That soffit, upper right, is awkward…I would keep things on the mantel. not on the wall. I think this photo is perfect and easy to copy.

I would do something like this;)

Margo, I like that, too. But what about the soffit?

I have almost the exact same thing. I am always struggling with how to decorate it. I put a large vase with flowers in the back corner and some candles to one side, near the front. It looks just "ok" but not as nice as I would like it to. Sorry I have no great ideas, I will be following this to see what others come up with, good luck to both of us, LOL.

Oh, a friend did suggest I put two pictures on the wall, one on the left and one on the right, on either side of the corner but I am not sure about that???

Why not trim the back wall with some molding, so there is no longer an awkward corner? Then you can add a mirror or piece of art. . .

Even though I did not post the original question, I love the suggestion of Margo's, I think it may have solved my dilemma. I just loooove Houzz and all the people who make such creative suggestions, thank you all.