I had a lot of Tile Photos and shapes on my old Computer XP But the new one is Apple and I was Wondering why I couldn't Find Things that should have been there..The best ones are those that fit together as a complete Panel. It is True that it is not easy to Make The Shapes yourself...I did a tile Course a few years ago....You can Roll the Clay out and then print out the shape you require. (You need to spend time making or getting a Metal Worker to Make several Shapes in Steel...It is like Pastry Cutting ..Probably would take too long...You are right that some Clays are Easier to Work with...There is a type of Terracotta that is very forgiving...But a lot of the white or beige clays will crack very easily and are too fussy.. You have to leave things to dry out slowly over about 4 weeks ...The Kiln needs to be heated up very slowly any rushing and crafts will happen . I still have my old Computer so I hope to get Photo's unto a clip so that I can move them to iPhoto...Good luck with your Project....

There are never right and wrong answers to this Cath....it can also become actually more confusing when you're not 100% and you get various/conflicting additional advice/opinions and then have to filter/distill the choices/options/opinions down to a final decision........when all else fails, trust your instinct/heart...you should "know" when it feels right....people sometimes ask why/how have I made a particular decision or move one way or the other, and sometimes my answer is simply "because it feels better that way than the other" - when it comes to design sometimes your "technical head" is your enemy ;)....sure the bench top material could look awesome as a splashback, but for you specifically the blue tile may be the better option, where it started and what you are drawn to......have you considered options such as a grey/earthy bench top? I've seen that done recently on a job (not mine btw) that combined with blue splashback tiles that you wouldn't expect to work on their own, but for what they were going for it was a perfect complimentary match.......when you get stuck with the decisions/palette resolution, sometimes freeing up and considering a lateral option is the answer to moving forward getting the balance and breathing space required

You have a period home with wonderful warmth and character. Focus on lighting design, such as uplights and wall sconces to make the most of the drama of your soaring cathedral ceiling. They don't build them like this anymore, so don't try and disguise what makes your home special under a layer of plasterboard that you will see in any project builder's display village - they only use plasterboard as it is the cheapest way to cover the timber frame! It would be a great pity to make it look bland - celebrate the drama and character that you have, Best of luck Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls and Dr Retro Virtual Visits

Hi Sarah, I’d be a bit wary of zellige tiles in a such a wet area as they require sealing even for everyday use, so I’d be concerned about the long term waterproofing prospects. There are however modern tiles that have that look. What is considered trendy, is very much in one’s own eye. Any type of feature tile is going to have something of a trendy factor. Which is why, if YOU like them, don’t shy away from any particular tile. The only consideration should be , if you are going to tire of them yourself or if you’re planning to sell soon, and in that case anything outside the box is a gamble. On to your question though. Have you considered encaustic tiles? Have you tried Classic Ceramics in Port Melbourne, San Marco in Bundoora or Classic Tile Galleria, Moonee Ponds, all specialising in European tiles? I think the Europeans and South Americans are more adventurous with colour, which is why I mentioned them. Or perhaps, green marble or granite cut to size? And, there are also small businesses like jenoliart.com.au who make individual tiles to your specifications. I haven’t used their services btw but knew of a local, so know that it’s an option. Just some ideas. Good luck, will be interested to see your final choice