Totally agree start with painting the wall and mantel grey. I think it will pull out the grey in the slate. Post pictures after.

HI -- What is it that you hate about the fireplace --- is it the slate - the many colors or the way it was installed or the texture ? Nothing is going to change the color of the stone . Another wall color may coordinate better with it , but really it is what it is . It really doesn't matter what color the mantel is --- it looks fine as is .There is really not that much tile and if you hate it just because of any or all the reasons I mentioned , then you could re-move it for something else . But of course it will cost a few . There are discount tile and stone stores so you could do some hunting around . Maybe just remove the ones above the mantel --- to me that looks a little DIY and is not really needed . Or cover the top tiles with a panel of wood such as ship lap/reclaimed old wood . To make that possible and to do properly you need to have the light sconces moved or eliminated . They need to be more at the sides of the whole fireplace so the wood panel can be the width of the top part and not in that funny shape .

Here comes the "tough love". The color is not the only problem here. There are some proportion and general workmanship issues, and you have a basic "builder" grade gas fireplace, which I would be hesitant to invest heavily in by reworking the slate surround.

I'm afraid adding anything will be unsatisfying. If you have some basic drywall repair skills, and you are sure that you really hate what you have, I suggest devoting a Saturday afternoon to a "slate-ectomy" and fixing the drywall back before you get ready to repaint in your preferred greys.

If you want to keep the shelf, consider painting it the color of your trim and rehanging it a little further up the wall. It's crowding the fireplace a bit.

Again, if you have some basic DIY skills, you can freshen the whole arrangement up with some trim and give the sconces a place that will look a lot more "on purpose". A weekend of basic trim carpentry and paint would really transform that space.

I don't get much time in the office to design anymore, but I'll try to post a helpful visual to illustrate my point.

Best wishes on your project!

Hey Michelle,
How about you check out some our fireplace design ideas, it just might give you an idea.
https://www.regency-fire.com/en/Buyer-s-Guide/Idea-Gallery
Hope you enjoy it :)
Cheers,

Remove the the stone above the mantel. Remove the sconces. Paint the walls gray.

I'm not sure what is so objectionable. If you really detest it you can rip it all out and start again. However, if you have a budget issue, I recommend stripping the mantle to a driftwood gray color (or darker gray stain) to complement the slate. You could also paint the walls a grayed white or darker gray and get a lovely effect. Good luck to you on your project.

Life is too precious to live with something you hate! A solution is to remove the mantel and cover the slate with another material, such as shiplap. The hearth portion could be easily covered with a neutral tile. Then, you can paint and replace your mantel or replace it with something else. Are you (or someone in the household) handy enough to do the project? Getting a handyman bid would be my first thought. Your floors look lovely! https://www.houzz.com/photos/beach-style-living-room-beach-style-living-room-boston-phvw-vp~50929773

Michelle - just found your thread and wondered what decision you made on your slate fireplace? Any photos to share please?