I have the same question really, except I know I have to have laminex and don't know which would look best. We live in the country where it's hard to inspect sizeable samples in situ

Hi. Both tiles are beautiful. Top one shows more character due to its darker hue. I guess for me, I would look at aesthetics and quality manufacturing foremost, then practicality for the reasons already mentioned by others. If the area you are tiling is huge and will require a great deal more of your time to clean and maintain, then I can see going with the darker tile. If the area is rather small, and you absolutely love the lighter tile, then perhaps you will be happier following your heart. It's no good having regrets, so think it through and keep looking if you have additional time before you must choose. May I ask the size of the tiles? I'm guessing they are 900x900. ?? Also, will you be tiling your bathroom(s), and if so, do you mind sharing your choice there?

I think you need shelving either side of fire. Just something simple to add interest. To many surfaces, I think, already for adding tiles. If you want to put something on the fire place wall, then the clock needs to find another home. And the tile surface could be similar to the hearth. Either dark wood or black, floating shelves. Then your favourite things can be displayed. This looks like the same room you posted a while ago. The single wing back chairs would look good in this room again. Facing the fire. Then a light coloured rug to take away from all the black. Gold accessories to match your side tables. And if the plants are artificial, I would remove for something larger and real. For your window near the fire, A solid window treatment, eg: roller blind or shutters, would work. But if you don't need anything on that window, then maybe just a pelmet to finish it off.

google "greige stone look porcelain tiles" Yes GREIGE is a colour. https://www.nationaltiles.com.au/concreto-greige-natural or https://www.nationaltiles.com.au/concreto-sabbia-natural which is a lighter colour.