Heatheron40, very nice. I asked a question about doing a tile countertop in our guest cabin recently as I feel like the look would complement the cabin aesthetic. Also I’m dying to learn to tile and thought it would be a fun place to start as it’s not an everyday space and I could take my time. Most of the responses were against. Basically stating the grout would make me crazy. The guy at the said what you’re saying I think, he said that modern grouts are more resistant to staining and such, and also to go with a tinted grout of some sort. I love your use of pattern to give it interest and intention!

I prefer the first one. I can tell you from experience that once the slab is horizontal on your countertop and cut up, it won't look quite as busy, but will give just the right amount of visual interest. Plus the first one looks more high end. The second one looks like what goes in every tract home.

Sorry TCB - just realized you are the OP :) - and just re read that you plan to change the hardware....are you doing this everywhere in the home? Will the ORB be on all door hardware throughout the home? I'd strongly suggest focusing on the tile (white with matching grout or subtlety darker grout like a bone white). Then do the hardware and select paint LAST. Thank you for the paint tone pictures with your floor - could you retake the shots with the paint samples propped vertically against the wall by the tile floor. Look at all samples as you will see them in real life because the light hits them different so anything vertical (like paint) should be evaluated vertically.

I strongly recommend you go to local flooring shop. There are so many things to consider. Installation is key to getting good end results. Watch for “variations”. Sometimes called V-rating. Get to see pictures of actual installed product. The repeat patterns can get very stripped or fake looking. Colors need to be seen in person with your samples from all elements in your space. If you decide to go engineered wood, I can give you key features to look for.