Oh I'm sorry you don't like it. I wasn't looking for opinions on whether to keep it or not though. I actually love it and just needed advice on how to decorate.

sorry but the mantle , tiles and rustic wood doesn't work together

sorry, I have to agree. the mantle wood and the reclaimed wood are at total odds w/each other. The arabesque tile is nice, but it's competing w/the wood above.

what to do now? you prob aren't going to like the suggestions.

I like the tile and the mantle,,,just not the red color. would look better in a white or gray or charcoal, to tie in w/the wall color.

other than that, are you going to put a tv up there? have any art? or a mirror?

I would suggest art that blends the rustic upper section with the more traditional lower section and includes both some curves and textural elements to contrast with the linear and hard surfaces. I would suggest starting with a large round silver mirror.

Even though your intent is to keep the installation as is, one minimal thing you could consider doing is whitewashing the rustic section because it would then at least connect a little more to the white of the window trim and the white of the tile grout to make the hearth vs. that section a bit more of the focus.

I think another decor option would be a large round magnolia wreath in the center and an elegant sconce on each side.

I must have terrible taste, but that's ok, I like it. Guess I'll figure out the accessorizing on my own! I'll post an after picture that I'm sure will make everyone cringe too. Happy New Year!

Katie, it's not terrible. you have all these tans/beige/white/and grays and then this deep, dark burgundy red piece of wood. The point is to get your decor to compliment and work with each other. What do you think about painting the mantle in a color that compliments the wood and the tile?

not the best photoshop,,,but what do you think?

If you choose to hang some art, go with frames that have the same stain/sheen as your mantle. The mantle does have a formal vibe, but I think you can go for an eclectic feel to make it work with the tiles and the rustic wood above.

I agree that the group of materials is not successful.

I would have painted the mantle white like the trim.

I really like the picture where everything is painted a dark gray, which also complements the tile around the firebox really well, and allows the eye to flow over the whole area without any dissonance in color or style.

The people here try to be kind, even about features that they personally don't care for, Katie, and for them to express their opinions this openly means that they're really concerned about your fireplace. Please don't be offended because you can see that alternative options are provided which means they are really trying to be helpful.

I don't think it's very kind to bash a brand new installation that the OP likes.

Some people are more tactful than others. If one can't contribute to the design, why post at all?

I’d think about doing some sort of thin wash over the boards to pull them a little closer in color to the tile. Not so thick that you lose the color variation, just enough to enhance the gray tones and subdue the browns a bit. At least, on my iPad the colors look off, it might look different in real life. But I think getting the colors to play a bit better together would make it easier to add pieces to the wall or mantle without it becoming too visually busy. (Right now my eye kind of gets stuck on the tile, for some reason.)

And the reason people are posting with concerns is that if there’s a basic conflict in the space, finding ways to accessorize and have it look good is going to be exceedingly difficult. Tweaking the mantle/wall color now is likely to save money and frustration in the long run.

Wow. I rarely use this site and never will again. I just wanted to see if I should put up a mirror or what. My mother also taught me to be kind which I value more than anything. I think many of you should maybe consider getting out from behind your keyboard and doing the same in 2018.

Here's an idea for muted and they called 'age-d' bottles... bit of color like the mantel, and bit of 'wear' like the upper wood....

Katie, many people have spent the time to give you help here. many suggestions, pictures, even advising you on decor on the mantle. did you happen to see any of that?

talk about being kind? how about, "hey, for those of you that had constructive criticism and took the time to offer suggestions, thank you". That's being kind. Mother would be proud.

Remember, if you post something on a public forum and ask for advice, you have to take the good w/the bad. You have eight different people on here that don't think it looks quite right. that should tell you something. But as long you like it, great! we were just advising you on how it would look better.

be thankful for the free advice you got. You obviously didn't get thicker skin from Santa this year.

After a bit of consideration::: I'm waiting for Sophie's blog, which would be better suited to her possibly [than Houzz can be], as described / outlined on her own page.... her blog can introduce it, and all will know of it.

I hardly want to say it: Is Sophie a Kathy Griffin of Houzz,,, oh no... and that's barely a wink.... I admire our pros, don't think I don't.

In process - is like a classroom. [After the process has been completed - not sure it's time for C.Criticism].... lessons are learned in the student's time. The teacher does a lot of presenting... and the student will ask at some point: "the right question".... and the teacher will appear, almost like magic.

Good heavens quite a collection of snark. To me it looks like a wonderful challenge for a designer.

Add an uber cool horse with a couple of lanterns for an elegant equestrian feel.

http://bit.ly/2q3v4oS

Elegant rustic...

I think the lanterns give it a traditional rustic feeling..

Just to comment about torrey's 1-flower art: being large, it contrasts as opposite to small sizes of planks and tiles....sort of pleasant... ?

Sophie's post is out of line, IMO. At some point it's no longer about helping someone else and it becomes more about "look how cleverly snarky I can be". It's not attractive.

While the combo the OP selected would not have been mine, I really love how the gardenia picture torreykm posted brings all the colors and elements together to make a unique looking fireplace wall. Well done, torrey!

I totally agree about the gardenia picture torreykm posted! It brings it all together.