What a lovely home. i would first remove the fake plants.

Yes, lovely space! Agree with no faux plants.

This is just my preference (not a pro). I would simplify a bit. The art above the mantel is large, and you really don’t need anything on the mantel. I would remove the items at both ends of the mantel (candles are okay). The TV also pulls a lot of focus. Remove the items on the left on both the top and bottom shelves. Move the item on the hearth to the left of the firebox. I always think mantels, hearths and shelves look so much nicer with less.

Also, kudos to you for spelling mantel correctly.👍🏻

plants - no

candles under painting - yes

pot in front of fireplace - yes (move location)

lantern - yes

plate - yes (move to top shelf)

short book-looking thing on top shelf - maybe

everything else - no

An opinion of one.

Thanks so much! Unfortunately the upper shelf is lower then the bottom shelf, so the plate won’t fit.

So, do you think just two items on each shelf?

For me, it feels like a lot of brown.
I’d look to add some white or light and brightness.

“So, do you think just two items on each shelf?”

I think that would work, especially on the bottom shelf with just the lantern and plant. Right now it looks too crowded. How wide are the shelves? It’s fine to layer items as long as it doesn’t look too tight. Having open space is calming IMO. Play around with it keeping that in mind. What’s important is it looks good to you.

I realize this is different than your two shelves, but I think the placement and spacing are nice.

You don't have a lot of space. all you need are a few items.

you could opt to modify the built in by doing some doors under the tv. like this, rather than that lower shelf

or put in some drawers (your pic is crooked. don't know why people have a hard time taking level shots!)

here's a nice way to style shelves

or, maybe you could make a bigger cab

otherwise, it's fine. just find a few special items to display

Wow! Thanks for all the options you sent to me! I really appreciate all of the input I have been given.

The rug should encompass the seating area. The sofa, coffee table and lounge chairs should be closer to each other.

I’m so onboard with a larger rug and moving the chairs in closer but for some reason my husband does not agree. I should just do it, and ask for forgiveness later. Lol.

back up and lets see the entire room in photo. maybe we can offer some other suggestions. I was also going to mention the larger rug, but don't know what else is happening in that room

Kathy, show him Beverly’s pix…so nice!

I agree you have a few too many items, mostly the fake plants. Which items are your absolute favorite? Vase on mantel or candles? Try just one or the other to see which you like best. No plant. Remove the plants from the shelves and pick your must haves. The items are nice, they just need to be tweaked. Item on the hearth on the right side.

Hopefully these are better pics. I’m also looking for larger art above the leather chairs.

Mantel looks good!

Love your two, clearly content, fur babies.😍

Kathy, you can see the difference in Beverly’s example from Studio McGee. You want the wall decor to be low enough to have connection with the furniture below it.

Incredible mix of colors, textures, function, and dogs!

Top shelf, remove left most item, place the other two on the 1/3 lines within the space.

Lower shelf, try just the lantern centered. The plate looks crammed in. Plant feels out of place in a recessed area.

Mantle, take everything off. Either leave it plain or put the plant from the lower shelf on the the right side of the picture, just where the frame is so it covers the right frame.

Teapot on the floor helps take away from the slick black and gold look so makes sense to keep but would play with placement. Centered doesn't seem correct.

Do it anyway and ask for forgiveness is not a a path to a happy marriage. :) Happiness is so much more important than the correct sized living room rug.

Thanks for all of your input. I do have a few more questions. Beverly, I like the thought of lowering the pictures above the chairs. What are some suggestions on what I could hang above them as seen in the Studio McGee guide. Kendrah, your idea is for me to get rid of the faux orchid plant on the top shelf and keep the glass vase and books and center them on the shelf?

“…keep the glass vase and books and center them on the shelf?”

By ”1/3 lines” I think Kendrah means to divide the shelf into thirds with two lines, then place the items on those two imaginary lines (similar to the top shelf in the photo I posted).

Thanks!