I have done lots of pondering and lots of wandering. Wearing out shoe leather looking at tiles, hopping in baths, sitting on toilets. I think I have found my tiles. It's funny to think I started off wanting carrara (or a version/copy thereof), then went to black and white, and now these. The colour really does vary depending on the angle and light. These photos were taken with my ipad, so not true to colour. They are an ash tone and throw grey, off white or a bone colour depending on lighting and the angle. I think they say "classic and elegant like a little black dress, a string of pearls and diamond studs." I hope they don't actually say, "i've turned into my mother and I'm playing it safe." I figure I can go wild with towels. Question is should I lay them horizontally or vertically? The feature tile will go up the side of my wall on top of the bath and be directly opposite as you walk in the door. I wonder if i should use the floor tile or the festure tile on the side of the bath? I am thinking a black tap on the vanity (not necessarily this tap), but chrome elsewhere? The U.K. Has a version of the showerhead with a black rim, if I could be guaranteed it would fit and work the same here I would be tempted to buy it. Black or chrome accessories (towel rails, soap holder etc)? All suggestions, viewpoints etc welcome.

Think it's Queen Anne style.

Are we just talking wall tiles here? What are you looking at for floor tiles? I'm thinking in terms of mixing gloss and matte in both rooms to tie them together and keep your customer happy but giving each bathroom its own character without being too different ................ if that makes sense.

yes to all, we did have the tiles professionally sealed, but sealing is not a cure all in my experience but I'm sure it helps considerable . my wife does buy those hand made goats milk styles soaps etc and I don't imagine there is anything more testing for stone, and yes it does mark. The Grey ( bane of my existence )granite much more so than the beige travertine ) I must admit though, the kids bathroom was almost non existent as one has sensitive skin and uses pump pack. I would also imagine climate, airing/ sunlight, volume of use and the time you have to manage it would also be contributing factors. We are way short on time and they don't get the attention they deserve, so I would suggest asking around, others may manage it better and it not be an issue. If your only doing your bathroom you may consider the risk factor not worth it for the volume, but for me, the advantage of travertine in the rest of the house far out weighs any marking issue in the showers, and wont stop me from using it again. To be honest when we sold the last house I just took to the shower with one of those paint scrapers with the razor in the end and most of it came off and it didn't detract from the look of the house. Sorry i have probably only muddied the waters even more, good luck with it.