Honestly, I don't think you, us, or anyone can make that call without putting the actual materials together and looking at them. In general, I certainly don't think that classy white tile will look "cheap" with a taupe-y room. If it's nice tile. But believe me, EVERY white tile, subway, square, whichever, looks different in real life. I've now had to choose subways for two kitchens and white field tile for two bathrooms, and the difference in appearance between them is amazing. In the last bathroom, I was on a super tight budget and tiling all the walls, so I had to choose a cheap tile. The two cheapest (Lowes and HD's subways and 4x4s, by American Olean and, I think, Daltile, but their low-end, big-box-only lines) are very uniform and have glazes that lack any sort of depth or lustre. I just couldn't do it. Interestingly, just a few cents more per tile buys the American Olean field tile with a different surface texture (ever so slightly wavy, which creates a bit of sparkle in the room) and slightly different colored glaze. The "richness" in the look between these 3 tiles, all of which were the same size, shape, and bright white... was incredible. All that is just to illustrate the point that you really gotta see it in person :) That particular bathroom, by the way, has grey-beige walls and a beige, limestone-look tile on the floor. White fixtures, and white tile. I think it looks quite elegant ;) If you want to add a masculine touch, and you want to use the dark medicine cabinet, would you consider doing white tile with a black (or dark brown- whatever matches the cab) accent? You could even run the tile around the walls of the room as wainscotting. Like this, sort of? Or some other way to bring that dark accent in... otherwise I think I would go with the white medicine cabinet... I also agree with you on preferring recessed medicine cabinets!

Zaz and Beth, I finally have some samples on my floor to look at (from the Tile Shop) and that's helpful, but it's a pain in the b*** to figure out what samples to order and from whom to order them - and expensive too! I could probably order an equal number of interesting samples from Merola/Home Depot, not to mention the additional ideas you've both now given me, but at some point I need to stop. Even though I feel I've 'narrowed' my focus to something with blue and/or patterned-moroccan-style, there are still so many options and resources to look at. I do like all the additional examples you gave me, Beth. Is EliteTile considered a good quality resource? I have felt comfortable having a retail face to consult with (Tile Shop and Home Depot) but if you and Zaz and others with more experience feel it can be ok to order from a place like Wayfair and this brand of tile, then I feel more confident about that. Both Tile Shop and HD have nice options too, but I've been a bit frustrated that I haven't been able to see an actual sample of a large-size cobalt option .... and the nice on sale lantern blue one is beautiful. What a price, too!! Weirdly, as I look more closely at the Wayfair/EliteTile Moroccan tiles, I'm seeing several that are the exact same patterns that Merola/HomeDepot offer. Do either of you know anything about this? I'd kind of like to add pictures of the samples I have from Tile Shop to see what you both think, but it might need to wait until tomorrow since this day is over and I'm beat. (Also, have other things in addition to tile shopping which I'm sure you both can relate to.) I am grateful to have both of you to converse with on this. Feel more comfortable.

Click on photo to see enlarged photo. I worked up another design idea board, using suggestions here - thank you all so much- and eliminating the dark brown floor tile, which I agree could distract from the other tiles. The more I look at it, the more it seems that using it would result in a dark and not appealing floor. Not every photo in my current design board is a serious option. I primarily wanted to showcase our 2 remaining tile options - after eliminating the dark brown. Thise tiles are on the far left side and The large solider color tile does match a shade in the basket weave. .i just can't get my photo to indicate that. So I threw in some photos to fill the template I used ( these nonetheless may have elements that work, interested in feedback) My primary concern at this point, though, Is the floor and wall shower tile. Both tile selections are promoted as suitable for floors and walls. Am I getting closer to good choices? So grateful for the input I've been receiving.

Beth H., do you know more about the fixtures / hardware in that first photo you posted? It doesn't look quite as brassy gold as some of the gold finishes I've seen. It's a beautiful color. Thank you for all the thoughts on breaking up the black/gray/white. If we end up with our gray vanity and plain brushed nickel / stainless fixtures (may be necessary due to budget constraints), can I add a wood frame or other colored metal frame to our mirror or is that too many different colors / styles? We're planning on an extra large mirror to cover the sink and toilet (the wall is about 60" long) and were considering doing it frameless or just slightly beveled, but could go with a frame if it's the right look. The sink has to be flush with the wall on the left, so I can't add much framing otherwise it will push the mirror too far to the right, but something narrow is possible. Given the size we will probably have it cut by a glass store so can likely add any simple frame we choose.