You have an inspo pic that has nothing to do with what you are planning and 12 x24 tile was for sure the wrong choice for your situation . BTW layout of tile is decided before shopping for tile now a bunch of cuts that will be a pain with lots of grout lines no matter which way you go .

You seem to want the smallest least grout lines possible. If you have a mantle on top not sure with that large tile it will matter which way it runs....

Thanks all for your feedback. I don't have a design eye, and unfortunately the team I have been working with has not highlighted the differences and recommendations based on my pictures :(. When looking at it last night I realized I should have had one piece of stone....late now, so not sure what my options are. Lesson learned on this project. Any recommendations at this point?

It's not a lot of tile........and it isn't a written in stone surround style. Delay and do it more appropriately, or get it all on the wall and live with it.

Your team is not "designers", seems not to include a designer ......they are order takers. There's a huge difference.

Is it wood burn, or gas? What is the flooring to be? What is the LOOK you are after for the whole room? ? If the fire is gas, does it even require a hearth in front? Many do not, and allow hardwood right to the fire box.

It's hard to help, as we do not have the full context of your intent for the space

is the floor already installed?

I like the hearth, but would inlay it into the floor so it is flush with the floor.

Lay the tile to get the least amount of grout lines, and close together, grout so it appears as a single slab, same color grout as tile background.

Thanks all. Unfortunately my team does have a designer, but I wasn't asked about the style of the tile/marble :(. I like the surround, that is a definite, but I actually think I may just delay it all and do it the way I want (single slab of tile or marble). I don't want grout liness, and seems like an outdated look to have that type of fireplace.

REALLY appreciate your advice.

I do realize you like the traditional look........but would only ask you look UP at your ceiling? : ) You have somewhat conflicting messaging. The more casual "farm " feel...and the center entrance colonial feel of tradition. I ask.which? ! shall the intent be?

What do your interior doors look like? What is your door and window casing and base molding trim?

It is one thing to love a thing in isolation,,,,,and another to love the whole of your result.