On my monitor, the grey wall paint has the wrong undertones for the tile and flooring. I would use white flooring, white walls, white shower curtain, white countertop and a blue vanity. Light grey towels and rug to pull in the shower tile color.

Thanks for responding and thinking about this. I share your concern about the grey tone on the wall. Whether I change the grey or switch to white, I would love some tips on how to discern color tone for going forward. I know one must paint actual sample colors on the wall, but I don't even know how to narrow down those initial choices. Do you have any suggestions?

Also, I'll attach the

ZAZ STUDIO Love the Moroccan floor tiles!

@phuninthesun me too! I like that they are more geometric but still have a traditional look and feel. (The ones shown here are from Ann Sacks by the way)

@Zaz Studio, thank you so much for your ideas. They are marvelous. I really appreciate all your sketches!!

I live in a small Ohio town and do not have access to items such as Moroccan tile or azueljo. How would I go about even sourcing anything like that? (I found the Ann Sacks website but didn't see anything like those in several attempts).

As for the tub skirt, again this is a new idea for me. It looks as though if I wanted to do that and add a sliding door (instead of simply retaining a shower curtain), I'd need to build a wall in front of the porcelain. Is that correct?

I've thought about adding something to the lower half of the walls to alleviate the starkness of solid paint from floor to ceiling, but not sure that planking fits our style. I like the idea of an alternative to tiling up the wall because of cost, however. I'd thought, perhaps, of adding a decorative tile border of some sort, but I think all these design elements (floor, wall, accent/border) interact and it's difficult to sort out what is what.

Interestingly, my post was first accidentally in another discussion thread and another responder also targeted the cobalt for the floor: http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/4855829/need-help-in-bathroom-floor-tile-choices#20711695

So perhaps I'll see what I can find with blue. This really changes the look and feel of the room from the original concept of grey and white.

I appreciate any and all continued thoughts and ideas.

You're very welcome! In terms of sourcing I would reach out to a certified dealer in your area and speak with your contractor for professional installation (I don't advise DIY). The tile is called Eastern Promise and here is the link:

http://www.annsacks.com/products/tile-stone-mosaic/eastern-promise-field-tile

The local dealer in your area is below:

Louisville Tile of Cincinnati

3200 E Kemper Road, Cincinnati, OH 45241

In terms of the tub skirt, here's a breakdown of how something like this can be achieved: http://www.addicted2decorating.com/diy-tub-skirt-decorative-side-panel-for-a-standard-apron-side-soaking-tub.html Again, I'd advise that your contractor handle this.

You do not have to extend your wall, you can actually install the shower door frames directly onto the tile and tub and her is a step by step on how this can be done: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwvvNpQnP0A

You may not need to break up the walls into a top section and bottom section, but I would consider adding a shelf above the toilet in that little niche so that the space doesn't feel neglected.

I love the hexagonal blue tiles as well! You can get those from FireClay - they have TONS of options for color/glaze/dimension/shape/etc. Something like "Blue Velvet" in a 6" hex with a Warm Grey grout from Mapei could work perfectly! ;)

Here's the link to those hex tiles for your convenience:

Blue Velvet 6" Hex from FireClay Tile: https://www.fireclaytile.com/tile/colors/detail/blue-velvet/?size=tile-field-2-x-4

*edit: ^looks like the link shows 2x4 rec but to the right of the page their is a drop-down menu that shows all the options. I'd suggest looking through the website and ordering some samples of a few variations on the cobalt blue, just to be sure.

Best of luck to you, Jennifer!! Keep us posted!

I am so very grateful to you for sharing such specific links and information with me, Zaz Studio. Thank you.

On the one hand, I'm really enjoying all these new possibilities. On the other hand, I'm trying to figure out how to focus in on choices and decisions.

If you don't mind one more question from this novice (no danger ever of me doing DIY): what's the best way to estimate the square footage of tiles I'll probably need? My contractor will be able to do the precise measurements/quantities when it comes time to order, but for now a general idea will help me figure out if i can afford to go in the direction of these beautiful handmade tiles.

