In your photo the floor makes pretty strong statement ...color wise and graphically...the existing tile sort of matches but together they may dictate to other future decor choices...to avoid this a much more neutral tile may be better...to not skimp on the look of the fireplace perhaps the tile can go from floor to ceiling..creating a more sleek modern feeling in and understated way...

I failed to mention that I am re doing the floors and staining them a dark brown.

If you remove the surround, you will need to remove the stone as well. How about adding stone from floor to ceiling with a floating mantel?

Good idea on floors...might I suggest a slightly lighter brown?it is newer...fresher...and much easier to keep clean...to counteract all that red ...in any case ....ask your floor refinisher if he can add some green to the stain color

Another idea. Instead or removing the mantle have you considered painting it and/or the walls. I recently 'remodeled' the upstairs and had serious budget constraints. I opted for paint and dos the walls, trim, and mantle. It maybe the change your looking for but at a lower cost. I think your mantle looks fine but blends in to much with the walls. A different color may help it pop.

Whoops. Wrong pic. The 2nd was the in between. Here's the finished

Noticing the extra detail on wood trims ...crown moulding...and windows...don't know your mantle vision but a little extra detail may be in order there as well...