I do have some gold TONES in some things, but no brass. Just not sure I will ever be buying anything brass, but some of my upholstery and colors of books and photo frames are warm in tones. Thanks for the advice. I WILL hang Papa George for sure and figure out something for other side that is a good height balance that I may already have. I have some crystal candle sticks and some old books maybe? Thanks Rose. Your house is always fun to watch evolve.

Having a picture showing the entire fireplace would help.

Thank you Beverly! We have considered white washing the fireplace. That's so neat how you gave me a visual. Thank you! The whole black-trim-on-one-wall-thing came about when we had someone come out for a consultation on widow treatments/blinds (which we haven't figured out yet either). We also needed blinds in the master bedroom and newly renovated master bath, which both have black trim, and the look is really great in those areas. She suggessted we carry that out into the living area by doing the fireplace wall trim black, plus the ceiling beam and staircase rails. It doesn't have to stay, but looks a bit better in person with the whole house in perspective. I'm so grateful for the suggesstions!!! I'm an accountant, not an interior decorator!!

Well first of all, I have to comment on the pictures jalarse posted - those mantels! Those ships! All that amazing millwork! And the extent of the themes down to the whimsical oars! The work of some true artists there - I really enjoyed those pictures. This one was a toughie for me! I’m just going to ask and throw it out there - you can completely ignore me, but are you considering painting the brick? I only ask because I think the color of the brick is a bit hard to determine in pictures and the walls (and light at night) give it a strong yellow cast. With it going all the way to the ceiling it certainly makes itself known in the room. Not a bad thing by any means (I promise I don’t always want to paint brick), but I think paint would allow for art or the mirror to be the main focus of the mantel instead of the brick. Ok! Off my paint box... I think as you suggested, a mirror would look lovely. I think we all have a tendency to try to fill such a tall space but as long as the mirror is wide enough and the accessories large enough in scale, we can keep the decor close to the mantel while maintaining a full, finished, and proportional look. I mocked up a simple, symmetrical look - this mirror is from Ballard Designs “select-a-size” collection as your fireplace can definitely handle a large, wide mirror. A chunkier frame will keep it from disappearing into the sea of brick. The hurricanes are the London hurricanes from Crate & Barrel and they are affordable and come in multiple sizes. The largest and second largest sizes will look best. These accessories can be built upon based on the season and/or holiday so you can hang your wreath from a grosgrain ribbon on the mirror and fill the hurricanes with whatever seasonal accoutrement strike you. And I threw in some linen roman shades from pottery barn to give the windows a more finished look. Hopefully that helps inspire you to find the items that best speak to you for the space. Oh! And those cutie pies on the mantel would look great front and center on a table a bit lower - like side or end table. Have fun decorating!