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.

Hi. Would you be able to sketch the two bathrooms, showing size and placement of windows and all fixtures as you have described? I think it will help others visualise the rooms better (it will me!) and also to advise about tile sizes, etc. Also, regarding the wall-hung vanities, are they timber or a laminate (please advise colour(s) or finish). Thanks!

I like your 2nd option best. Will give your bathroom some interest without being too overpowering. Best of luck with whatever you decide.

I'd agree with most of Kates points , but some observations -- The existing floor tiles look okay in colour etc , but why is the height all over the place ? Is it worth reusing them and matching new ones ? That would be the size and colour I'd go for anyway . That 1950's green I personally don't think is a strong enough colour to make much of an impact on a feature wall -- I'd try and get about every 4th to 6th one in a darker Emerald green and get the tilers to add them in a random fashion . The mint isn't all that far removed from the white , and I'm worried it would not be as noticeable . Having said that , an Emerald grout ( I have no idea if thats an option , but it would be something I'd consider ) would add to the feature , and may be safer than a random mild and darker green mix . The rest of your design seems pleasant enough and willlook good -- I'd just up the effect a notch on the feature wall .