Our home was built in 1989. It has the standard beige tiles that were the style then. We are updating slowly. Just been debating if i should go a more white/black grout look that may stay more in style longer, or if the blue or grey hues would still be "hip" in say 10 years when we sell. I know its hard to say. Just asking folks thoughts. Thanks!

Prison Gray is already out.

This is the same question I am grappling with. We are redoing baths in a Florida condo. Right now, they have almond 4x4 tiles and creamy white 12x12 floor tiles. We want to do something "timeless," but know that isn't possible. I think will likely do a mix of carrara marble and white subway. Also considering a gray floor tile that mimics slate. We'll see. We plan on keeping our condo for a long time, so what is "in" shouldn't be a big deal, but I don't want to hate it in a few years.

Marble is a big turn off to most because of it’s porosity and added maintenance.

Hmmm marble and subway tile. That's as timeless as it gets.

Bill, I agree! I had Carrara marble in a bathroom in a house I built in 2009 and I still like it. Your pic from 2005 looks good still too.

I would not do black grout with white subways. That has an early 20th century look to me. Do a soft gray grout instead.

You might also consider a larger subway tile so there's less grout to clean. 3 x 6 tile looks so fussy in a shower. Here are a few examples, though I'm not recommending the accent tile.

Beach Vacation Home · More Info

Dual Niche Alcove Shower · More Info

The only problem with the larger elongated tiles is that the tend to be bowed pretty good right out of the kiln, and as a result you end job with high "bellies" and low corners, kind of giving it a basket weave effect, as you see in Mayflower's bottom picture. That said, I'e had one customer who was actually trying to achieve that. So, as long as the customer is aware, and okays it, have at it!

Is there an optimum length for a larger format subway tile for a shower, Bill?

I wouldn't use anything narrower than a width that's half the length (3x6, 4x8, 6x12, etc)

Thanks, Bill.