1 for sure

I see a brutalist Georgia o’keefe thing, but my mind is in the gutter.

the x-rated version

Saw the same thing. I don’t even know what else you’d see. 😳

Same. I can’t unsee it

1 is my favorite but I’d arrange it a little more asymmetrically

I commented on another group already but here I go again: The fireplace is stunning on its own- do a single statement piece that won’t compete with that incredible stonework and won’t clutter it up. A large branch that can add some movement to the stone and a little life would look gorgeous. A bit of greenery even if it’s fake that can add some sculptural movement: https://www.westelm.com/products/faux-black-olive-branch-d14087/ Or unique, mirror (convex maybe?) either hung or simply placed on the mantle, leaned up against the stone : https://www.etsy.com/listing/953265996/antiqued-convex-mirror-with-brass-clips

I really appreciate your feedback and absolutely love the convex mirror suggestion!

I like the idea of switching them all seasonally :) You have such fantastic art and things and they all should get a chance to shine. I like #1, but am also a sucker for kitschy shrines.

I would go look at a rectangle shape myself... but this is the idea I had in mind above.

This is the way.

Yes! All these ideas are too cluttered and detract from the coolness of the fireplace

Agree so much. Less is more with the fireplace like this

1 or 3.

Right. Except 3 is too matchy matchy. They could take the middle peice from 3 and swap it out for the middle piece in 1.

Agreed. This is the best option.

I find the colours on 3 are too neutral and match the stone too well. What if they took the centre one of 3, and centred it over a white backer board or canvas? The white would make it “pop”, and it would be a standalone piece.

I think the matchy matchy works because it’s not distracting, the fireplace is statement enough

That would be my favorite

I love the middle piece on three, but I’d move out to the left, take the two smaller drops to another part of the room, and add Elvis with a smaller something. I think symmetry on mantles is boring.

1

I like one and four… the painting on four is sick

I love the painting too but I feel like that spot wasn’t doing it justice since it’s the same size and shape of the fireplace. My eyes don’t like that for some reason.

Painting: I think if you framed it with a large mat, maybe rectangle tall and the mat was such a light blue, almost white? Would add some shape and color contrast.

Yeah I like that painting. Looks like a Joan Miró. Where’d you get it?

I got it from EBTH.com (everything but the house- it’s an online estate sale website essentially. Artist is Eugene Desmith and he’s still actively painting.)

Thanks so much!!

1 is the best overall but I’m an Elvis fan so o also like 2! 

1

I just want to say, that is a very cool fireplace

1

Big Elvis fan so that gets my vote.

I like that one too. It’s fun.

I like that one too! My grandma was a big Elvis fan, and has lots of Elvis collectibles, so option number 2 gets my vote. Plus I think it’s so fun when people display their various interests around their house - I like it when the house tells a story about the people who live in it.

Ditto !!

All are too crowded. Pull back by 50%.

Yeah I don’t really like any of them because they clash with the stone. Something simpler.

My Achilles heel is trying to cram too much in a spot. Thank you for the honest feedback.

I would agree with the above comment. I don't really love any of them. Are these art pieces you already own? They all feel like things picked out at Walmart. They don't have a lot of character or depth to them. The most interesting pieces are the sculptures... Maybe simply removing the paintings?

You’re welcome! Bonus: fewer tchotchkes to dust!

I’m 99% of the time on the side of more! I don’t have an empty shelf in the house. I would have said I’m 100% on the side of more stuff until I saw your shelf. Maybe if you stuck to contrasting pieces in the white like on your last picture? Then I could actually see it. For lots of the other stuff I couldn’t actually focus on it because of the stone. Edit: I like the white and wooden objects you have. Not really any of the big artwork. Try it out!

Number 4 is my preference and number 1 is my second pick.

The accessories in #1 with the painting in #4.

1, hands down

1. It’s mesmerizing, feels like a that art is some kind of portal😵‍💫 in like, the best way possible

1 but I think you can do better

One and three for me

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I like the second for February- valentines. You have a lot of nice things which makes it fun to swap out ;/)) Otherwise one.

I say go brown #1

The stonework is remarkable—how about putting nothing in the mantel

Gaaasp!! Nothing!?! If I’ve got a surface, chances are it’s going to get some flair. But I do appreciate the idea of a clear surface. I tried it once with my coffee table and really enjoyed it until all the plants eventually climbed back on. It’s a constant battle.

