I work as a colourist and the easiest method for a upmarket look is to choose an exact colour to match one of the colours in the tile. I would take the tile to a paint shop and get the colourist it match exactly one of the greys in the tile. Make the depth of the colour a light version. All white walls are on the way out. Lappatto tiles usually have some texture as they are semi polished. This is the latest look in tiles as they give a shine without the maintenance of polished porcelain which had been in. They are usually less slippery than satin or polished tiles depending on the brand.

Hi jgjustingordon63! Good luck with your reno - it can be exciting and scarey doing a reno! Have you considered doing subways a bit differently such as the pic below (I found via Pinterest)? This way, it doesn't matter really the size. Check with your builder/tiler re the fall if you want large-ish tiles for the floor. If it's a small bathroom, this might be an issue. In the pic above they've gone with small tiles which also looks really lovely. One other point I would make from experience...We used charcoal floor tiles AND grout. Bleach can discolour the grout, so you just need to be aware of that. There are ways around it and you can re-grout down the track (at an expense) but just giving you the heads up here! Good luck!! And do post after photos when you're done!

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

Are you tiling the shower base? If so the larger the tile then the more cut tiles will be needed to get the drainage right to direct water to the floor waste. If it is a small bathroom make sure that your tiler aligns the grout lines on the floor with the grout lines on the wall. If they are slightly offset they look pretty bad. Would you consider using the same 300x600 tile on the floor and wall? If so then lay the tiles horizontally, not vertically. However with any good tiling job the better, flatter and straighter the wall is before tiling will result in a better result. Don't expect your tiler to make a perfect job if the walls are not perfect before they start! Best of luck Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls and Dr Retro Virtual Visits