Our fireplace mantle is standard white, current surround around gas insert is brick as is hearth (which now is not level with floor). We knew we were going to re-do this area, but now I've found two tiles I love for the surround.

The surround area is small, so I needed small tiles 1X1. By small i'm talking around 6 square feet total of tile needed.

I first feel in love with the look of split face travertine stone. But then I also found a "fan" marble, honey color that I also like.

Here's the split face (I originally liked one with more gold/reddish flecks but I think it would blend in with our hardwood flooring.

Here's our flooring (ignore Scruffy, this is the only pic i have loaded into photobucket and i'm lazy tonight!)

Here's the tile for our hearth (just like my kitchen floor)

Here's the honey marble, fan shaped, glossy finish, 2nd choice:

So do you like the mosaic split face, or the fan shaped tile better? Which is more classic and would withstand any decorating style in the future?

Yes our mantle which surrounds the tile, is pretty simple, and white. It has fluting down the sides of each side, and crown trim around the long upper actual mantle, but that's all as far as detail. So it's not ornate, just a standard white fireplace mantle.

I so wish I lived in bungalow or old home with tons of character...

I too was draw to the split face because I liked the 3-d texture, but I also liked the fan mosiac because it was so different but I'm not sure if it's quite right for a fireplace surround?

If it helps the den on the otherside of the this fireplace which is the LR, is a full wall of HUGE sandstone. It is quite rustic and beautiful, but this room is our "man" room now so it houses the pool table, bar area, etc.

I'm trying to make our DR and LR classic, comfy, yet use accessories to bring in pattern and color.

Our LR is painted a shade lighter than ralph lauren canvas, so it reads a very light green/gray. One wall (staircase wall going upstairs) is Glidden olivewood.

I like both of your selections but am not sure how each would look with your hearth. Place each sample next to your tile, then take more photos. Personally, I'd probably use a travertine hearth if I went with the first selection.

Keep in mind (don't know if this is a DIY job) that the small tiles should fit the space since it's a pain to cut small tile. Also, grouting the uneven surface of the travertine is going to be a 'fun' job! : ) Each little pit is going to fill with the grout so the end result will look different that what you're starting with.

I agree w/above poster - not to limit yourself to small tile, that is not necessary and may not give you the look you are trying to achieve.