IMO we need to see a floor plan . Free standing tubs take a lot of space since they need a min. of 12” all the way around it and more is better . Take some pics of the space too. I really dislkke niches anywhere free standing or wall hung is a much better choice IMO. If this is arelax space then good lighting on a dimmer is a grat idea and honestly I would do nickel insted of black in a relaxing space too much contrast is not my idea of relaxing. As for wall color I love watery blu/ greens in bathrooms they create nice soft space

the inspiration pick is pretty much the floorplan.

I admire your dedication to this "12 inches around every freestanding tub" that you post on literally every single thread involving any be question about a freestanding tub, but that's super unreasonable in 99 precent of all spaces and I've never seen it recommended anywhere else. even giant palatial bathrooms rarely have a foot around the tub. 4 inches is a much more common recommendation, but I'm not even going to have that and it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make. I'll have about 2 inches - much like the inspiration pic. I'm fine with that.

I do appreciate your comments on paint color, though, as those address the question I asked. and I am adding a dimmer. I like the black fixtures since it's a small bathroom so I don't think it will be too overpowering, but brushed nickel would have been nice, as well.

Hi Sheridan! Not a pro, but I think a pale blue or green would be beautiful as a paint. Something like SW Sea Salt, maybe? Are you looking for spa like, or drama? I think if you have no crown molding, then painting the ceiling the same pale color would look so nice. As far as the tile stack, there's really not a right or wrong way here. It comes down to personal preference. When I'm facing a decision like this, I find as many inspo pictures of both choices to see which one I gravitate toward. I then choose that and don't look back! I do know, if it were me and I had this narrow space I was putting long narrow tile in, I'd run it horizontally to visually widen the wall. But, again, no wrong choice. And...I adore a good, handy niche ;)

thanks, Amy Lynn! I actually just found Sea Salt and it is a really gorgeous color! I think maybe something not gray might be just the ticket.

my niche is for my tub wine glass. I already have that picked out!

Don't forget your niche scented candle too! I hope you post some pictures when you're finished. I have been designing our master bath remodel in my mind for a few years. A free standing tub with a shelf running behind it for my bath necessities like wine, candle, and a book is always part of the plan.

there are some fancy things I'd rather do if I were hiring this out (a long horizontal niche along the back wall is number one on that list. a beautiful small mosaic is number two!).

but since I'm doing it with my dad in a week I'm keeping it as reasonably as I can so he doesn't murder me! we're having a plumber in for the tub since my dad doesn't have experience with freestanding tubs, but we're doing everything else - removing old tub and surround, drywall repair, tiling floor and wall, replacing vanity and toilet.

I'm definitely going to post some photos. that inspo picture is the only think I've found like what I want to do, so I'd love to put another example out into the world!