I've seen clients with similar issues in their homes..
We have a client with similar colouring in their kitchen and they chose Indian Autumn Slate for their back splash (except they did a small mosiac of it and I would do something bigger for your fireplace so it doesn't look so busy).
See attached photo.
Either that or a tumbled Picasso stone.
Just make sure if you use any natural stone to open all boxes of tile and mix them before installing to ensure that if you got a couple different lots of tile it doesn't look odd.

I'm confused! This is for stone for my fireplace not my kitchen. I'm completely redoing the fireplace.

This is a suggestion for the stone for your fireplace..
I'm just showing you what the Indian Autumn slate colouring looks like :)

I think a mosaic pattern would be too busy and too contemporary or modern looking for my great room. It's more Old World.

I wouldn't recommend a mosaic.. I said that above lol.
I am simply suggesting the stone material.
I would do something on a larger scale for size that way like we both said it wont be so busy.

HI -- Please explain -- are you putting new to "replace" what is on the fireplace now or just looking for stone to go above the mantel to the ceiling. And the white I can see in the picture is that what is left of the flat ceiling ? If you are doing a whole new front on the fireplace , then think about doing a full slab of stone such as granite or marble . I like the wall color but also do the ceiling . Then add good lighting such as table lamps with LED bulbs or sconces or floor lamps or ceiling fixtures , then the room won't be so dark .

Change the mantlepiece, take the fireplace stones of similar shade up to the roof height and finish the wall with white sandstone. This way the fireplace will stand out more prominently... An artwork will also do above the fireplace!

The person that put our stone on the fireplace did a terrible job so we're taking it completely off and starting over but this time taking the stone up to the ceiling. There was supposed to have been windows on each side of the fireplace but my husband, the woodworker, wanted to build book shelves. To the left of the fireplace is a large arched opening leading into the kitchen with no wall by the fireplace, and he couldn't figure out how to build the bookshelves to look right so we've opted to not do that. There is no natural light in that room except for the front door so it is like a cave in there. I would love to have a tall, narrow window on each side but there's not much room to work with. We even thought about putting solar tubes in the ceiling to bring in light.

Sounds like you would really like that window. Do it! It's still easy and perhaps less expensive than a book shelf. Any chance of a second window on the other side of the fireplace?

Ooops - Reread your comment. You did say that 2 windows were in your original plans. Tall, narrow windows are especially easy to install in a finished wall. If they are only 14 1/2 inches wide they would just fit right between the wall studs. You'd just need to hope that gives you the symmetry you need. But either window could be moved further left or right as well.

...And consider the location of wiring, plumbing & heating ducts.

I would consider changing the wall color due to the lack of natural light- even the lightest shade of color will be very dark in this room. Based on the neighboring kitchen in Lariat Tan- I would consider Valspar's Ivory Lace on the walls and ceiling of your family room. It looks very light in comparison to the Lariat Tan, but will be a good transition so you can lighten up the space and remove the "dungeon" feel if windows are not going to work. For the fireplace I would consider using "Veneerstone" their Field Stone- in colors of either Blue Creek or Milsap. The field stone will give you the old world look you are trying to achieve. I suggest you go to your local brick and stone yard to see what they carry. Remember, not all stones from different yards will match, so it's important that you purchase all your stone from the same yard. Other considerations for the space: a thicker cedar/wood mantle since you are adding some height to the fireplace, your current mantle may get lost.. and perhaps having your husband add a recessed light over the fireplace to create focus.

It won't matter what you do to the fireplace if you're planning on leaving the TV where it is.

The fireplace might not be "What's wrong with this picture?"

Like the wall color; take a sample w/ you when shopping stone if you're committed to the color. Otherwise, paint is cheap and can be changed where the stone wii be there a long time. Do the one window and the skylight. Skylights are the best things we did here even w/ small, slender windows in the two bathrooms. I'd leave the ceiling, or what's left of it after the skylight, white. Our skylights open by touch pad on the wall. They have screens, and we use them for ventillation w/o opening windows on the ground floor. Sun fades things, so you may want the blinds they sell also.

You could also consider adding an old world style wrought iron fireplace screen once the stone is complete. You might also consider covering the entire wall in one material to unify the space. I like the look of the stone in Dar Eckerts comment above. I can't tell what the two plug covers to the right of the fireplace are used for but you might consider moving of somehow concealing them. They are a bit distracting to my eye.

You can go to the paint store and ask them to mix the Lariat Tan at 50% (or even more). The new paint will go beautifully with the kitchen but won't be as saturated. This would also work on the white ceiling. Then take that paint to match with new stone. I agree that taking the stone up to the ceiling will work if it's a much lighter stone. Another thought is to whitewash the stone, although I'm not sure how well it would work.

TV is out of there. Switch on the right side is for turning the gas fireplace on. There's an arch in front of the front door, two arches going into dining room, large arched opening into kitchen and small arch opening leading to hallway to back bedrooms so it's hard to break up paint scheme. That's why I have it all painted the Lariat Tan. I thought it would look off balanced with just one window.

Solar tube is a great idea. I had one in a dark hallway. Sure it sold the house. It was great.A room without light is depressing. I`m considering having one installed in my living room to brighten things up in the winter.

Light...very light....you want the color to show and still do justice to the paint, I assume. Any extra color that's not being used is still being picked up by our brains with nothing but doing nothing good for our senses, so I say get darn near white stones and they'll make the light come further down into the room....and a dark mantel...for contrast

Since you plan "new stone all the way up to the ceiling," here is a suggestion to overcome having no window, yet bringing in an 'outdoor scene.' The stone you see here is the client's fireplace/chimney surround above the mantle. I forgot whether we produced this with 4x4 or 6x6 tiles. This particular tile mural is printed on tumbled marble, but could have been done on ceramic or glass. A bright, sunny picture can really change the room's aesthetic!

There are many varieties and colors of slate which will provide a natural timeless solution. As mentioned above it is important to get from one supplier and to open all boxes before starting the job. Using a fairly large size will enhance the overall esthetics.

Another option would be stacked stone which again comes in a variety of colors. Maybe Groveraxle could photoshop both a slate and stacked stone option.

I agree with several of the comments. Anything you can do to lighten up your room will not be regretted. We had the same issues with our house. We added additional windows, painted a lighter color and the idea of lighter stone will definitely help you. I know it can also be costly, but a skylight may help you tremendously if possible above this room.