Also, when working with handmade tiles such as these, are they delivered as individual tiles or in sheets as the tile stores do?

Again, thank you!

Jennifer, while those tile Zaz studio shared with you are gorgeous!!,,,they are also made from cement. They are very thick and heavy and very expensive. I'm not saying you can't afford it, I'm just telling you that floor would probably cost you about $1000 or more (not including install) Those field tiles start at $25 a sq ft. Shipping is expensive and can run a few hundred or more. Then you need someone w/the know-how on how to lay these. They must be sealed, so there's another 50. They are beautiful, and if you want to spend it, then go for it! They are also 3/4" thick, so you may have to raise you door and do something about the transition to the hallway.

Cementtileshop.com has a wonderful selection of tiles/colors/patterns. I ordered mine from them and got them for half price because they only had 66 of them in that pattern. They are 8x8". measure your floor space and see how many you would need (sq footage)

I just checked and they have these on clearance for 6 bucks a piece. white/gray

http://www.cementtileshop.com/cement-tile-sale/Stella.html

or the have these cool black and white ones for $5 each

Walker Zanger has these in a ceramic Duquesa,,,,these are really pretty.

http://walkerzanger.com/search.php?query=fatima

If you call the number they could tell you the nearest dealer they could ship these to.

Or, you could do a ceramic cement -look alike. you can find those online at Home Depot, Overstock, or Wayfair.

these are the HD ones. Merola, cement-look. you could order some samples.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Merola-Tile-Costa-Cendra-Decor-Dahlia-7-3-4-in-x-7-3-4-in-Ceramic-Floor-and-Wall-Tile-11-5-sq-ft-case-FEB8CCD6/206272185

this one is also a ceramic,,,they have other colors and patterns

http://www.stonepeakceramics.com/projects_detail.php?id=143

Beth, you've made my day with this additional information. I wondered about the cement construction + install issues but hadn't had the time to compare with ceramic, etc, so you've saved me that. I also wondered about a lookalike to save weight, time and $ (altho I'm always tempted by 'originals' and 'handmade!!), so again you've spared me that research.

I figured that I have about 38 square feet to cover and the Zaz and other similar ones would cost $900+ just for the material.

In particular, I appreciate you directing me to the one on sale!

From your pix I'm also realizing that I could have this lovely pattern look in greys or blacks, not just cobalt.

By any chance do you have a photo you could share of your flooring with the tiles you ordered? Are you glad that you went with this construction vs. the ceramic lookalike?

Many thanks.

Jennifer, under my name on here is my bath redo that I designed. The cement tiles I ordered were a good price, and I used a business address for the shipping (I saved about 150 bucks by not having it shipped to a residence address). I had an impregnating stone sealer so I sealed them myself with 4-5 coats. They are gorgeous tiles and because of the way they're made, they don't look 'perfect and new'.

I toyed w/where to put them since I only had 66. This back wall of the shower worked out perfectly. I knew I wanted a plant wall to be the focal point and this just 'made' it.

As for installing them, there are a few do's and don'ts, especially with grouting. not difficult, you just have to be careful with a few things.

This is really striking and inventive. Beautiful. Thank you.

Hi Jennifer,

Sorry for the delayed response, I've been away on a business trip with spotty service.

Although I understand the cost concern that Beth H has pointed out, I don't advise going in the grey direction. I think that you will end up having the same color concerns as you are having now with selecting paint color in the future and the shower will look out of place once again. I'd also like to take a moment to point out that the tiles I suggested are 1/2" thick (not 3/4" thick as stated by Beth) and that the $6 tiles are 5/8" thick.

