Just a word to the wise on the replacement tiles. The original cast iron strip sections with tiles mounted etc are replaced from the rear of the fireplace. This means that you have to remove the fireplace to change them. I can't see enough of the construction of the fireplace to see how it's made and what you can and can't do with the tiles. It may well be that you can just chip off the tiles and replace with ones you like. ( without the cast iron framework ). I'd paint the surround, it could look nice matching it to the hearth and the wall it sits on. Having everything on that wall the same colour would be very elegant and relaxing. Get a big mirror and off you go.

Wood burner is the way forward and keep the oak surround

I'd paint the fireplace surround a deep burnt orange/tan, great with oak and slate, and the two recesses lighter shades of burnt orange, shelves the same, cupboards - central panels same as the fire surround - remainder the lighter shade. Or, go for any colour variation as long as it's consistent, greens and blues look good with oak. all a matter of personal taste in the end though.

I'd paint the fireplace white or off-white (there are lots of whites in F & B), a shade that would go with the tiles. The dark brown wood is very dull, and I don't think would go with the new wood floor. The chimney breast could then be a bright or very dark feature colour to go with whatever furnishings you are getting, and the rest of the walls a paler colour to go with it. Cupboards and shelves could either match the walls, or the fireplace.

Ok firstly put led strips to the rear of each shelf then replace the tiles with plain ones perhaps the ones which appear to look like hematite, I can see you like grey so paint the chimney breast and the fire surround and also the shelves and the lower cupboards in the shade you like best(do not be afraid of being bold, it's only paint and time if you get it wrong.) then insert mirrors to the back of each shelf, you will be surprised how much bigger the room looks. Do the floor dark and the rest of the walls something pale like F&B cornforth white do the skirtings and doors white or otherwise the same as the fireplace etc. (If you go with the dark option then opt for a really pale rug) go to www.rugcouture.com and ask for samples then do windows with shutters or Romans something simple and in a pale coloured orate shelves with a mixture of books and ornaments anyway that's what I would do but whatever you choose enjoy it and have fun. Contact me at thebrownhouseinteriors@outlook.com if you want any more advice. Lovely room btw

If you are really determined to change the tiles you could think about mini metro ones fitted horizontally and stacked on top of each other which could look quite modern but also a bit period. Once you've chosen your colour for the room you could also considered 'cocooning' which is to do everything - the walls, ceiling, fireplace and all the woodwork the same colour. Then your accent colours on soft furnishing and paintings will really pop out. I like the idea of shutters or wooden blinds also. Then you could just go mad - if that's your thing - on really colourful accessories which can be changed if you get fed up with them. I've used Dauphin from F&B which I loved but also check out Salon Drab which is new from them also. Can't wait to see it finished!

what did you do in the end?