I have this colour on walls and have similar tone in carpet and while I didn't choose it it has proved very versatile. I have used a different schemes in each room including the following. lavender blue and gold /mustard pumpkin and green Black, white and cherry red teal and burnt orange and mustard and black, copper. duck egg and cream Look at the Resene whites and neutrals chart for other neutral tones.

I think she may have been referring to what is called a "French Pattern" which looks like a random mixture of square and rectangle tiles, often in travertine. However while it looks random it is actually carefully planned, and the tiles are made to a consistent thickness. It also depends on the type of tile that you are using. Many traditionally hand-made ceramic tiles have a natural variation, which adds to their appeal and visual interest. Other types of tiles, such as your porcelains are much squarer, flatter and almost identical. I would suggest that you go with your your choice of grid pattern, as laying a random pattern has too many risks (plus your tiler will hate you and charge lots extra). Be very careful about the selection of your tiles depending on your preference for a rustic more organic look, or a hard-edged architectural look. Make sure that the surface that you are tiling to has been properly prepared and is flat, smooth and true, as your tiler will not be able to correct imperfections if you have a bad wall. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls

If you click on a Houzz photo, and then tap on More, you will see the company/pro attached to the project. You can then contact them for specific tile names. Otherwise if it more general info re tile type or pattern layout, then something like Google can help with that.

You can’t go wrong with white. I always suggest match to the wall colour or the trim colour.