I wish there would be a way to move the ottoman to really open up the fireplace. Can things move back for it to fit with a chair or is this the best for it?

That is exactly where I put them, on my sideboard!

Hah, 5 hours gone by and 2 candlesticks have been moved, but sticks are still there??

Haha! Too lazy to get ladder out ! But I will get to it i promise

Jmdlms,

I think the vase and sticks are great and the right scale. I think perhaps if we could get the bookcase beneath it changed around, it will make all the difference. Are the shelves adjustable or fixed? If they are adjustable, try taking out the top and bottom shelf and leave only the middle one and let's see if we can change the scale of the display in that area a little.

Just don't add brass to the fireplace, some Houzzer's think it is jewelry LOL ;)

I wish they were, but they are not adjustable!

Wow. It's amazing what a difference it makes just removing the candle sticks. I wouldn't change another thing!

This may sound crazy, but what about just walling in the niche? Sometimes niches and ledges that are supposed to add architectural interest, are only interesting because we can't figure out what the heck to do with them!

I heard that, Margo! LOL

LOL abbyjean...at least you can laugh!!

To know, know, know you is to love, love, love you....and I do!

aaaw, love you too ;))

I would keep the niche, put a larger vase or object there and mirror the back. It will make the fireplace more balanced.

Interesting idea! Large objects are hard to find...

It doesn't have to be large. I could be a simple metal wire sphere that you hang with clear wire from the ceiling. Or a found object. This way it doesn't have to be that large since it is hanging.

jmdlms- is that ladder buried somewhere?

"I am tired of sticks in vase, need to update!" The very problem jmdlms described is getting the least attention ;-)

Wave the flag pegonia1, demand action!

I'm waving!!!!!! Hope she is close enough to see it - my arm is already tired. Note to self, must get in shape.......

perhaps she could store the ladder up there LOL...it is a large object;)

You all are hilarious!!! I just posted my first dilemma. Hope I respond fast enough to the suggestions! haha

OP, your room is pretty. I agree that it needs less stuff. It is painful, but reduce, reduce, reduce.

I'm looking for a fabric,/tapestry print sofa. I hate brown and want a print of birds or English country. Any clues where to search?

I think the picture over the fireplace is too tall and large for that space. I'd try a horizontal piece that is no taller than the ceiling to the left.

smiley said what I've been thinking all along, but since the sticks seem to be overwhelming the process, I've kept quiet. Arley - you and I think alike, but not in budget.

Frequent Home Goods, I have seen vases there up to 4' tall.

If you are looking for fabric to upholster your present sofa, try onlinefabricstore.com.

I do not see a sofa Nancy, are you mystic? LOL

I can see a corner of the arm in the last photo, down in the lower right-hand corner. And she mentioned looking for fabric/ oops, sorry that was not the OP!

Any chance the picture over the fireplace could be moved to the nook above the bookcase? Forget that vase and put a rectangular framed mirror above fireplace.

Put the vase (with or without sticks) on stair landing where plant stand is.

The pic is too large for the recess I'm sure. However, it might do well on another wall in the space, A really tricky conglomeration of architectural elements here. I'm thinking that something sculptural that would sit on the mantel and be lower than the trim on the tops of the built-ins is a better option.

Just swap the sticks for some of that haughty grass and be done with it. :)

Your housekeeper won't like the grass... it gets dusty that high.

I appreciate all suggestions!! I hope to have some time soon to work on the room!! Very busy week.....

It's hard to tell how high the ceiling is above the fireplace and the recessed area. Maybe large painting could be hung much higher (level with loft area) and mantel could be decorated with some candlesticks and the boxes that are already there. Still put that vase on landing. An interesting sculpture would look great in the nook! Get rid of sticks you hate. It must be difficult to just move things around when they are up so high that you need a ladder!

Remove all littles and pictures. Start fresh no vase. Add in round starburst mirror over fp. Nothing in niche but maybe a darker paint on back wall. Let the architecture speak up for itself. One large item on coffee table.

I think the vase up top looks like you are storing it. Pretty room!

Hi all I am new to Houzz and have been following you all and the wonderful advice that's shared, love the banter between all of you. Especially Margo, love you Margo. I am not a home owner, I am a renter. And believe that what ever the case own or rent, you take pride in it. And I love to decorate, its been something I've love to do since my teen years. And I have just moved into a small 2 bedroom, 2 bath. Not able to post pic's yet, will in the future, because my living room is really tight. And would love to see what you guys think of how I have it set up.

Oh, and I totally agree with generalslady, just take a day and remove everything and start fresh, with it all down it may give you new way to look at how much you have going on.

Welcome ersie, thanks for the kind words! When your ready post your room and we will come snoop around and offer our opinions ;))

No sticks Margo!!! What do you think?

Well, it's about time, I thought you fell off the ladder lol I like it better with the sticks for the height. So, I would either change out all together or put sticks back in ;))

I may take vase down for a while...and look for a special piece to put up there, something taller than the vase

The vase is nice and I am sure you can use it somewhere. I always am moving things around like that. Keeps things interesting!!

P.S. glad you were such a sport about me teasing you about getting out the ladder ;))

Maybe put the sticks back and soften it with other things? Could always take them back if it doesn't work out. I personally like the vase there.

You know I just thought of something. with all this talk about a ladder, that is exactly what I would put up there. You know the wooden decorative ladders, giving the illusion of it going into an attic. That is how my mind works but I can see it!

i would skip the vase and put a big basket up there with the pumpkins/gourds on your coffee table. i agree the artwork over the fireplace is too large and a mirror might be better

I do not think the art over the fireplace is to large. Funny, how we all see things different;)

I like the idea of ladder! Cute! Would like to put something besides the expected vase with arrangement in it. I do like baskets too....