I like the rustic mantles, just don't know if I'd like them in your hearth room. Nothing else in the room is really rustic. Your trim, cabinets etc. are more traditional than rustic.

I think you need to decide if you want the mantle to be the focal point of the whole area or not. A large rustic mantle would be a big focal point and I think it would draw your eye to it immediately. Which if that's what you want, then yes, I'd say do it.

I do agree your mantle is too wimpy. Minimally, it should be all the way across. I think it would look nice to have a mantle built that went all the way across the fireplace, and had wood trim down the sides too. I'd fill in with the same tile you have as your backsplash, or a decorative granite.

I am concerned that perhaps they are a bit too rustic for the furnishings, crown and trim, and cabinetry.

I do agree that your existing mantel is too small. What I think might be very cool would be to create a mantel area that has trim running from hearth to ceiling on both sides, where the brick meets the wallboard. Then run a mantel straight across from side to side. You would essentially have an "H" made out of trim and mantel. I think it would make the whole area feel more finished. I would just do it from a little more finely-finished wood, rather than the extremely rustic pieces shown in the link.

If you don't want to go that route, then perhaps think about a wider version of the mantelpiece you now have, but mounted on corbels like the ones that are under your counter area. I think it would create a nice connection between the two spaces.

Your mantel will look heftier and stand out if you paint it the same color as the trim. You might be able to retain that piece of it and build it up with additional wood profiles, as well as pilasters extending down from the mantel to the hearth. It's not exactly the rustic look from the link, but your room isn't that rustic (wood beams, etc.) I'd call a trim carpenter.

I don't know what part of the country you are in. If it's close to TN you might want to go to Dollywood, yes the amusment park. The craftsman there makes custom mantels and has some stock mantels for purchase immediatly.

They are in 3D. He had one that had realistic racoons with a pine branch. You can also provide a pitcher or sketch and work with that idea. It was unreal the detail and depth that he created out of the wood.

Has anyone else seen these?

les917: "...If you don't want to go that route, then perhaps think about a wider version of the mantelpiece you now have, but mounted on corbels like the ones that are under your counter area. I think it would create a nice connection between the two spaces..."

Really good idea! The metalwork brackets would be something a little out of the usual.

Seems like all of you agree with me that it could be a lot better. I had thought it should be wider if not all the way across. Les, I'd never thought of iron corbels, kinda interesting and unique for sure.

I just know when I saw the timber ones at the home show I loved them. But I was wondering too if they were TOO rustic. Caroleoh, I know what you're saying about my trim and cabinets. The cabinets are distressed but not heavily. My heart says rustic but I've decorated more traditional with some antiques and distressed pieces mixed in.

kswl, I purposely told the builder I didn't want my mantel painted because I thought the wood look would be a little more rustic and in keeping with the bricks. It just didn't turn out like I pictured in my mind and I can't say exactly why, so frustrating!

gray, I do live in TN but I'm over 400 mi from Dollywood so I can't make a day trip to check them out. Sounds kinda wild, I've never seen a mantel carved with 3D animals. Maybe they have a website.

Thanks for the input. Would love to hear from others too about their thoughts on the timber mantel or other suggestions. Thanks!

I looked for a website but only got the main dollywood site. I guess he works exclusive for Dolly. They were just stunning!

He was working on a mantel with a farm house and barn, even had a splitrail fence. He showed me the photo he was working from. It was a custom order and I'm sure they were thrilled to get it.

Mimi, I think it is because the mantel and bricks are too close in color...

Is your mantel hung higher than normal above the fireplace? In the second photo, the space between the ceiling and the mantel looks crowded/squeezed. I wonder if the mantel wouldn't look better if hung lower. (Not so low that it would catch on fire!)

Way too much clutter and the art is not great. I personally love the simple lines of mantle. You may consider changing to a few floating shelves above mantle and nix the painting. Darken the stain a little. Great room and wonderful furnishings and bar,

I just noticed you have a piece of ironwork between mantle and fireplace; I think the rustic mantle would just take over your room, visually, it would be way too massive, specially since your fireplace wall is flat.

I would start with removing everything on the mantle and let the picture stand by itself. That will make the present mantle look bigger, as a first step.

Mimi - Hope you don't mind, but I wanted to see more of your beautiful kitchen, so I looked at your photobucket album. Can you tell me what color paint you used in there?

Laurie