The option in the right photo would provide a more contemporary feel.

white marble it's the best in this case. it soo elegant and very rare. ;)

Black Granite engraved tiles will give you bold look.

Paint interior wall Kilim Beige by Sherwin Williams.... I use this paint color on all of my design jobs and clients LOVE it!!!
Linear white or creamy marble for tv wall and hearth. Linear is the key word to get a dramatic yet contemporary look. Good luck on your project.

I think a split face stone would be stunning. Something like this maybe. http://www.nustone.co.uk/skin/frontend/default/theme269/images/media/rockpanels/white-quartzite-rock-panels.jpg

Yes, on your 4th sample photo!

My choice would be Brazilian Black Slate (Montauk Black) http://www.marblewarehouse.com/servlet/the-630/Brazilian-Black-%28-Montauk/Detail

I would use 12x24" tiles and lay them in rows vertically (not brick pattern) It is dark, but not black, and the TV will not stand out by being a big black hole on the wall. I would also consider putting the stone on that entire section of the wall, all the way up to the ceiling...straight up from the fireplace left edge.

Regarding wall color, choose it LAST..after you have chosen furniture and rugs and drapery. Buy paint samples, paint poster boards, move around room day & night then decide what color you want. If you show us furniture..we can give suggestions.

Yes the picture #4 is the best and will work with a ton of colors I think a warm grey would look great!

I like the tile in your last picture. The flow of smoother tiles is going to give you a more elegant contemporary feel. Either go light or dark...light stone with lighter color veins or a charcoal tile with medium-to-dark veins. Beautiful!

I like the light colored marble tile it contrasts with your darker floor. I agree with others that you should do narrow long tiles with tight grout joints. I would extend the mantel beyond the edge of the fireplace opening under the tv location. I would also look at lowering your tv.

Another option would be to do a light material on the hearth, mantle, and vertical frame and a contrasting black on the portion in plane of the wall. I noticed the hearth will stick out past the wall on the end, you should consider pulling the hearth back so that the finish material dies into the wall rather than protruding past.

Here's a similar project we did, clad in man-made solid-surfacing (a quartz based material - non-combustible):

please find a screen larger to be able to see the art work

I like the second tile. I would do the whole wall above as well and add a mantle to match the flooring. Hope this gives you an idea. :)

Mark this is from 2013.

Yes, you are right. Too early, I need to pay closer attention to dates.:)