Having a better understanding of budget, I'd like you to take a look at some of the options below as possible alternatives:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Merola-Tile-Evoque-Monastery-9-3-4-in-x-9-3-4-in-Porcelain-Floor-and-Wall-Tile-10-76-sq-ft-case-FCD10EVM/301312296?cm_mmc=Shopping%7CTHD%7CG%7C0%7CG-VF-PLA-D23-Tile%7C&gclid=CjwKCAjw9O3NBRB3EiwAK6wPT2DuEOWbzWsOi-V8JQq7UYfHM4-4Z8LTUOHYxy0f2zekYwpOGxHvYBoCd3sQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CO_vnKHHqNYCFdQONwodxyQDCQ

Faenza Azul Ceramic Floor and Wall Tile · More Info

[https://www.houzz.com/products/13x13-faventia-ceramic-floor-wall-tiles-azul-prvw-vr~46759720[(https://www.houzz.com/products/13x13-faventia-ceramic-floor-wall-tiles-azul-prvw-vr~46759720)

8"x8" Alhambra Handmade Cement Tile, Navy Blue/Purple, Set of 12 · More Info

[https://www.houzz.com/products/8x8-alhambra-handmade-cement-tile-navy-blue-and-white-set-of-12-prvw-vr~83191035[(https://www.houzz.com/products/8x8-alhambra-handmade-cement-tile-navy-blue-and-white-set-of-12-prvw-vr~83191035)

8"x8" Tantan Handmade Cement Tile, Navy Blue/White, Set of 12 · More Info

[https://www.houzz.com/products/8x8-tantan-handmade-cement-tile-navy-blue-and-white-set-of-12-prvw-vr~83191360[(https://www.houzz.com/products/8x8-tantan-handmade-cement-tile-navy-blue-and-white-set-of-12-prvw-vr~83191360)

Zaz,, I wasn't showing her those for the color, just showing her what other options looked like, compared to the cement tiles.

I misspoke,,,most of the cement tiles (including mine) are 5/8" . You're going to quibble over an 1/8" on the tiles? once you set your 1/2" one w/thinset it would be almost 5/8.

My point to that was it would be considerably higher than regular tile, come up higher against her tub and would make the transition out of the door a bit higher. The price under your first one stated it started at $25 a sq ft.

I did post the Merola tiles as an alternative, although not in the pattern you have. There are dozens and dozens of choices to choose from and thought she could take her time going through them and perhaps ordering samples. The issue I've found w/these cement versions is that look great online, but in person, not quite as good as the actual cement version. That's why I mentioned ordering samples.

Beth, you took the time to point out the difference in thickness and it's effect on the doorway, so I simply wanted to clarify the inaccuracies.

I do understand the cost concerns and agree that there are lots of beautiful alternatives out there that are much more affordable, such as SomerTile and Merola.

The images I posted are simply to get an idea of concept and color scheme. Jennifer mentioned she liked the grey in your images and I want to advise against that, as I think it will be a issue for color selections in the rest of the space.

This is my professional opinion and I felt a responsibility to share it with the group.

yes thank you for clarifying. I actually like the blue and white ones better than the gray. There are hundreds and hundreds of options. OP has to decide what she wants and what she would like to spend.

I so appreciate this discussion because as a novice I wouldn't have considered relative tile thickness as something to be concerned with; you have taught me. Thanks.

Much as I love them, I guess I'll need to steer clear of the handmade tiles simply as a way to narrow my choices. I am overwhelmed, not only with the options for tile, but also with how those options do or don't fit with other choices like wall color and/or material, what kind of floor trim to use if I do not add planking.

At the moment, I've narrowed it to either cobalt largish (6" or more) hexagon or fan shape with a soft grey grout or a patterned Moroccan style. Do I need to be concerned with shade of blue relative to the cobalt? I've noticed that several samples are softer and lighter, occasionally described as 'faded denim.'

In going with tile, and if I do not add planking to the walls, what kind of trim (I always have called it 'floor molding') is appropriate? Wood? If so, what style? An accent tile of some sort? Something else?

If I add wall planking, how do I decide whether it goes vertical (this is what I've usually seen) or horizontal? How do I decide the width? How do I choose which tone of white to use?

