That's a big design element, and to change it would change the look. If this is your inspiration picture, you need to do it the same way.

Are you using white grout as shown in the picture?

Yes! I debated doing a silver grout on the walls as I like the way that can look too, but I'm going to go with the white. I'm planning to use smoke grey grout on the floor with the black tile as that shade looks best in my bathroom's lighting.

catbuilder: I agree. I just wonder if the more modern design will not read well to people who are not as design detail oriented as myself. Most people I ask seem to always pick the running bond pattern. I'm curious to hear what houzz people think!

If you are going for the inspiration look I would stay with the stacked

I like stacked, but the question needs to be answered in the context of what is happening with the floor. For example, there is enough going on in your inspiration picture with that hex pattern on the floor, that a running bond would compete; the stacked pattern on the walls reads better with that floor. It gets more complicated if you also add a contrasting grout into the picture (which I would not recommend). You can also see how the layout of the hex tiles lines up with the walls where they meet, which is also an important design detail.

So what is going on with your floor pattern? Are you putting in hex tiles, too?

Depends also on the size and flatness of the tiles. The larger the tile, the further from a 50% offset you'll need. The growing industry standard for tiles over 15" is no more than a 33% offset.

It sounds like the OP is using subway tile, so it may not be as much of an issue, but still good to check the flatness of any tile.

kudzu9: I plan to use the 7" black hex tile with a grey grout, and 3"x 6" white subway tile with a white grout. Overall, my bathroom is on a much smaller scale than the inspiration. I won't have the black trimmed glass shower enclosure or the fabulous sink. I plan to paint my door black, and have acacia wood accents.

Cabot and Rowe: I did read about the 50% offset problem and would ask that the tiles just be staggered at a 33% offset if I went with the running bond.

What made me turn to houzz for answers is that I was worried that I might choose something too particular to my taste. Most people I know seem to always choose the running bond pattern, so it was making me second guess myself. If the hive mind of houzz says stacked, then stacked it is!

Sounds nice...I'm looking forward to some pictures :-)

In your small bathroom the stacked subway tile will look clean and contemporary. Agree that running bond pattern may be too busy with your excellent choice of hex floor tiles. Please remember that a contrasting grout would add another strong element -- may be too much in a small bath. Good luck!

Thank you, candace_britt. I really appreciate the insight. Kudzu9: I'll be sure to post some pictures! :)