I'm no expert, just going thru bathroom renovations too. The contractor suggested taking the tiles off the walls in non-bath areas to create a more spacious look and also suggested laying larger tiles (instead of mosaic) on the diagonal. Both worked out very well. Also went with very light colored tile and avoided the "rustic" ones which looked dirty for a bathroom. Bring some samples home; you may be surprised how different they look in your home than in the brightly lit store. Consider upgrading the lighting in the bath, like a recessed light over the shower.

We also are in the midst of bathroom remodels. Both of ours are small. We put 12 X 12 inch tile on the diagonal and really like the look. We tried to pick timeless, neutral colors (light beige with grey).

We had a problem with floor levelness (even with new subflooring, etc). We were told that 12 X 12 size was about the biggest we should go for this situation. Also told that smaller tiles are easier for wall installation. We have a tub/shower alcove with 6 X 6 tiles that match the larger floor tiles. The shower/wall is not done on the diagonal, but, the ceiling in that area is diagonal.

To do these jobs, we had to remove old tile/grout. We did this demo ourselves. Quite a job!!!

We're very pleased with the look. Hopefully, the floor levelness problem has been appropriately fixed.

The only place you placed tiles were on the floor and shower/tub area? The other areas, including above the backsplash, was paint? I have two active teenage boys with a truckload of friends and an elderly mother to think of. In other words this bathroom gets quite a workout!! Is it a good idea to go porcelain? That is also why I was entertaining the idea of placing tiles throughout. I was told it will be easy to maintain and with the correct tile (travertine or porcelain) I can get beauty with strength. I wonder about travertine though. I do favor the lighter colors. The recess light over the shower sounds good. I also want to put a "rain" showerhead and a separate handheld model to accommodate everyone.

Sounds like you may need tile on the walls too but you should ask your contractor's advice (we have only one child still living at home). I like the reasonable price and easy care of porcelain. If you have heavy traffic in the bathroom, you probably won't want the care that natural stone tile requires. We also put in a handheld showerhead along with the regular one but it doesn't get much use except for cleaning the tub. A great addition was a quiet Panasonic venting fan with a timer switch. With a lot of people using the bathroom, it'll be very useful. Below is a link with helpful tips.

Here is a link that might be useful: Bathroom renovations tips

Thanks for the link it was fun to read and informative. I don't have a venting fan but, I have an air conditioning vent in the bathroom. Isn't that odd?? Will it be a lot of work and expense to add this? Any suggestions on porcelain tiles which give the look of a higher end stone or just plain looks great. In a certain area in Miami there are dozens of tile stores on both sides of the streets. Sounds exciting and intimidating at the same time.

If you don't have a mold problem, plus you have the air-con vent, maybe you don't need an exhaust fan. We do have a mold problem and no air-con. How much it costs will depend on what you have above the bath. Ours is vented out thru the roof via a flexible pipe in the unfinished attic. Best thing to do is to ask contractor if s/he thinks you need it and the separate cost.

I found the link below helpful for narrowing down tiles. Get recommendations from others re: tile stores. Some will discount for contractors or if you buy over a certain amount. In the end I went with a small store suggested by the contractor; they were much more helpful than the big showy ones I've heard people complain that the variegated porcelain tile looks "fake" or pixelated" I don't know how much of this is due to knowing that it is patterned. How many guests are going to put their noses to your tile to inspect it and if they did, you have to wonder about them... Take home some samples to see how it'll look in your bathroom space. It will depend on your budget and how much "wow" you care to put into it. You can get some really nice tile and accents without breaking the bank. You just have to be happy with how it looks.

Here is a link that might be useful: Tile distributor site

Thank you very much for your help. If not this weekend next weekend will be devoted to tile search.
Are there any tips I should know about a Toto drake elongated ADA toilet? I'm thinking of purchasing one for this busy bath.