Please don't feel obligated to answer all or even any of my questions. Just thought I'd throw them all out there in case anyone has a thought.

Thanks.

Hi again Jennifer,

So my personal opinion is that the blue can actually be a darker or lighter shade of the same tone cobalt you have. It may take a little searching (since photos always look different than in person) and you will need to order samples so that you can make a decision that you will be comfortable with. Most of the time, they are free or not more than a few $ to have samples shipped to your home. Then you will be able to compare them with your existing tiles and see whether they work together or not (make sure to view them in the current lighting environment of your bathroom). Same advice when making any color selections (e.g. paint) - always have a few samples so that you can compare them in the current lighting environment.

Now for baseboard, I like Ekena Millwork (home depot) for bathrooms because they are rot-resistant and already come primed. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ekena-Millwork-5-8-in-x-5-1-2-in-x-96-in-Polyurethane-Aberdeen-Baseboard-Moulding-BBD05X00AB/203797508

I tend to like larger baseboards, but if your ceilings are on the lower side, a standard 4" should be fine.

Whatever baseboard you do decide to get, make sure that there is proper waterproofing, no soft woods, no mdf, make sure that in the description it states that this is good to use on wet areas.

For wainscoting/wall planking, I suggested horizontal because I think it's more modern, and you don't tend to see that kind of application often. I think 4" is a good width for both vertical and horizontal, but it should not be larger than your baseboard, as that will look funny in terms of proportions. Before, you mentioned that you weren't sure about how you felt about the wall planking, so I'd hold off on that for now - just a little side note so you don't feel overwhelmed!

Keep us posted on how things come along!

PS. When you do search for tiles, make sure to check the application/use in the description so it says that it is ok to use as flooring. There are a lot of beautiful blue hex tiles I've seen that are not meant for flooring, so just keep that in mind ;)

Jennifer, ZAZ has some very good points.

AS for the tile, Wayfair carries these,,8x8 porcelain. they have other colors and sizes. these are a deeper cobalt. you could order samples.

you could also do a cobalt penny tile, Home Depot and Amazon have them (comes in a hex as well)

they have this 7x7 porcelain..

https://www.wayfair.com/home-improvement/sb2/porcelain-tile-c1824087-a38793~130544-a69028~449844.html

and more moroccan style in ceramic

https://www.wayfair.com/home-improvement/sb1/tile-c1824087-a69028~449844.html

Jennifer I would definitely consider getting a sample of that first one Beth mentioned, the 8x8 EliteTile Lantern Blue. If you don't mind the shape, that color could be spot on! And the price is out of this world.

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.

So just to clarify, EliteTile and Merola are the brands/manufacturers and HomeDepot and Wayfair are the distributors/dealers.

To help narrow things down, take some photos of the samples you ordered next to your shower tile (include the cobalt blue and the warm grey one next to them) so we can get an idea of how the colors look when they are all together in the space. Then post the photos on here and we'd be glad to give you our opinions on which one to go with. ;)

I will photograph and post the samples and thank you for your offer!!

Unfortunately the earliest I can get my hands on a large cobalt sample of any shape is a week from Friday (Wayfair's lantern shape). I hate waiting that long.
And so far, I've been nearly unable to find a supplier for large (6" or more) cobalt hexes or fans, despite the photographic samples that were shown me early on. I've contacted Fireclay Tiles; on the other hand, those are pretty high end and I have some installation concerns re individual vs sheets of tiles.

