Context is key. Post up some pics of your current area in question.

A photo will help with getting advice.

Current situation. We are replacing the hearth which is about 6 feet x 22 wide and covering the white brick then building a wood mantle. Floors are wood stained in privincial. Plan to paint walls white dove matte and trim white dove satin.

This is the view from the front door.

This is a photo of the porcelain I looked at. Its not the best pic. Its very soft and creamy looking. Also honed. I’m just worried about the large pattern on such a small area around the fireplace. Should I be looking for something more solid?

Waht are you using for the herth and what are you covering the brick with?

That is what I am still hung up on. I want to use some type of stone. I want this fireplace to be more decorative. We do not use it very often. I attached a photo above of a porcelain slab that I looked at. That would be the hearth and the surround over the tile. I am just worried that the pattern would be too much in such a small area. wondering if I should go with something more muted.

"We are in a traditional 60's colonial with 8 foot ceilings and the fireplace is pretty basic. Looking to replace the hearth, cover the tile"

What is your goal? This is the question. A brick fireplace is very appropriate for the style of your home. As is a white moulded fireplace surround. Changing it to? Does the rest of the house no longer flow with the traditional colonial aesthetic?

"and have a new wood mantel built with sconces above."

What type of wood mantel? A floating piece of wood? A colonial mantel but in wood instead of paint? Just a mantel or will it have legs down to the hearth?

What is the end aesthetic you are trying to achieve?

This photo is closest to what I am envisioning. The mantel will look vey similar to this.

Know what you are placing above the fireplace before you make the decision about sconces. I would not install them, though I would install recessed downlights in the ceiling to highlight the fireplace.

We used taj mahal quartzite for our fireplace surround. Here's a photo I found quickly.

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That is so beautiful! This is something I can ask for! Thanks for sharing!

The porcelain slab you show although pretty has a very large field pattern and on you fireplace surround you are going to lose most if it. I would consider something with a tighter pattern like this Porcelian slab

or this Dekton slab

Or a vein cut travertine is pretty on a fireplace

Suggest looking for inspiration on Pinterest. One site alone had 25 examples.

In addition to defining the surround, think big picture as the mantle has a huge influence. Suggest holding off on the sconces until it’s completed, as you may decide not to add.

This overall combination, with a marble herringbone surround (even consider wall molding), would be classic.

Design interior south- I think that is what i am worried about with the large pattern.

Totally my non pro opinion but i’d actually go full on boring for the surround so it’s understated - we have crema marfil (marble) and honed absolute black (granite) surrounds - both are very low key.. (which also tends to age well) for me, I can get distracted at the stone yard and get caught up with gorgeous dramatic slabs even though it’s not the look i want

" I want to use some type of stone. I want this fireplace to be more decorative. "

If you must use a stone, look for something that is native to your area of the country....................

Can we see it?

"I can get distracted at the stone yard and get caught up with gorgeous dramatic slabs even though it’s not the look i want "

That is why I stay out of tile stores ... so many pretty new patters/colors get introduced every year ... but my house is just over 4 years old, so I do not need to be falling in love and wanting to tear out nearly new tile! LOL

So so true with tile stores @chispa!

last time i had to buy tile - i went to my fav small local store and told the saleswoman (she’s been there forever and so knowledgeable) “only show me x and y tile - don’t let me see anything else” 😅🙈