What does the rest of the room look like. What style decor? How tall is the wall the fireplace is on?

Its not that bad. Hopefully this isn't a focal point. You could just remove the doodads and paint it Onyx. Or replacing the surround and tile isn't a big deal either.

We've not began to decorate this room yet. The fireplace is a focal point unfortunately. our colors through the house are mostly neutrals, greys and blues. The embellishments are an easy fix, but the black 90s tile needs to go. Eventually we will replace it, but for now, we'd like to update it some way. The ceilings are 9 feet

A few other pics

The sectional will also be replaced, but still in an ivory or grey color. The pillows are random and won't stay.

The wood surround was designed to go with a traditional open fireplace (and probably did so originally), NOT a contemporary enclosed insert. Your job is to dispel the schizophrenia: decide whether you want a contemporary look or a traditional look.

If you paint it onyx the tile will blend in. You could get onyx grout sealer to soften the lines in the grout.

Hello, remove wood embellishments, paint...then you can paint the tile. Do some research but you do not have a lot so worth a try. Goodluck.

Agree, banish the doodads. Can you paint the grout lines black so that they disappear? In what direction/style would like like to update it?

Remove doodads, paint white. Re-tile with glass tiles in greys and blacks, or stone. You have a nice room, it just needs a great fireplace facade.

If you paint it Onyx and paint the grout it will look like this. See how the tile blends in. Better for now.

I like the look of the Onyx, but it doesn't work in our space. The black stands out like a sore thumb. I'm looking for something more traditional in neutral colors.

Build a hearth to to balance the look. it looks Ike the builders intention was exactly "that". You won't be able to find a screen tall enough, if you don't make the hearth.

I would love to build a hearth, but first, I need a solution to the black tile.

There are plasters that can applied directly to the tile

ohhh!! I may have to look into that! At least for a temporary fix!