I love the look in the modern photo. However it seems they have a larger wall to make that strong clean impact. Your room tends more traditional with the fabulous wood shutters and heavy crown. If you keep the t.v. above the firebox, it would seem a waste to use tile there. Especially if the three upper wall vents? remain. The craftsman surround looks great. Perhaps a smaller floor moulding under the hearth or all painted wood there and less height at the top of your surround and mantle and removing the curved tops of the bookcases.

Those are surround sound speakers above the TV.

That makes a lot of sense Hazel, thanks! What do you think of the gray paint from the pic with the stone fireplace?

I would eliminate the large tile option because it doesn't mesh with your room. For wall color- this floor hue can be difficult to coordinate. Warm gray will flow a lot better than cool.

People are still loving grey. Grey Owl is a light grey. Could tie it to your floors with a rug.

Dayum. I don't think I've ever seen so much woodwork all in one room. The first fireplace is a better fit stylewise. I would, however, go with a solid surface hearth.

Here is your room in a pure gray with no undertones.

And a warm gray.

Thank you so much! It looks beautiful :-) Is that a certain paint color, or just something you made up?

We're also going to take off the hearth and just put a piece of stone/marble whatever on the floor. It'll open the room up and the dining room (which is a flipped carbon copy) needs the space so we can fit a bigger table.