We started out with terra cotta tiles on the hearth in front of our fireplace as well. We decided to install granite called Absolute Black Leather. We also removed the terra cotta tile on the wall and painted the mantle gray. We have not finished the project yet, measuring for the granite is scheduled for Monday morning. Below are the before photo and the in progress photo. The mantle and fireplace doors haven't been installed yet, they are just sitting there termporarily. We have also purchased new black doors. for the fireplace.

Thanks! Please share your "after" pics when you have them!

We need to see the fireplace in the context of the whole room. The rectangular screen is distracting so I would advise you get rid of that.

Here are fireplaces similar to yours in style. The hearth stone is similar to the stone facing.

Does that FP actaully work ? I think I would just do some nice black slate but really not sure how a new hearth will have much effect on room brightness . Better lighting is how you brighten a room. .. After looking agin I think those darker stones are a different stone not really badly dirtied with soot .

Thanks! Yes the fireplace works - there's a gas insert and we use it daily. Unfortunately I need to keep the screen there as we have little kids and it keeps them safe.

I like the idea of adding natural stone to the hearth instead of tile - I'll have to see it it's possible when I pull up the terra cotta tile.

Below is a photo of the room if it helps!