I think you should consider stone veneer for fireplace surrounding. Stone veneer looks a lot like the real thing, with styles ranging from stacked stone to river rock. And if its nicer price tag makes it an option that's hard to pass up. I am telling you this because I have the experience of selection of stone during the construction of fireplace surrounding in my sisters house. We also were confused in making choice between stone or tiles but finally we decided with stone and the choice was correct. The stone veneer really looks cool and I think you should read this blog post http://www.northstarstone.biz/blog/12-ways-to-add-beautiful-stone-veneer-to-your-home/ which will help you in this.

these tips were all very helpful thank you. Although moving the TV is completely out of the question, my husband wins on that one. Plus its is hard to see, but that is the only wall, since there are windows to the left and barn doors to the right leading into the dinning space. I like the idea of floating shelves. I'm surprised no one suggested art work...

You could go a lot of different color directions depending on your other decor which we cannot see from this one photo. Whatever you do, select a high-heat paint that won't degrade in the presence of the fire.

Please stcked stone is already dated and IMO never really belonged indoors at all If you really want help we need info . What is your style maybe some pics of your interiors where you are , IMO the srched window will drive the rest of the design of the FP.