift the clock toward the right so it's over the rabbit, add regular size white candles to the scones (not fat candles like in your other pic). That's all.

Chloe, I really like those you posted! I was trying to find good examples of gracious layered art, but it was all extreme MCM or Modern Farmhouse. Yours are perfect.

is it possible to make a placemat of the dishes off to the side?

what about something like this?

the current art is too small, and the sconces and clock, belong to another type of style.

another example. I took away the corbels and gave you a thicker, lighter mantle. simple mirror

I see you have blue in the room. here's one w/blue walls and a reclaimed wood beam mantle.

This is my fave mantle/fireplace styling:

You could use a little bit of height w/something above your mantle. here they did a mirror, but art would also work.

I also like the idea of doing something above the mantle to the wall. some wood trim molding or even something like this tongue and groove/shiplap type of look

Or, something like this trim molding. horrible photoshop, but you get the idea

this would work w/your brick. I like the idea of removing the slate hearth and replacing it w/one solid piece of stone. maybe basalt or a solid black slate. shown here

photoshop of yours w/trim molding, some art, a basket w/wood/throw

I'd try and organize the feeding bowls for a better look. maybe a spot off to the right?

this way the hearth could be styled w/the basket, maybe a plant

could you do real sconces?

I think the miror in this example is a bit too small, but you get the idea

I like the diff heights of the objects used here, and the hearth styling.

As you can see, hundreds of diff ways to do yours

Spoil your kitty with these bowls on your hearth! Make them a decorative object!