Although it looks intricate as hell, the herringbone is very simply, a brick joint pattern with every other tile turned on its side. Look at the pattern for a minute. You'll see that first the horizontal tiles look like steps, with each step being exactly a 1/2 tile advanced from the last. Then comes the vertical tiles doing the same thing. Then back to the horizontal tiles, and so on. Once you get going with it, it's really not as complicated as it looks. The only disadvantage is that your grout joint is predetermined by the tile size. If you lay two tiles longways side by side right next to a single tile cappling the ends of the two tiles, move the first two so their long edge is flush with either end of the capping tile. Whatever you have for a joint between the two tiles is what you're going to use for a grout joint throughout the floor. No ifs, ands, or buts.

We used TEC XT Bright White grout with our glossy white large format shower tiles and it still looks white 3-4 years later. We sealed it with a solvent based sealer (not necessary to do so, but can be if desired). Also, our tile is set with tight grout lines, so we were able to use un-sanded grout, which is whiter than the sanded version of the same color. We have moderately hard water BTW. We wipe down the tub surrounds with microfiber cloths after showering (hanging them on the towel bar to dry between uses), to prevent water spots on the tile, and prevent pooled water from sitting where the tile meets the tubs. This probably helps cut down on build-up. I clean the bathrooms every 1-1 1/2 weeks (I spray the tub surrounds with 7th Generation Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner, and then. wipe dry with a fresh microfiber cloth). I'm all about maintenance and prevention of future issues. :)

Thanks! I was leaning towards porcelain and will go with it! The laundry room is probably 14' x maybe 5' -- long and narrow. Will see what may work out size size better! Just trying to minimize grout lines :).

As far as the the design goes, I have no idea what he is doing here. Part looks like a brick joint and part like a stacked joint. For a staggered (brick) joint, which I like, from a center line, you would alternate the rows with the first tile directly centered and the next row with a tile on either side of the vertical line. Follow full tiles left and right to the side walls and cut to fit. The remaining piece(s) will begin at these intersections on the side walls. Essentially, you are "wrapping" the walls. It certainly does NOT appear to be 2'x3' tiles here. They look like square tiles with some of them cut in half. The cement (if it is) board appear to have been painted with Hydroban...a good product but really needs two good coats. In addition, if there is plastic or tar paper attached to the studs, this is a no-no and should not be there. TWO waterproofing materials can cause the dreaded "Mold Sandwich" hidden between the layers. If you're not sure, inspect closely the hole where the mixing valve sits. With a flashlight, you might be able to see back there well enough to determine... I have serious doubts about his expertise. Choose wisely, Grasshopper!