"architect who is usually not insistent and has been very sensitive to our tight budget says that my whirlpool tub deck really should be a solid slab and not marble tile." "I thought it looked nice, but people keep telling me that in my neighb. marble deck in master is a must. " If you're in an upper end real estate market, selling to the 'forever home' crowd as opposed to the 'move up' market, I think most prospective buyers would definitely notice the difference between a marble tile tub deck and a marble slab deck -- I know I would. Now some of those who notice won't care too much, but if I saw marble tile where it should have been a slab deck, I'd take a mental deduction $$$ off the sales price and mutter about the "cheaped-out" decision. If I was on the fence about the house, this might even be enough to tip me over the fence in favor of the house that did have a slab deck. Seriously. To some folks, it's that important. (Like a commercial-style range in the kitchen.) "Waterworks is a high end showroom, so if they're showing it, they must not think it looks "cheap". " I disagree with this. In a showroom, tubs are changed out every few months, so having a custom-cut slab done each time isn't economically feasible. "If you don't want the expense of a marble slab, don't get one.... Do what makes you happy because you're the one that is going to be using that bathroom everyday." This sentiment makes perfect sense. If YOU don't care about the difference, go ahead and get the tiles because it's what YOU like. But if resale in the upper-end market is high on your list, realize that sometimes, paybacks are hell. The money you save up front might come off the sales price in multiples. "Also wondering do I really need to do stone on floor. I have seen so many nice contemp. baths with those rectified linen-looking floor tiles that look beautiful to me and must be a lot less costly than marble/limestone?"> For your floor, there are some really nice porcelains that are, IMO, even better than natural stone. Again, for the top end, I wouldn't go with an imitation travertine (real travertine's cheaper than a good fake anyway) -- but not all porcelains should be ruled out simply because they're not natural stone.

Breathtakingly beautiful slabs! These marble shower walls should be the focal point of the bathroom and the rest of the room understated. I, too, support the suggestions of using a relatively simple white floor with grey grout (instead of a white hex, what about rectangular white tile set on a diagonal herringbone pattern?), either dark wood or a warm grey for the cabinets, and definitely installing the marble so that the pattern is vertical. Your bathroom will be stunning!

Renee you must be overwhelmed with all of these comments. Your countertops are GORGEOUS, so I do hope you keep them. Sophie's suggestion to stain the floors is well worth looking into. For what it is worth my suggestion for your backsplash is to go with a simple solid tile in a lighter color that coordinates with the countertop. I would suggest you not go too small with the tile- 3x6 to 4x12 would be a good size to stick with. You want to avoid too much movement in the backsplash as the counter (and the floor) have quite a bit of movement and you do not want them competing. Let the countertop be the star of the show. Good luck and let us know how it all ends up for you.

New white powder room vanity has a carrera marble countertop and I can't find a porcelain 12x24 floor tile that looks good with it. Can I do a porcelain faux marble floor or is that too much pattern? Floor tiles seem to turn darker and while I will be changing the bathroom high hats to brighter LED's, can anyone suggest a tile that will not be too busy or dark?