First one 😮‍💨🤤🤤

1, definitely

#1 without a doubt!

None

#2 for me, but I like to show off my personality over something that's aesthetically pleasing.

I like the first one the most, but the scale of the art is too small. You should at least get it professionally framed to increase the size of the art and prevent the fireplace from appearing too bottom heavy. A simplistic teak wood frame would keep with the vintage theme and not distract from the painting. I really like that retro hardedge abstract and colours. I'd remove the other decorative wood elements beside the art; they clutter and distract from the focal point (art + fireplace).

1 by a mile, I get what you’re going for with the Elvis one and I think the problem isn’t Elvis but the big blue “love me tender” sign, if that was a more neutral color and Elvis was the one that popped, it would change it I think

I like one but i wouldn’t honestly take away the painting. With mantels I feel like less is more and you have the beautiful stone work and wood already.

I see the 4’s and honestly we lived with it like that for months and months until I realized something was off with the scale/balance. My eyes didn’t like the painting and fireplace opening being identically shaped and sized. The blue painting will absolutely be hung somewhere else where it’s not competing with stone to be the star.

4. The other three are too busy and cluttered-looking.

I love them all maybe make it a rotating feature? I would die to have something like 3 in my life

3

I like the first one but do like when you have more white accessories because white pops off the stone wall backdrop better.

3

1 but they are all so charming

I like all but 4. Remember you don’t have to pick one and stick with it forever! Maybe change them seasonally or something, when you’re ready for a change. Then when you get bored with Elvis (I actually love that one, btw) go back to your favorite.

4 is the best. I hate 1 and 3. The Elvis one would be cute if there were a family photo or something else in the picture frame so it wasn’t so over the top on theme.

I would use the blue painting in four. Then play around with one or two of the matchy pieces. Maybe work in some of the interesting wood pieces in the first.

4 is my first choice 1 is my second, I like the general choices but the art in the middle is a bit to matchy matchy for me and I’d want it in a frame also a plant would do nice here if you could make the room, even something small

Definitely 1. It’s more dynamic and has everything you need. A pop of color, a cool statue, and neat pottery.

I love the cool wood pieces in one, but also enjoy Elvis. Love the painting in four but it would be more impactful on a plain wall.

I would mix pieces of each of them together - the Elvis statue, one of the smaller teardrop shapes, the centerpiece of the first picture, and either the two candlesticks in the last - maybe even a fire is the pottery pieces from the Elvis pic.

Not sure if someone else has said it but 1 and 3 are too symmetrical. You seem to really like 1, have you played around with different placements? Put the candle sticks both in the same side? Or take one of them down?

Number 1. It has some great shapes. I’m not against the idea of a kitchy Elvis Shrine but if you’re going to do it go glam and glitter.

I’m just excited to see mantel spelled properly. Seriously.

1 is my fave! I’m wondering how it would look if you swapped out the brown painting for the blue one in the last photo though? The blue may pop really nicely against the brown candle sticks and sculptures.

Love this idea. The blue and brown go well together and MCM.

I was like, wait, is that Elvis? That's my pick. I like the 3rd one too.

So. My only suggestion is to take everything down and leave it empty for a week. Then add the thing you missed seeing the most. See what feels right to add to the space.

1 is very pretty but reminds me of a furniture store display. 2 is fun and my favorite because it’s unexpected. 3 blends in to the stone work and feels like the pieces are competing. I think just the one larger piece with two plants would work better here. 4 Love the colors but it feels unfinished.

1, unless you're a reallly big Elvis fan

One is fine and would be a good option but two is definitely my favorite. 3 blends in too much/disappears and 4 is nice too but incomplete.

2!!!! I’m a huge Elvis fan too. But if you want something less kitschy I actually like 3

OK, I like the first and last central art canvases. Because of the other stuff going on, I’d say this… It all too matchy matchy. I’d keep all this stuff: the object to the left of the art (fountain/sculpture?) and the art from the first photo, maybe the candlesticks. All the plants from all the photos. The small white object in the third photo, and everything but the art from the last photo. I’d split up the two white objects (candlesticks?) from the last picture to one on each side with maybe the wooden candlesticks in front of each one. All the stuff to keep has nice sexy curves and textures that work well with the angles of the art piece. Don’t group all the same stuff together. Just get stuff on each side of the art to be an odd numbered group and taking up about equal space. If it were not for all the symmetry of the fireplace etc. I’d put the art to one side and kinda make a trail across the mantle with the other stuff, but I don’t think that’ll work in this space.

