>>plaster & plastic compoundUmmmm.....not quite. Cultured granite is a colored resin with a heavy particulate mix that makes it look very similar to Corian or Swanstone solid surface for a "granite-look" appearance. Because of the clear gelcoat it is non-porous and as easy to clean, but softer than true solid surface. The granite-like mix helps hides the inevitable fine scratches that happen over time. Different vendors will have different colors available. We were going to do Swanstone - love the stuff, extremely durable - but needed a particular showerpan size that a local cultured marble/granite vendor could do, whereas neither Swanstone Corp nor Dupont could. Since we were getting the double vanity sinks to match the shower, we thus used cultured granite for all of it. As the CG product included installation, we probably saved about 30% over a solid surface install. We aren't DIYers so it was an easy decision to go with the CG product. Have had it since 2003 and are extremely happy with it. Everybody thinks it's Corian, although I find it easy to tell the difference as CG is glossier; solid surface is a true matte surface.

If you can use a 1 x 1 mosaic or a 2 x 2 you have more options. There's a very nice carrara porcleain mosaic from Naxos. It's from the Marble Hill collection and the color name is Legend. It will mix well with real cararra elsewhere.

There are so many good ones. The brand above is I Marmi. I like Porcelonosa as well - their cermaic version is kick ass. You pick tile like you shop for clothes or perfume. It's your take. Your likes. I tell my clients if they reach out because they want to touch it or feel it they most likely love it. I have noticed this over the years. People say "Don't you just love this?" while they are rubbing or caressing the tile sample. I do the same. It's like a body defence thing. We are checkign to see if there is any flaw with the tile. The link above will take you to my blog where you can see more pictures of the install process.

Thanks enduring! I appreciate the feedback and advice! I had a conversation with someone the other day who told me a story about a woman who changed her front doorknob to oil rubbed bronze.... which led to a new hallway chandelier... which led to new dining room set... which led to new kitchen fixtures and appliances... which led to new counters... and then the bathrooms... and on and on and on. In the end her new doorknob led to a 50k home renovation! After hearing that I decided to stay with brushed nickel in our guest bathroom (whrre the tub is), and ALL the metal trims will be brushed nickel. I am going to use ORB for our master bathroom vanity faucets, lights, and towelbar because the vanity is actually in a separate room from the shower and toilet, separated by a pocket door. The shower and toilet have chrome trims but you never really look at them at the same time as the vanity area. I'll post some pics when its done. Our guest bath tub was just installed and seems to exactly match the brushed nickel faucet we picked out.