I have black tiles everywhere in my master bath. It's not a shiny tile, but while lint isn't a problem (at least not with the tp I use), it does show water marks. If you have black tile in the shower area, make sure you clean it regularly or else it gets a cloudy haze from soap scum. If I had to do it over again, I wouldn't get a solid back tile again. I'd probably do something in the medium gray family.

gsciencechick, I didnt have that problem thank goodness. I travel to a larger city than where I live so I had to be sure that rugs I bring home I keep. So far so good. I am actually going next week again for a rug run for my dining room.

Find out what solvent works on the adhesive you used. Easy way is to look at the cleanup directions. Might read something like "clean up with acetone" or "mineral spirits", etc. Then find out if that solvent will damage your tiles. If all is well, try a little test by dampening the corner of a rag with a little solvent and lightly scrub away in a spot, maybe behind a door or in a closet. Make sure the tile doesn't soften or swell, and that there is no changes to the sheen on the tile. You may even find an adhesive versus solvent versus tile compatibility/incompatibility list in the tile instructions. Use adequate ventilation. Or even a mask with organic cartridges. As to sealing, the tile instructions should tell you all you need to know regarding maintenance.

I’d paint all the woodwork in the bathroom. It will lighten the look, which right now is very heavy. I painted all the wood in my one bathroom, cabinets and all. I like the unified look even though there are several paint colors. The door is not painted on the outside, but is in the bathroom side. My other bathroom: I had all new wood put in to match. Vanity, wall cabinets, doors, and case work. I think it would be tricky to mix woods. With regards to the tan floor, be sure you know what color tan you have. Just like grays and whites, tans can be a color, such as yellow or pink. If you cant tell get a friend to help determine. Some people have a very good ability to see color and some don’t.