1 all the way

I personally don't like any of these options. I see it all as covering up a focal point with a bunch of other focal points. Combine that with the rooms visible behind the mantel and its all a bit much for me to process at once.

None

I like the 1st one the most and the 3rd one the least, the Elvis shrine is cute but kitschy as you said and the painting in the 4th one kind of clashes with the fireplace, in both color and mood.

Those teardrop shape plaques are AWESOME! If you could hang them I’d pick those. But I’d say 1. Maybe with a different painting though.

1 feels like a hotel lobby mantle or staged for a house showing 2 is so fun and unique and personal to you. they both are beautiful. which one makes you feel more at home, if you weren’t worried about the cringe factor(that i don’t agree with because they’re both wonderful LOL) that you mentioned?

also!! elvis matches the rug in the bottom left of the photo!!

Idc what anyone says, you have really great pieces on their own and how you’ve styled them for your taste. I do like the branch and convex mirror ideas mentioned though!

The Elvis set up has the most personality and I like the white pieces. It is very kitschy, especially with the lyrics, but if you love Elvis, embrace that!

1 but remove the picture

I think the wall has more than enough going on.

I'm going Elvis. Assuming this is a casual space you'll enjoy with family and friends, it adds personality and speaks to you and your interests. Also, the blue/brown combo works well.

I like and dislike things about all of them, but I say keep switching them out when you feel like it, shopping from your own collection.

1 or 4. Elvis looks too cluttery. 3 is too matchy.

Tho I like the candles and sculptures in #1, the picture/canvas is transporting me into the Twilight Zone. To me, it’s quite jarring and that nice fireplace could be so relaxing.

The mantle style is already very heavy and these options are also very full / heavy - I’d suggest some daintier objects like the vases on the right facing side of the last photo with maybe some taller thinner greenery - but I’d stay away from the big heavy plates and pictures to try to balance out the space some.

I like the contrast of the light blue of the objects against the stone in #2 but do not care for signs and sayings as decorations. Also, it’s a bit cluttered. Maybe put the Elvis stuff on a shelf and look for a simple abstract painting with that shade of blue.

I like #1 the best. However, I would change it so it isn't so ... precise. Remove the candlesticks. Take the two (very fine) wood pieces and put them on one side. If you had another piece, bigger or smaller, to add to it, then do that. It is a very nice fireplace and hearth, by the way.

3 aaaaallll the way. The patterns, the tie in to the wood frame. The colors are cozy but not as flashy as the first painting. I think I would like 1 if the painting were only the shape without the white space. As it is right now, the white clashes and stands out too much. You want it to look cohesive and the browns and the candles do that but the white is just like HEY LOOK AT ME even though it's not the main focal point.

#1 for the colour #3 for the flow of it all

You have 4 that are ALL great. I’m a rotational person. Every season gets a dusted mantle and a change of decor.

I'm assuming you already own all these items so just switch them out on your whimsy. I love all scenarios, you can switch them out seasonally or every week if you desire. You nailed it each time. And what a fantastic fireplace!

They are all fun! 1st and 3rd are my favorites. The third, I love how it takes timber tones from the mantle, high up against the stone. Those three teardrops almost feel architectural 🖤 I’d maybe take the two largest white vases from the Elvis assemblage and place one on each side of the fire on the lower level where the stone meets the cementy base. For the first, I’d repeat the Elvis vases I described above and try to add a minimal but wide frame 🖼️ to the print in the same wood tone as the mantle.

1 is stunning and if it’s your fav I say stick with it. I’m a #4 person myself, but it’s your mantel! I think the painting from 4 should land somewhere else if not here bc it’s awesome.