I'm fine w/ the distinction between the manufacturers and retailers; what I wondered is (a) whether these two manufacturers are offer reliable and good quality product and (b) how those two manufacturers are apparently offering the exact same products. For example, Merola (HomeDepot) offers "Faenza Azul" and EliteTile (Wayfair) offers "Faventie Azul"; both are 13"x13". Wayfair's price is lower, but I wonder whether there's yet another party that actually manufactures the tiles and distributes them to EliteTile, Merola and who knows else? They in turn offer them to their respective retailing partners. The links will take you to the images.

https://www.wayfair.com/EliteTile-Faventie-Azul-13-x-13-Ceramic-Field-Tile-in-Blue-EML1121.html

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Merola-Tile-Faenza-Azul-13-in-x-13-in-Ceramic-Floor-and-Wall-Tile-12-2-sq-ft-case-FPEFAEA/205472953?cm_mmc=SEM%7CTHD%7Cgoogle%7CD23+Tile&mid=sbegJ1ulb%7Cdt_mtid_8903pdd25182_pcrid_64456939168_pkw__pmt__product_205472953&gclid=Cj0KEQjwxI24BRDqqN3f-97N6egBEiQAGv37hKWhJWER7CiJqBd1adAI_wBtQ3LawCzIGV40KUFZ5TIaAr3Y8P8HAQ

Ok so i just called the Merola NJ office and it turns out that apparently EliteTile, SomerTile, and Merola Tile are all the same manufacturer from NJ (distributors like to rename them apparently so they can be more competitive with their prices). So if you go to their website merolatile.com and plug in the home depot product number you will be able to order the sample, knowing that you can get the same thing cheaper on Wayfair.

And yes, they are reliable and good quality!

Hi Jennifer, I wanted to check back and see how you are doing with this? I also want to show you these, which I just came across today: https://www.missionstonetile.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ORNEGNEM13HEX

Now, I also wanted to know if you want to interact one-on-one rather than via forum? I can help you with pricing. Please feel free to reach out to me directly any time. I just want you to be happy with your bathroom and I feel very invested in it! ;)

That geometric pattern is definitely cool. I've seen it in passing but I think it has too contemporary a look for my direction.

I've made a mental decision, i.e. not yet ordered anything, to stick with a sample from Tile Shop. I gave up on cobalt in hex or fan or lantern and gave up on patterns -- the process of finding, ordering and receiving samples is way too cumbersome and frustrating. How can the industry "standard" be to send out partial tiles!!! Tile Shop will sell me full tiles and accept the samples as returns as well. They don't have much in cobalt or in patterns, but they do have one that I think will be nice and both my husband and i will like:

Floor tile I'm planning to use

I really wanted to have the opportunity to view 4 or 5 full samples -- one or two interesting shapes in cobalt/royal/or navy and two or three Moroccan style patterns -- and then decide what to do, but that's just not possible. We've been without a bathroom now for over a month and I need to move on to the rest of my decisions

I'll contact you directly for sure.

Jennifer,,,did I ever show you these cobalt tiles? I can't remember if you saw them. they are porcelain. and they will send you samples.

https://tilebar.com/cavallo-poseidon-arabesque-porcelain-tile.html

Thanks, Beth.
No, I hadn't seen this before, nor have I seen this company, Tile Bar. Have you ever worked with them?

In looking at it, I felt a bit confused by this: "Available in a 7x7, 14x14 and Arabesque format". What does all that mean?

I also saw this in the "Installation" section: "Highly recommended to purchase the Unpolished Porcelain Maintenance Kit." Does this mean that this tile is 'unpolished' and is that something that's unusual and requires special maintenance?

Feels like it could take the rest of my life to figure out tiles enough to not get blind-sided.

Tilebar is very reputable. yes I've worked w/them and have many samples they send out. that tile comes in a square 7"x7" , 14x14 and the arabesque pattern. 3 different shapes. the tile is also rectified, which means they are all cut to exact dimensions/thickness and will fit together for a clean look. I would order a sample.

this tile is actually 8"x10". they aren't tiny tiles.

there is 10 sq ft in a box and min order is 9 boxes. so you need at least 80 sq ft to tile (and you always buy 10-15% more for overage)

that kit is basically a neutral cleaner for the tiles. it won't damage the finish, cleans off oily surfaces, etc.

https://tilebar.com/unpolished-porcelain-cleaning-protection-kit.html