Seeking Ideas & Insight

I am struggling with how to modernize this fireplace without spending a fortune to have it retiled. I thought I would sand and stain the mantle, and paint the tile white. After hours of sanding by hand, and using an oil based paint recommended by Big Tool Box, I have created a mess. I am now thinking I might sand it all using an electric sander (#Learning), leave a natural wood mantle, and paint the tile black. I am scared to get started because I have made a mess already, recently was laid off and diagnosed with breast cancer, and want to spend as little as possible. What do you think? I’m going for a modern farmhouse look and transitional color palette.