I'm starting a home project in which I will be covering the wall
surrounding a fireplace with drywall (its currently all brick all the
way to the ceiling). I will then be putting some sort of tiling around
the fireplace itself and the raised hearth, without going all the way
to the ceiling. I will then have a mantle above the tile, and then
wall above the mantle (for artwork).

Anyway, I have a handle on the physics of the project, but I'm lost
when it comes to colors. I'm going for a typical contemporary look -
nothing too out of the ordinary, but that looks elegant. The floors in
that room are a dark brazilian cherry and the walls are light tan. As
a general rule, I tend to prefer light colors, but if that would make
it not go with the dark cherry wood floor then I am flexible on that.
Any suggestions as to tile type/color?

Many thanks