I'm interested in your opinion on some tile choices. I've narrowed it down to two tiles and three possible colors. This is for a 47th floor 2 bedroom with den ocean-view condo in the 50 Biscayne building in Miami downtown. My objective is to make the place beautiful for quick, top-dollar resale.

Which install direction is best, parallel or perpendicular to the balcony? Or something else? I have attached a floor plan.

Any suggestions for grout color? I understand darker grout is better for long term maintenance. I do not know if buyers consider this.

This brochure shows several pictures of the stone color (light grey) tile that I am considering
http://www.ideaceramica.net/public/serie/pdf/181nottingham.pdf
I saw this one next to my kitchen tile (dark grey) and it looked great.

This image shows the same tile in a color called milk, more white.
http://www.ideaceramica.net/public/serie/zoom/18_106.jpg

These tiles are 6" x 24" and made in Italy. They are not rectified which may mean that the grout will be wider than the choice below. I still need to discuss with the tile people to verify grout specs.

This page shows a different tile that is 6" x 36", designed in Spain and manufactured in China.
http://www.kertiles.com/cmsupload/catalogo/geneva-bianco.jpg
http://www.kertiles.com/71216_en/GENEVA/