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auntagatha Since your mantle is so shallow and the rest of your room is pretty neutral except for the drapes, I would just put an amazing large, colorful, probably modern painting that would fill most of the space over the fireplace. Either that or an interesting large mirror. I would not use smaller items because it would be too busy.

Barbara Griffith Designs The room looks a little naked. If I had a choice, I would look for a large round mirror..look at a "starburst" style in an antique gold. You have a lot of lines and the round would soften the area. Add a few tall green plants in large pots, and some large art work. Pillows in a stripe using the colors of the draperies would add color and life to the sofa & chairs. Maybe end tables & lamps next to the sofa. Just thought a little indirect light may be a good look.

groveraxle

Gabberts Design Studio A landscape painting with warm colors (especially reds) will liven up your fireplace area and tie the room together beautifully!

The Creative Man I'd like to see 4 photos, framed in wood and stacked 2 high and wide. Make them all have the colors of the curtains in the theme of the 4 seasons. Thanks

Darzy I too was thinking a landscape painting but I think will be difficult to find one just right. Plus, I like the idea of something round to break up all of the rectangles but a mirror would reflect the opposite wall. How about a BIG clock? Here's one with two-tone traditional/modern.

Connie Abbott i think the room needs color so i would be looking for that. I agree nothing on the mantel or grouping--that is too busy.

Doreen Schweitzer Interiors, Ltd. A round mirror would look great. As far as the finish you do not need to match anything else in the room- such as the metal rods. I see old gold-just not a bright shiney finish. Champaign is also a good color. I would describe it as a warm silver, silver with a warm gold wash over it. I mix metals all the time.

Darzy I like groveraxle art suggestions. Very nice.

anthip I agree with Darzy. Lovely art from Groveraxle. The room definitely needs colour.

Raashi Design Simplest and cheapest way is to add a vinyl wall decal (Stickerbrand Vinyl Wall Decal Sticker Tree Top Branches (#444S) 21" W X 50" H - available in amazon). A couple of interesting objects in the mantle and the center table, a few throw pillows ( choose colors from the drapes) should make this room look finished.

jannielee Since the room itself and the furniture placement is quite squared off and symmetrical, I like the idea of an asymetrical arrangement on the mantel. Try propping one larger painting or mirror in a vertical orientation to one side of the mantel, then prop a smaller painting with a horizontal orientation overlapping and to the side. Then find a substantial candle holder, lantern or vase to place on the other side to balance the taller framed piece. It's a lovely room and this will help the room feel less stiff and predictable. I wouldn't worry too much about matching wood tones or metallics. A bit of contrast adds interest. You could also use a painted, horn or grasscloth frame.

Check out these art print links:
http://www.art.com/products/p12371111-sa-i1740565/koun-ohara-persimmon-and-white-chrysanthemum-an-autumn-arrangement.htm?sorig=cat&sorigid=0&dimvals=0&ui=6a05d278af7d43fb813a7b5abcb48e6e&ssk=persimmon&sby=all&searchstring=persimmon
Or
http://www.art.com/products/p14834823371-sa-i6805186/keibun-matsumura-bird-perched-on-a-branch-from-a-fruit-persimmon-tree.htm?sorig=cat&sorigid=0&dimvals=0&ui=6a05d278af7d43fb813a7b5abcb48e6e&ssk=persimmon&sby=all&searchstring=persimmon

You may not like these for above your mantle or at all, but they could work somewhere in the room.

Also, I'd like to see some brightly colored lumbar pillows on your chairs and a stck of books and perhaps a box of some sort over by your globe.

Good luck.

michigammemom What a cozy room. This is one of my favorite rooms on houzz with interesting art, sconces and vintage ceramic dogs on the mantle.

crispysgirl33 use a gunmetal color! lovely!

Committed Photography, Inc. A square canvas art piece resting on the mantel/leaning against the wall would go nicely. You would then be able to add an additional piece by the globe. Just ensure the top of each piece is at the same height. This should help with the bare walls and aid in bringing the room together.

Here a few recommendations:

http://www.committedphotography.ca/photos/frame/1288

http://www.committedphotography.ca/photos/frame/2605

http://www.committedphotography.ca/photos/frame/3654

Liz Weatherly Thanks for all the suggestions! I probably should have added to my original post that the wall above the media cabinet is taken care of - we're putting a flatscreen there. So mostly stuck on the space above the mantle for now. It's BIG - looking for something that would cover a space of nearly 5' wide by 5' tall. I also appreciate the furniture and rug suggestions though as I'll eventually get to those. Thanks again!