Calcutta gold mosaic (3/8") was my first choice for our bathroom floor. When I saw it at the tile store, it was mounted and grouted and I swear there is no prettier stone in the world. They didn't call it calcutta but crema fantasy. When the salesperson ordered it she mistakenly ordered crema marfil - which IMO is not even in the same league as calcutta. It turned out that this particular manufacturer discont'd the calcutta and the only other place I could find it wanted over $30 /sqft. I just couldn't justify the cost. What does this have to do with you? Well, it's just my round about way of saying - Yes, yes, yes, go for the calcutta mosaic floor! I would just love to see it installed. Now having said that, keep in mind that it won't be as carefree as a ceramic floor. When I was staining our door and the mahogany stain seeped through the drop cloth and onto the new tile, I was pretty happy we had gone for the ceramic hexes. No matter what you go for, please post pix. It sounds like your bath will be wonderful.

Have you considered 6 x 12 subway tiles? See, for example, the Daltile Colour Scheme tiles of that size. I am using 6 x 12 honed crema marfil tiles, because they are larger and have fewer grout lines. There are only 3 tiles between the upper cabinets and the countertop so the overall appearance is very smooth and simple. Since you are considering larger subway tiles, these even larger tiles may be going in the direction you want.

Thanks Ginad and Mamabear! The island is 4x6, the ceilings are 9', the pendants are 17Hx8w. I don't find the marble to be difficult but I do wipe up spills immediately or as soon as I notice them (with 409 Stone Cleaner). I limited it to the island because I chose the leathered/antiqued granite (bulletproof!) for the perimeter so I do have plenty of space that I don't worry over at all. I use mine for food prep mostly. If you're not sure, get a sample and see what you think after beating it up. Honed marble that is sealed will etch but not stain easily. Polished marble shows etching much more than honed. Etches on honed marble are subtle. Polished granite, especially black, can show finger prints and streaks more than other colors or finishes will. It's still a super classy look and I don't think you can go wrong with it. Honed black granite can also be difficult to keep fingerprint and streak free. Leathered granite is a slightly textured finish with a slight sheen. It shows very little streaks, fingerprints, etc. I really love it. Most of the info I have comes from this site and the opinions of many of the users. However, you'll never know how something will work for you until you get a sample and start using it. Sounds like you're going to have a lovely kitchen!

http://www.anchorbaytile.com/ I ordered some samples from Anchor Bay Tile. I wanted beveled white subway with edge pieces. I didn't want to have to seal them, either. My samples look great. I've just got to calculate how much I need and place the order. Their Cottage Lane comes in both beveled and flat. It has a number of different end pieces and trim edges. The colors were almond, summer beige and white. I'm ordering the white. I knew almond would be too dark. I ordered the summer beige and white. The summer beige was too dark. I selected the white. The edges are very straight. I plan on using white grout. Here is a link that might be useful: Anchor Bay Tile