I too, prefer the black brick, with the white mantel. However, the color palette you've chosen doesn't seem to go with the brownish/beige hearth tile (perhaps you're goint to replace that).

You're right. However i am not wanting to get into that big of a job right now. The entrance foyer is also that same stone. I don't want to get into replacing it all. Here's the entrance with the same stone. (i am going to paint that baseboard white)

I like the black brick too.

you could easily chip out those 3 pieces on the hearth and replace w/black stone. I like your stone in the entry way. it has no bearing on the hearth though. If you have the ability to do it, I would. it won't be expensive, at all. chip out the old, put in the new. fill the gaps w/dark grout.

would look just like this:

or, you could even use a cement or the porcelain cement-look tiles

or a marble tile. would only take a few sheets.

Thank you . These look great. i will get something priced and look into doing this.

I too prefer the black brick/white mantle. I would, however, use heat proof paint for the brick as the surrounding should be fireproof. You may even be able to paint the stone with the same heatproof paint or stain it black with concrete stain.