So many opposing, I actually love it! Just re designed our ensuite and as you walk into the bedroom you can see our beautiful bath under a leafy window! And shower is in full view- we don't have issues with nudity. The toilet is more hidden behind a book though, There is lots of airflow and no dampness. I do have an extraction ceiling fan, Obviously you can still get privacy, and we have another bathroom to use for the smelly stuff (lol) or if one is waking earlier than the other to get ready for work :)

I love those long floorboards/wood-look tiles and they are the feature so you wouldn't want something too busy on the walls... personally I would go with a larger format say 300x600 rectified edge white tile with a matt finish for the Hamptons look... what's your vanity?... a timber one would tie in nicely with the floors and all the white... very Hamptons :)

this is a hard one. I'm in a similar predicament with bathroom tiles. I'd love an expensive tile on the floor to make the room 'pop' (about $100 psqm) and am considering a 'cheaper' tile on the wall about $30 psqm. We reno'd our bathroom in our apartment with a cheaper tile as it will be tenanted - but it doesn't look like a 'budget' bathroom.

Sounds like a very stressful situation! If there is absolutely no way the builder will allow you to change things (even if they did, I imagine they would ask you to foot the entire bill of pulling the tiles down and replacing all water proofing in addition to new tiles), I can make a few suggestions for improvement. Firstly I would suggest replacing the tiles above the vanity with a white mosaic, a patterned or a textured feature tile/strip. You could also use this same tile to replace the vertical feature in the shower. There are some beautiful shapes and sizes available to choose from. Secondly I would address the grout situation in this way: Floor - dark colour grout & Walls - Light colour grout. Lastly if it does not prove too difficult or expensive, maybe replace the tiles below the vanity with a plain white tile (could be similar size). Good luck and I am sure once you have a lovely mirror up and some crisp white towels, it will look just wonderful.