I did tiling for the first time when I tiled my backsplash and I can give you some advice from one beginner to another (not meant to replace the advice of a pro, but just might be some things that a pro takes for granted since they are good at what they do). IMO the way to get a professional looking job is to: 1) take your time. It's not going to go quick, that comes with practice. It took me a week to do my backsplash, a pro would have done it in a day, but I got a professional look. 2) use spacers. If there are no lugs on your tile to give the proper spacing, use spacers. I will never forget watching some DIY show, maybe weekend warriors, where the guy was like "I don't need to use spacers, I have a good eye." Oh what a crappy install THAT turned out to be. Again this is a practice thing, someone who does this all the time might be able to do it without spacers but you don't have that much practice so use them. 3) never work with someone who doesn't have the same standards you do. Tiling is not necessarily a 2 person job. 4) Try out one of those cheapie tiling kits at home depot - the one that comes with a cheap, half circle shaped piece of tin for spreading thinset. I have kind of small hands (definitely smaller than the average man) and found that this tool was MUCH easier for me to control than the larger trowel. Sure, you can't spread as much at one time but see #1. Even with the trowel, the thing is notched to make sure you get the right amount of thinset on the walls. Use the right size notches (maybe bill can help you with that and also some tips for applying). 4) Buy more extra than you'd need for a pro and don't be afraid to use it... to re-cut anything that needs to be re-cut etcetc.

I do like the countertop choice. But I am also a fan of a less busy quartz countertop like this one. Still has the subtle veins in it, but it's not too busy for a bathroom. Plus I love the idea of a white vanity popping against the navy color the room. The sample in your photo could take away from the "pop" factor in my opinion. But I do think your sample is a beautiful piece of stone for sure. Good luck with your renovation!

Finish the room then choose color - I agree! Personally I wouldn't do white or gray - I love a punch of color, especially in a bathroom. There are so many more colors than white and gray - I would love to see people be more adventurous! If you are not the adventurous type then at least get some contrast and do a darker gray or put in a chair rail and do the bottom white and darker on top... Good luck!

From this Canadian website, https://thepaintpeople.com/painting-101/top-10-benjamin-moore-light-neutrals/ They mention "It was hard to decide between the two very similar brown-gray neutrals, 2111-60 Barren Plain and 2108-60 Abalone, so I’ve decided to mention both. They’re both comprised of violet/pink undertones, which is intensified under cool light (ie: daylight) and all but disappears under warm lighting, (ie: warm pot lights). These colours are rooted in a brown base colour that leaves the impression of a warm gray, but typically remaining light and neutral!" There is also Classic Gray – LRV: 74.74, Pale Oak – LRV: 69.89, Dreamy Cloud - LRV:76 meaning it will reflect quite a bit of light back into a room. In an intensely lit room with direct sunlight, it will fade out quite a bit but will regain its colour once the sun shifts.