I see the point about overpowering -- the example has only a few display items, which is fine: We'll have space elsewhere for display. The nativity scene at Christmas is the only thing I was thinking of placing in this area anyway -- not that I won't think of other stuff later. I'm very much not a marble person. I'm not necessarily into symmetry, but how will that mesh with a cathedral ceiling ... given that the tip of the ceiling wouldn't "match up" with the fireplace's center? Come to think of it, I'd consider a tray ceiling or coffered ceiling instead -- better for heating and cooling. I need to ruminate on that. Thanks for the thoughts. Keep 'em coming.

Really beautiful. Log burning? Other? Will you actually be using the fireplace? Painted or stained dark, it would be dreary and foreboding. Painted or stained white, it would be nothing short of cringe-worthy. Not sure you have the natural sun light at that end of the room for plants. Someone wanted to enable their pets and/or themselves to set atop that hearth to warm. If you don't want to do that, you might consider altering the hearth -- removing it and recreating it so the top of the hearth is floor level. If you leave the hearth as is, then you could panel that short wall left of the fireplace and build in interior lit cabinets with solid doors below the top of the firebox but glass shelving and doors above that to the ceiling, leaving the paneling and stone visible through the cabinet. Remember to have an electrical outlet in the corner vertical between the lower solid cabinet doors. Then set a comfortable chair and sturdy floor lamp/table combo in the corner in front of that. Either way, would not add a mantel to add clutter the top with items above it. If you do add a mantel or shelving, consider putting the full width of the fireplace wall. You could add art to the fireplace but instead of a framed picture or poster or print of painting, consider something else -- perhaps something that reflects your interests and hobbies made from pressed metal.

I like the stone, but it does have a bit of a rustic feel, while your furniture is rather formal with the tucks and chrome. You might just lean in the direction of heathered grays and tans when replacing any pieces. Maybe move the chrome side table in favor of something with some natural wood... Just a few ideas of what I'm imagining. The tile and the wall are fine, but I can see why the room doesn't feel settled -- should be possible to harmonize with it better without losing your own sense of style.

Thanks for the suggestions! No interest at this point in a wash (other to clean it) or changing the stone. The exterior of the house is the same stone. I did find a slightly better picture of the fireplace. There is very little light in the room (another thing to change) which doesn't help with pictures.