I think it looks like you did a very nice job with your tile work, and the colors and patterns look good with the other things you've chosen. If what is bothering you is the amount of tile, or the lightness of the tile in comparison to the darkness of the fireplace unit... then I think that a good answer might be a piece of art hung over the fireplace that has a rich, heavy wood frame. The piece would break up the tile, while allowing your accent rows to show, and would bring some of the warm wood tones you have elsewhere in the basement to the fireplace wall. I would aim for a more horizontal piece than normal, with a width about the same as the FP, but a height that wouldn't block the tile accents. That said, you really don't need to do anything. You did a very fine job with your project.

Any solutions to this? I am having this problem too - the tiles just above the fireplace center are falling off (have repaired once to have it happen again). I suspect the high heat rising up and out the top of the fireplace is causing the wall to expand and contract slightly so that it weakens the mortar and the tiles fall off. Is that possible? Is there a special high heat mortar/mastic? The fireplace manufacturer said: The area above the fireplace will get warm, warm enough that you may not want to touch. It is still safe as the area can reach temps of 325 degrees and still be safe. On the tile coming off, [fireplace co] has not had issues like this before. Please make sure that the area of “non combustible” around the fireplace was properly faced over with a non combustible facing and your tile person is using a mastic that will work in high heat areas.

I would leave the brick alone. I think it works well with the color of the floors, and brings in some warmth to a cool palette. It also pulls that rusty color out of the artwork above the mantel. As for the surround, my inclination would be the bronze. I am not sure that I would like the nickel or chrome as well with the brick color. I wonder if you would consider putting the two candlesticks together one side of the fireplace, rather than splitting them. I think they are very nice, but would have more impact as a pair. Then I would get some birch twigs and put in the vase, to mimic the branches in the art. If that fits, you could put that on the other side of the artwork, with the two candlesticks together on the opposite side. Otherwise, it could sit on the hearth on the side opposite where the candlesticks are on the mantel. You have a lovely home.

Not a pro (and I’d hire one to do this!) but ripping out and starting over will produce a better result. The tile on the floor should be level to the wood. Looks like it’s lower now. Also adding metal trim schluter to all exposed edges would finish it off. Also Consider pulling the interior wood trim (which they tried to cut around) off and replacing it post install.