I am now in touch with the tile installer recommended on John Bridge. Thanks to the information that mongoct provided, I was able to ask him the right questions and he assured me that he uses the Kerdi system,not premixed thinset, the drain that is compatible with the Kerdi system and that he'll use an epoxy grout, if I prefer, but he also uses a portland based cement adhesive. For those of you who raised the point that homeowners should not have to become versed in the correct tile installation procedures, I sincerely agree. Had I not seen examples of water issues due to poor tile installation on GW, I would not have been aware of the potential problems. The contractor who did the two remodels that I saw came highly recommended and neither homeowner has had water issues---yet. The pictured shower is only a month old and the other shower I saw was about 6 months old. I have no idea if either will have problems in the future, but I don't want to take the risk that his manner of installation will create problems for us. The two bathrooms were otherwise beautifully done and the homeowners raved about his work ethic and skills. Although I read about Hydroban & Kerdi on GW, I didn't know that fiberglass would not be a sufficient alternative or that the cement board should also have waterproofing or a vapor barrier. I am so glad that I asked for input from GW! Thanks to each of you who replied to my original post and for the guidance you've given me.

Alice, your kitchen is going to be amazing. It already looks beautiful. Is your microwave going in the open space above the "step drawer"? Very clever--I think I will steal that for sure! (Along with the cellphone charging drawer someone did.) Soshh, Coastal Fog is a GREAT color. I know I will have to get about 10 sample jars to come up with the right color for my light. They all look SO different depending on the environment. I am so grateful for all these photos--they will help convince DH that colored paint isn't "out there"--can be very classic. Our house leans a bit towards formal, and we don't want to veer off into farmhouse/cottage direction. (Which I like, but it doesn't work with the house.)

I am chuckling a bit because when I read your first post, I was going to suggest F&B Buff, but I had a sense you wanted something lighter. Buff and London Stone are very close in value and were the two final contenders for my last living room. Buff won because in my light the LS threw a bit of pink and the Buff behaved in a completely neutral way...no green, yellow or pink. So, I am a little confused...do you plan to use London Stone and need a lighter color elsewhere? Or are you looking for a lighter version of what London Stone does? And if so, why? Can't go that saturated/dark?

Beautiful finishes thus far! Your desired concept image is that of a beautiful, classic, and timeless space and your finish selection translates perfectly. The second granite option seems to have the least amount of figure competing with that of the floor tile and it also has a bit of taupe in it which will pull in from the flooring for an element of cohesion. In addition, a light countertop will certainly serve as a nice contrast to darker cabinetry, so, going with the granite in the second photo or one very similar would be the best way to go. Best of luck with your project!