Sure. I don't believe in the small room big tile story. Pick a tile combination you won't get tired of. Use a matching grout color, because too much contrast can look off in a small room.

1. If you are having white tiles on the wall, the same as floor (my preference) then the white bench top will look great. The kick board should be white to match white tiles and the bench will look like it is floating. 2. If you are having 'light' colours, and white basins, then the white bench top. 3. If you go with black benchtop with 'light colour', then I think you need to look at a black basin and keep the kick board black.

I bought similar for the new bathroom, not marble but look fantastic with light grey grout - this photo is not grouted yet but you get the idea. I looked at marble subway tiles for the walls but cost was prohibitive. Go for it if you love them (just noticed the date, you've probably decided by now ;)

The funny thing is; if I verbally explain it to people they seem generally unsure or negative, but those same people, having seen in person say they're in love with it. Maybe its just people being conservative or scared to take risks? I am in the suburbs, but its an ensuite, and its EXTREMELY large for an ensuite (those black tiles are 600mm sqr.). I dont know if its "deco" - perhaps I dont understand what that style is (i thought 'deco' was 50s-60s style) - but I was shooting for a bathroom you might find in a high-class hotel. The master bedroom has it's own hallway - to give it the illusion that it is tucked away from the rest of the house. Clean lines, simple, luxurious. I'm trying very hard to "pull back" on it - keep the pallet simple, and try not to over-complicate it. I've kinda had to make it up in my head as I go along; there isn't much in the way of inspiration I could use to guide the way (at my budget). Even those flat, gloss black tiles were EXTREMELY difficult to source. But thanks so much for your comments guys and gals.