i actually like that floor a lot. i'm not too fond of all this travertine-ish stuff that's so popular now (i'm going traditional ceramic with a few glass tiles for my new bathroom) and the irregularly shaped tiles/stones i've seen have all seemed to look a bit odd once grout is put down... but i like that floor. nice natural look and it looks kind to the feet too :)

lisa

It's o.k., but honestly if you're using real stone in some places, and you're doing something related to craftsman, why not use real tile that glories in itself, not tile that is trying to look like stone--that would be my choice far and away, and make more sense with the look. Just one possibility: have you seen some of the tiles from Pratt and Larson? They make gorgeous relief tiles that work so well with many of the homes in the Portland OR area from around that time. There are other manufacturers as well of this kind of tile--you could use some amazing accent tiles among regular a white or cream field. *That* says craftsman to me, not stone-look porcelain. Also you can look in American Bungalow for some other company names. I sure wish johnmari could see this because she'd have a ton of companies you could look at.

I like the mixture of tiles of different dimensions and configurations/patterns, yet all in the same shade. It adds visual interest without being too busy. I don't love the floor tile, but that's just personal taste.

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure I see seams in the floor tile (AKA they're on a mesh and not set one-by-one) The work looks pretty good although I disagree with using different sized grout joints on the same wall.

I'm sorry if I rant a bit LOL!

To answer your question - if you're taste leans more to the artsy side, I couldn't see you going with a shower like this - maybe something more contemporary like some glass mosaic or even glass 6"x6"s - Oceanside and Mandala make some great stuff - or even some dark natural stone - for that you could check out Island Stone...

Hope I helped a little

If you're going for Craftsman, I have to echo that the currently popular faux-stone, travertine look is not very authentic in style. Check out Jane
Powell's book Bungalow Bathrooms for some gorgeous tilework from the turn of the century.

If you're going for a more modern artistic look, you might consider something like soapstone tile, which is a period material with a modern flair?

I most strongly agree with flyleft. Glazed tile seems like the way to go.

If you could spend a day at Pratt & Larson your head would be spinning. Mine sure was! I ordered handmade subway tiles for my kitchen back splash and they are plain but stunning (at least to me they are!).

Would a variation of your fireplace tiles work as accent tiles in your bath?

I like everything about your tile job,there. I love stone. Real stone or stone look---I think it's timeless. I'm a fossil and mineral hunter in my spare time and I love bringing that look into the house. If I was prospectively looking at your house to buy it, I'd be in love with that shower.

Piegirl: If you would like me to use the fireplace tiles in the shower, I'll send you the bill!! ;-)

Thanks all for the feedback. It was sort of like I expected- mixed. I'm just not sure of what I am going to do. Obviously I'm not 100 % sold of this style or I wouldn't have sought feedback, but I do have to reign in the budget somewhere. Perhaps if this is acceptable in the long run, I can make it work and it will save me some money over the more expensive options.

I guess I should have told you a little more about the overall look of the bathroom. I'll try to refrain from using the overused cliche, "spa-like" and just say I'm looking for a relaxing natural area. We think we are going to use the MTI caribe and fill the overfill area with river rocks (about the size of lemons.) The tub will stick out into the room and will be surrounded with tile and wood trim. There will be a tile feature wall behind it complete with an alcove which will house a slate and copper fountain. If I truly could afford it I would make this wall a stone wall, but I'm 95% sure it will have to be tile. The shower will be completely enclosed except for the door. For the sinks and vanity we are once again undecided, maybe concrete, many a slab stone or maybe just tile. Dark cabinetry in a mission style, french doors leading to hot tub and deck/patio. Windows all douglas fir stained in a medium brown. And keeping our fingers crossed here....(and I know some of you will be repulsed)...wallpaper in a green and tan foilage print. If everything goes as planned I'll use William Morris' Willow Boughs which I'm pretty excited about.

Well that's about it. Any more comments?