How funny. I just renovated (on a budget) my small kitchen and added exactly the slate look in tiles you have, though they are in fact porcelain. And I placed them throughout the house for continuity. The tiler asked if I was after a retro hippy look but it doesn't look like that at all. My cupboards were the same colour as yours and I utilised the bones of the kitchen and had the doors and Benchtops changed only. I also have plenty of light in the kitchen but chose white doors and as I was on a budget I chose granite look Benchtops, they are very serviceable and it looks great. The blue backsplash was the colour lift and here you could choose any colour to your liking. Basically the kitchen ended up with white cupboards and appliances other than cooktop, with the stainless cooktop and coloured splash back being the focal point. The paint colour are: whisper white walls, integra splashback, white ceiling and for increased contrast I used the same white above the splashback on the rear wall. I would consider painting out the brick but leaving the texture.

Hi siriuskey Thanks for your advice and images. Yes I am the pro but somehow doing my own bathroom has been different to helping others, mainly because I have to think about my family who live in the house as well and what they like. (and I'm not so arrogant to think that I know everything just because I'm the "pro". It never hurts to get other opinions). Totally agree that panelling looks great but when I mentioned this to the builder and cabinetmaker they nearly had a heart attack and refused to put wood panelling in a bathroom, especially a small bathroom where it is more likely to come in contact with water, hence the subways. I think the subways will look okay as I'm using white grout which will be more subtle and they are only going halfway up the wall as in the second last image you provided (which I love by the way). It's only a small bathroom so not that many subways really. Thanks for your input. It's greatly appreciated. I think I'm going to go with the 45 degree pattern. I'll post a photo when it's finished. Thank you to everyone who contributed. :)

Thank you all for your reassuring comments. I agree, in the midst of building you're in the 'zone' and small things can be made out to be bigger things. I guess it is all about expectations - expecting one thing and getting another. I now feel more content with the finished feature wall, based on all your comments. Many thanks!

Hi Tash, I would stick with the white paint. You have noted you want timber, marble, grey, white and brass in the space and I feel that if you now add a colour to the walls that doesn't blend with the tiles that sit on the same wall there will be too many finishes in the space. Quite a few manufacturers have tiles similar to the one in your image so I'd check with your local supplier. If you do go with the subway tiles perhaps look for a handmade style tile and lay them as a herringbone style with white grout to get the same textural look you are after. Good luck! Regards, Kathryn.