Actually, the link is correct. That's the right picture. I did try to contact the designer via Houzz but she was not commenting back. I then tried her website, but it was under construction. So when all else fails, pick up the phone and call the designer :) Thankfully she is in my area and directed me to the store where the tile was purchased. She told me it was a 1/2" x 1" gray stone. She didn't have the exact name, but with the help of the gal at the showroom, I think we found it. It has both the grays and the tans I'm looking for, has the classic but casual feel and goes with all the "potentials" for my kitchen choices. It is called Nova Blue by the Quarry Collection. Here is a picture with my floor and two of the counters I am considering Caesarstone Pebble (L) and Caesarstone Shitake (R). It also looks good with Mocca Juperana (granite) and so many other options! What do you think? (my "inspiration" pic is linked in my original post)

Why not? I've certainly seen it. I think if you do do this, you should consider putting a floor level tile or brick paver (if you can match) hearth instead of running wood all the way. Technically it WILL work. It has been done. It will save you that space.The raised-fireplace-sans-hearth thing may be not the best aesthetic chioce for your room/ brick fireplace/ architecture. I'd think about how it'd look w/ some changes- consider maybe replacing the fireplace screen and/or finishing around the screen w/ some kind of detail- inset rock or tile maybe. It's hard to say without looking at the fireplace in relation to your living space.

OMG, metal brackets on a craftsman fireplace? Really? I would clean up the fireplace. Also I would join this group on FB and ask them for advice. Also post on The Old House forum here

This does not look "usual". The usual way is to form up a structure from underneath that comes out when the concrete is dry. It is not supposed to be held up by floor joists, or have any wood underneath... why there is nothing there now for support. In the IRC, they use "hearth" as the floor of the firebox and "hearth extension" for what you are doing. Maybe this will get you going in the right direction. https://codes.iccsafe.org/public/document/code/553/9848693 Or at least as close as you can get from where you are. I believe the hearth extension is more commonly a poured cantilever of the hearth.