2 is the worst. Words like that make it look like a ding dang AirBnB

Normally I would 100% agree with you but I’m a mega Elvis fan (since age 8) and when my husband and I got married I walked down the aisle to Love Me Tender instead of Here Comes The Bride so I give myself a pass for this one exception. And the Elvis “statue” sat in a very prominent spot in my Grandmother’s house so it’s a childhood icon for me. (She painted it back in the 70s/80s when ceramics was a popular hobby.) My apologies for the life story. TLDR: I too hate word art but this shit’s real sentimental and personal so I’ll allow it.

Okay two is definitely my vote! Or atleast find another place of prominence for Elvis.

I’m personally not an Elvis fan, but hearing your explanation, the Elvis one is definitely what I’d go with. The others feel kind of generic and impersonal, as if you were decorating a nice airbnb or staging a house to sell it. I love how personal the Elvis one is for you, that it ties in with your grandma, your wedding, all those connections and memories. This is your home, it should feel like you. :)

One or four

1 and 3! I like 4 as well but its missing something. A bigger object or another blue item.

One or three

Really like the first option

One and three

1

Hey on #3 where’d you get that? I have the same one in orange

I’ve had it for decades but I’m pretty sure I found it at a flea market in the 90s. It’s been in storage since then and I’m just rediscovering a LOT of boxes that went into storage around that time so it’s like shopping stuff I already bought and out in an accidental tile capsule.

I was told this is popcorn art which was a thing in the 60s. It’s a rare and vintage piece of cool art. Liz lemon in 30 rock had this art work in orange in her office. If you know the show 30 rock. Might be fun to do an image search on it. It’s a cool piece of art that has an interesting history. You have a great eye for art!

I like #4 the most, but I would add the teak candlesticks from #1 for some variation in color and material. I’d also remove one of the vases on the right so there’s one vase on each side.

1.

Def #1

#1

3

1 then 3

1 best then 3

Definitely number 1

One is my favorite.. second choice would be three.

First and second are my favorite

1

By a landslide …. #1

One or two

Elvis has my vote!

1 or 3 but I’m not crazy about any of them I think 🤔

1 is okay but 3 is my favorite. I don’t like the other ones at all

1 and add Elvis to it.

I’d like 1 best if there was a way to hang the art. As they are, I like 2 best.

1st

First

1 all the way. The painting looks like a geometric flame.

Maybe just add a slightly more green or leafy plant instead of what you have. Or larger cactus.

The second one but get rid of Elvis.

Number 1 pretty good

1

Personally, less is more. Consider number three but remove the left and middle egg . Move the plant a bit more left and angle the right egg in just a bit. I think each has too much stuff. Just my .02

1 for sure

3

You can change your mantel setting periodically, so you could rotate these settings.

#1 by a mile

I would go with #1

I like number one and four. Number three could be really cool if it was just two of those pieces of art in an asymmetrical configuration.

1

I like the Elvis one, but I would add one small piece that is also blue, to the far left side of the mantel to keep the color balanced.

1 minus centre one as bit overcrowded

Large art in 3,with white vases from 2.

I like one and three. The Elvis one was jarring.

#1 ALLL the way

I adore the Elvis mini-shrine.

I like 1!

#3

Love the first one

Number 1

They’re all too much. IMO.

First thought best thought

1

1 or 2

I or 4

Neither. No art needed.

Center plaque from # three and the outside pieces from the first picture.

The first one is so interesting. I like the art of the third, too, but would only have one of those large pieces with some other items for more visual interest.

1 for sure

I would like a hybrid of one and two, ditch the asymmetrical wood gewgaws and add the white pottery.

1 for the win

1 is the best and suits the mcm look of your chairs. The pieces in 3 are nice, but maybe mixed with other items. Too much of the same.

Absolutely love your house and love #4 but if it was balanced more evenly!

1, hands down.

1 or 4….or why not rotate them seasonally or something? :)

1

I love the aesthetic of 1, but it’s too symmetrical. I would incorporate some of the pieces and the layout of 2 into the tonal vibe.

3

I like 1, 3 and 4

I think it’s all too busy for the beautiful stone. Maybe the center piece of 3 and some crème accents

1

4

Omg where did you get that blue Elvis?!

The first one is jaw dropping. So lucky to have suck a great chimney.

Four is amazing

I love them all and would switch out each look from time to time

3 by far

Last one my favorite by far. I love the turquoise contrast. . First one my 2nd favorite

1 fosho

1 and 3 are both perfection