Personally, I paint the edges same as walls. Cut it in carefully and keep a wet rag to wipe any mistakes off of the tile and a toothbrush to get it out of the grout.

You've really got to make that choice at the tile store, or with your installer. Grout comes in so many shades and the right one is most easily identified by holding the grout up next to the options.

I would try Alabaster #333 from Custom Building Products, www.custombuildingproducts.com
Let me know if you need further information. Charmean Neithart

I wish! this isn't my photo, I found it on the web. Sorry I'm no help, but PLEASE let me know if you decide to do it. I'd love to know how it works out!

If you look carefully, this isn't a functional bathroom...
...as there's no plumbing hookup to the sink.

And your tile contractor is right - The tile installation is impractical. My guess is there isn't even any grout here since this isn't a "real" room.

Check out this website for Bondera, it is basically a tile adhesive on a roll, and you place your tiles on the sticky surface then grout within 8 hours. The website has a great tutorial on how to do it. It works on any flat, clean surface, so you could easily install on drywall. I've always wanted to try this!

http://www.bonderatilematset.com/kitchen/Learn%20How_Kitchen_5-21.pdf

This tile application is not difficult at all. It just isn't for inside the shower area. When you buy mosaic tiles, they will come on sheets. Put them up as usual right on the drywall or paint. Tape off approximately 1/4 inch away from the edge of the tile on both sides of each band of tile. Then you fill in with grout as usual but you will also have grout filling in around the edges that runs at about a 45% angle to fill in between the face of the tile to the wall. Sorry I can't draw diagrams for you on here. Get yourself a different tile setter if your guy thinks this is difficult. It isn't.

The mosaics are a 5/8" or similar. Ann Sacks has a line called Mirage that's similar.

Looks like Bisazza Tile.

In order to protect the copyright and ownership of the design professionals, bloggers, and design enthusiasts who have shared their photos with our site, you can freely share the photos through your ideabooks and email.