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

Tile selection can have a big impact on the cost of your bathroom reno. The cost of the tiles per sqm is one thing, but did you know that most tilers charge different rates for the "Type" of tile laid large format and or vitrified tiles will cost more to install These are a few hard and fast rules we give our clients when they are selecting tiles for a bathroom renovation 1 - opt for darker tiles and darker grout for the floor - as a wet area light coloured tiles on the ground are harder to keep clean 2 - If you are opting for a feature tile - let it be the hero. That means make the rest of the tiles plain - large format subway tiles give you enough texture without detracting from the feature 3 - always opt for square tiles on the ground - trying to get the correct falls using rectangular tiles will mean you will have extra cuts and the floor will look a mess. The second reason we opt for square format for the floor is because of subway tiles You see, back when everyone was opting for square tiles on walls, it was easy to install square on the floor and get all the grout lines to match. Now most people are opting for subway tiles, you can never get all the grout lines to match, therefore installing square means you dont have to match grout lines as they are different format. If you are installing your subway tiles vertically, then there is a chance you will still be able to get all grout lines to match if you have selected the same sized square format tile hope this makes sense I have added a link to a blog that explains more about tile selection

Yes thank you for your thoughts. the room is 2.8 (with window) vs 3.4m. I do find it a bit annoying too as I don't like that you open the door and see straight away into the shower (though I'm certain the door would have a lock). I'm sure they lined the bath up to be with the window as visually that looks better, but then I find the space at the end annoying. I like the alternative drawings (I like three of them lots!) and I had been considering an drop in bath built wall to wall rather than a freestanding but also finding it frustrating to find a really nice supportive bath and there are less drop in baths than freestanding around at the moment which is a bit annoying. Thanks Anna for the picture, that helps as that looks good (though we would have more space at either end, 50cm) and I prefer the look of yours with some space but not as cavenous... I think I might have to have a talk with my husband as we really need to work out what to do!!

I'd say a charcoal -- you don't want anything too white or grey IMO , or it will be overpowering in an underwhelming way , and most other tones either clash or will look cold , or both .