How does one accomodate the smaller size of the Motawi tile in the design? If I'm understanding you correctly, you'll just have a wider joint around the decos, and that would get grouted. And how do I figure out exactly what size the niche should be framed out at to ensure that there will be no cuts needed at the sides and top (other than what's needed for the pattern). Lay some of the tiles out dry on your table. Herring bone isn't that hard to lay out. You're basically laying out steps with one row of steps laying horizontally, and the next laying vertically. Look at a herringbone design. You'll see what I mean, and once you see it in that light, it's not quite so complicated any more.

I agree with his fix, although I'd be using siliconized latex caulk from the same company that made the grout. In fact, it shouldn't be "the fix". It should've been done that way in the first place. I would have him score out the rest of the grout in that joint around the shower and caulk the entire thing, because the rest of it WILL come out, sooner or later.

Did you post this in the kitchens forum, as well? I just answered another post over there very similar to this. Usually when sealer turns white, it's because there's still moisture in the grout. It needs to be completely dried before sealing, or you get this white haze on the top of the joint which is unbelieveably difficult to get rid of.

Bill / Debbie - thanks. The reason is the range will not likely come all the way down to the floor. Depending on what range we get (a different saga) it would sit on legs and the gap between the floor and bottom of the front trim would be 3" or 4". So you will be able to see under it some. I actually envisioned the gap being more but just checked some specs. Without having it in place, its hard to envision how far back you can see. Perhaps I don't need to worry at all, or perhaps I need to worry just about one row of tiles. gdoke - thanks - yes, that was my thought with my option 3 - a different tile in such a way to make it look intentional (in case it can be seen)