I think the "rightness" of the small hexagonal tile depends on how the rest of the bath works with it. What I mean is, if the vanity cabinets and shower fixtures, the faucets and the bath accessories complement the retro style of the hex tiles...or not. So if you are using a Kohler "Hatbox" commode...it just won't look right. On the other hand a Kohler "Memoirs" commode will fit right with the hex tiles. Look at the bath as an ensemble with many parts that work together. Make sure there are no sour notes!

Oh, and I love the retro style of the 1" hexagonal tiles through out!

I think I would go with the hex tiles in the shower and the square tiles for the rest of the space.

Another thing to consider is ease of cleaning. I just went through almost an identical set up as yours -- with a dam for the shower, and I had to pick out tiles for the shower wall, the shower floor, and the non-shower floor. The bigger (and fewer) the tiles, the less grout, the easier to clean. The baby hexagons are infinite grout. :) For us, maintenance and ease of cleaning is a huge factor. Your mileage may vary! Please post photos of your progress! :)

oh and I forgot to mention...we will be using white subway tiles on the shower wall and 40 inches up in the rest of the bathroom

I think we might be going with the Kohler Cimarron comfort height toilet.....I wouldn't say it will be a retro bathroom but we are trying to make it look like it goes with an older home

I like the hex tiles over the whole floor if you are going for an older classic look. I personally don't care for a 12x12 tile. You could always do a bit larger hexagon like 2x2.

I like the hex too. I find they feel lovely to walk on but our concern is the grout line. Will it be hard to keep clean. Unfortunately I cannot get a 2 by 2 tile as I am having the floor done in the next wekk

What do you think about a contrasting grout? Could be more subtle even than this pic but better than a bright white for keeping clean.
http://houzz.com/photos/584656

i dont know if you know the grout colours but i thought of using a warm grey or silver colour from the mapei line

I am not familiar with those specifically but I think a grey would be very nice and just choose depending on how much contrast you like.

Well I want to be careful with the contrast. I have a quartz counter top you can see the sample in the picture and I think I have to be careful because although it is an older house. I dont think the quartz counter is keeping with a retro look. That being said, I still think I can get away with the hex tiles.

Does that make sense

I like the hex with the subway tile and gray grout.......classic.

ruburr, The choices you've outlined make sense. Traditionally, 1" hex tile was grouted with natural grey...because they didn't have any other color! The advantage to natural grey vs platinum, silver or DeLorean is that the slightly darker greenish cast is easier to maintain because it starts off "dirty". So sitting on the floor with a tooth brush cleaning your grout just doesn't happen like it does with the lighter colors. I like the hex tiles! 2" hex are very nice but really hard to find. Anne Sacks just discontinued the only 3" hex I have found. Use a lighter grey on the wall and wainscot tile and the natural grey on the floor. The Kohler Cimarron will look great with the plan you have established. Best of luck!

Thanks for the help....will post pictures when done