Thanks Enduring and Phylhl! Sorry it's taken so long to reply Phylhl...we've been going at a snail's pace here. Anyway, we chose Hansgrohe chrome fixtures (not installed yet) which should look okay with the marble. We initially ordered brushed nickel, but it had a yellow tinge that didn't quite go. I think the marble tile has lightened up quite a bit or maybe I've just become accustomed to looking at it. I'll be sure to post our completed bathroom pics when everything is done! In the meantime, here are photos of the pale aqua glass tile border we just put up.

Unfortunately, I couldn't get the link to open, but no matter. As for sealers, Miracle's 511 Impregnator or Stone Tech's Impregnator Pro will do just fine. As for a cleaner, the one in the link is probably one of the best ones around. It's actually a kit, and will specifically help fight against mold and mildew. Here is a link that might be useful: Stone Tech Revitalizer

Although normally, I'd recommend going with a lighter shade of gray, I think to do that now would show a difference-- as in we tried this shade on the walls and didn't like it so we changed it for the floor. I'd say you have one of two choices-- either score out the grout on the walls and redo it with a lighter shade (or you could use a grout colorant) and use the lighter shade for the floor, OR you could leave the walls as is, and use the delorean gray for the hex tile, as well.

Bill V - THank you - that is all I wanted to know. My gut told me the installers were not at fault with the installation - but I do not have your experience to go from. tuesday - When did I ever mention lawyers or legal or imply I in any way planned to go after the installer?! I said I was giving them the benefit of the doubt because I wasn't sure how they could have known before installing given the nature of the tile. I am still very friendly with the rep who sold me bad door trim. Its business - I was fair and reasonable with her and I will still recommend her because she did everything she could to remedy the situation and it isn't perfect but it is acceptable. Mistakes happen. The other day my dh told me my GC paid me a great compliment when the ice stone fabricator came by to talk about the fabrication he - admittedly - totally messed up. While they waited for me my GC said "L is more educated about building than a lot of homeowners and she knows how things should be, but she is reasonable. If you explain what you can do and are honest with her she will work with you." I am not looking to skewer anyone or get something for less than it is worth - but I do want what I - in good faith - paid for. CA - where I live is a no fault state - but I have no idea what that possibly has to do with ordering an expensive custom tile and receiving defective product? the "free tile" is hardly an "absolute gift" nor is it free. I paid good money for a product I saw in a showroom - I did not receive that product and if I want what I paid for I have to pay thousands of dollars to have the defective stuff ripped out and the new stuff installed. Sorry but I don't see the gift in that. Seaglass - I'm sorry you had a bad experience with Oceanside - that must have been very disappointing. While they appear to be much more responsive in this case I still don't really feel grateful or satisfied because I am still out a lot of money and the responsibility for the defective tile is theirs. My rep is a top dealer for Oceanside and said her experience with them has only been positive. I'm not giving up and will be talking to her on Monday and see what we can do. Cheri - thank you for the kind feedback. I also hesitated over that faucet. One reason I chose it was the huge expanse behind the sink - it begged for a faucet of some substance. I personally do not like any kind of pull-out - integrated or on the side - so I love how the sprayer works. I love the backsplash too - from 10 feet away ;-) If it did not look exactly like mold growing behind the tiles I would probably just deal with it - but something that looks like mold in a kitchen is just not something I want to look at every day while I work at my sink. I splurged on my backsplash because I do not have a window and I wanted something light reflective that would be visually appealing to someone working at the sink - not quite happening the moment.