SFGate

Ironwood Builders Why are you afraid to use it? It has obviously had fires in it before and there is no smoke damage above the surround. But decoratively, the mantle need fewer, stronger elements placed on it, group them, don't line them up. Look to create some height with some of your objects. Put a large mirror or a framed piece of art above the mantle, use that space! The clock is small enough to go above a door...put it there. Look through the million plus pictures on houzz to get some ideas...keyword mantle!

decoenthusiaste I'd put the whatnots in a display case designed for collections. Mantels and fireplaces are big and need big decor to look good. Even your lanterns and clock are too small in scale. Framed art is my suggestion. Mirrors should always reflect something beautiful or interesting, so that might not work.

robins roost A large vertical picture perched on mantle with topiary trees on each side.

lefty47 HI -- The fireplace is not boring ,it's what you are doing with it . Have a fireplace company in and get it checked to assure you that is is safe to use and then make sure it has a good looking fire screen . Never put things on a mantel in a marching row . Find another place for your collection. Put the clock somewhere else (please NOT over a door , sorry Ironwood !) . Get two bigger more spanish looking sconces and put a big round framed mirror just slightly above the mantel . I would leave the colors as is because it is beside a door and it does not need to be accented with colors . Also paint the door frame the same color as the wall .

What's Inside Design Ltd. Good morning mtrezza,
Here's a couple of quick suggestions:
One with a mirror, one with art.
Good luck and have fun!
Caroline

Twisted Minds Custom Designs If it is within your budget, I would remove the exisitng quarry tiles, and replace with a marble, stone, or concrete surround and hearth, and maybe paint or strip the decorative scrolls and add some complimentary ones on either side to tie it together, and the space above definetly needs a size appropiate piece of artwork or framed photo. As far as burning, contact a licensed fireplace installer to inspect chimney and flue, and if safe feel free to use fire as a heat and ambiance source, or if uncomfortable with open fireplace, consider a fireplace insert, wood or gas, again if in budget. Hope this helps.

mtrezza Wow THANK YOU to everyone who comment on my pictures. Each one of you had great ideas..I told you it was boring or should I say ugly? I can't wait to get working on improving the fireplace. I am NEW to houzz & I love it !!! I have so many things I want to do around the house.....More ideas are welcome..I should show some kitchen pictures maybe you can help me there too :-)