I would remove that thing (I don't even know what to call it) that sits on top of the mantel and paint the wall behind the same color as the wall.

I agree with groveraxle - the "thing" on top of the mantle isn't adding anything to the space. It seems to be doing the opposite. It shouldn't be that hard to remove though.

Once it's out of the way, paint that area that same as surrounding walls, or maybe a shade or two darker, then prop a large, vertical piece of art on the mantle.

I agree with above comment. Get rid of the secondary pillar / mantel combo and cover with travertine tile to match texture.

Since you will be removing the red drapes, maybe just replace with something like Hunter Douglas Pirrouettes. I think side panels might be too much distraction with multiple window and a FP that is begging for attention!

Remove the thing above mantel But you could still go with that theme and turn it into shelving space above.

Like this:

Aaahhh, much better! All you need. Ow is a great piece of art I there. I'll race you, Grover - see who comes up with the best piece of art lol!

Oh so much better. More calming. Can decorate, if wanted.

First one is from saatchionline.com, Jared Plock artist. It's a bit short, but with matte and frame could be stretched to 36" height easily.

Second is from Grandin Road - 36" high unframed, and is meant to stay that way.

Both are very affordable.

Thanks for the visual, groveraxle!

The exterior is stucco. I'm not sure of the style. It could possibly be Mediterranean. The fireplace is too gaudy for me. I'm trying to bring less attention to it. It was something I knew was going to be a challenge when we bought the house.

Let's take down those drapes and add some art while we're at it.

Ooh, karemore, I forgot about saatchi. Here's one from an artist there:

Another from saatchi; okay, now I'm getting carried away...

Any one,of them would work, hey? Yes, a lot going on in that corner - I see a fan overhead, and a couple of pendant lights. Are the pendants even effective in providing some useable lighting? They are quite high up.

Definitely looks better without panels. It's giving that corner a cleaner, more modern look!

Gee, Grover - how,did you know Jackie has all that greenery outside her window? :D

Yes actually they do provide good lighting. They are pretty bright and have dimmers as well.

I'm not seeing contemporary styled artwork with your home (arched windows, etc...). Maybe a different style. What is your design preference?

wow, i'm coming to you guys when i get to that point in my remodel--great ideas and fancy footwork with the images!

What kind of style do you think goes with the home? We have nothing hanging on any walls yet because we are waiting to add more furnishings. We just moved in and right now it feels like I have to decorate around this fireplace. I like rustic but my husband is more contemporary. We try to meet in the middle somewhere.

Yes, cxg2, I'm pretty impressed with the help and ideas on here!

overmantle arcade. I think it's the size of the arcade's cornice that makes it too wide for the wall. But I think there's a bit of arcade envy behind the push to eliminate this unique feature...to make it more "acceptable" to the peanut gallery....which runs parallel to the conventional wisdom, lol.

Jackie, if you have the inclination, check out Architectural Digest Jan.2014, pg.92 re: Atelier AM's write up (atelieram.com). One of their rooms is pic'd and I think you could be inspired by it.

Hi Jackie, I see a mix of modern and trad for this room, leaning more,toward modern. It doesn't mean you can't have rustic touches elsewhere in the house though!

Is this your LR or your FR?

How about remodeling it with a stone veneer all the way to the ceiling. Something that compliments the style and color scheme of your home, and adds beauty and drama, but doesn't become the focal point of the whole room.

Christi, on behalf of Thos. Baker

I did speak about the fireplace on another spot but get rid of the top it is way too overpowering for the room. Nice piece of art above fireplace , you are done.

You're rustic, he's modern = perfect. Earth tones, natural materials, clean simple lines.

I am curious acroteria about this:
"Jackie, if you have the inclination, check out Architectural Digest Jan.2014, pg.92 re: Atelier AM's write up (atelieram.com). One of their rooms is pic'd and I think you could be inspired by it."

I went to find it and all the Jan issues have been replaced with Feb issues. Is it possible to find online what you are referring to?

Jackie, The whole fireplace/mantle does not work for me. I would remove both mantles and start over (ouch) because the style of your beautiful windows does not match what is there. I don't know the type of furniture/décor that is also in the room but it truly has potential to be a knockout fireplace. Also, will you actually be using the fireplace?

Jackie, try this link to Architectural Digest: http://www.architecturaldigest.com/AD100/2014/atelier-am-ad100-profile-michael-alexandra-misczynski

I agree with all above about taking that thing down, but of course, you have to choose your own art.

I received the most useable advice on this thread. So my wheels are turning now. I might just take a little of everyone's advice. It may be too soon to take down the "overmantle" as l learned it is called. I'm going to try and work around it for now. Probably paint the black background the wall color or just paint the top portion. Then cover the bottom portion of black with a matching stone veneer or tile as mentioned in this thread. Although the easiest thing to do would be to take down the overmantle, I realized then the fireplace would look like every other house we saw when house hunting. After looking at the article in Architectural Digest mentioned in this thread, the "the gaudiness" can actually look classical when paired with the right accessories. The fireplace may be too big for the room but on a similar thread, drapes matching the wall color may open up the room. We will see! Thank you everyone!

I absolutely LOVE stacked stone fireplaces, so that would be my recommendation for you. When I had my current home built, I added a floor-to-ceiling stacked stone fireplace, with a chunky mantle deep enough so that I can rest art work on the mantle if needed. Here's a pic of mine: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/173318285629194398/

We ended up painting the black portion of the background the same as the wall color. Unfortunately we still could not get the darn thing to mesh with the room. It is an oversized gaudy fireplace. We decided to demo it and start over.

I don't think you'll ever get it to mesh with the room!

I have since redone the fireplace!

Congrats! looks really great.

You did a fabulous job, Jackie......good work. It looks so much better!

Huge improvement! Thanks for sharing.

NICE! I like it! Thank you for getting back to us.

Beautiful! Love the new drapes too.

Beautiful choice , thanks for sharing

So happy to see the changes. Glad you're happy! Looks fantastic!!

But remember one thing- you're trying to fit into the house but you need to make the house fit YOU and YOUR tastes! Easy changes!