Unless the charcoal tile is more black it will be fine. Black will show everything; I know from personal experience. If the kitchen tiles, 12x24, connect to the other size he wants to use I would stick to one size. Be sure he's aware how large format tiles should be set; never on 50% offset.

We used 12 X 24 in our smaller baths with no problem.

Thanks for the replies. I guess my concern is that the 12 x 12 tile looks dated. Skipjack, the 12 x 12 tile will butt up wood flooring in the hallway, and yes, 1/3 offset for the layout. Carolyn T, do you have pics you can post of your bathrooms? Thanks.

I agree that 12 X 12 is a dated look. I'd go for the 12 X 24 throughout or maybe there are other sizes available in the same tile. I like a dark floor so I'd go with the charcoal colour. I find with hard floors, you are cleaning them regularly anyway, with a broom or swiffer etc, so no real need to worry about dirt showing as it doesn't sit there long. I feel that where possible you should have cohesive flooring choices especially when rooms open on to one another. It makes the whole thing look more planned and less chopped up than when each room is unique to the next.

I second the dated feel to 12x12.

Thanks greenfish and mvcanada. I also agree about the cleaning aspect of the dark tile. This is a 23 year old male's first home and I don't know how fastidious he will be with upkeep. I don't think he's ever cleaned before, LOL!

Not to hijack this thread, but my question is similar regarding the 12 x 12 vs. a 12 x 24. We are doing some updates to the front of our house - 2 story, built in 1965.

Small front porch that has 4' x 32' of original concrete, including a 3 x 8 step up to the front door.

(It cannot be taken out, since there is a full "cold room" under it.)

Other updates include enlarging the posts, new lighting, new garage doors, etc. Nothing structural. As an overlay on the concrete, we're looking for a slate tile or a porcelain that looks like slate.

Since the house is traditional, would it look better to stay with a 12 x 12 tile laid square? Or go to the 12 x 24 laid in a brick pattern? Either way, I plan to have a matching grout.

Thanks for any advice!

12 x 24 will be dated really soon or eventually too - everything is, why should 12 x24 tile be different - , and if the floor isnt crazy level 12 x24 can end up looking sorta bad. all things to think about. 12" tiles have entered the 'classic' stage, i think. whats dated is various tile color/grout color combinations.

ninigret, thank you!

Mary elizabeth I think ninigret was answering OP. You should post your own dilemma with pictures to the forum. You will get plenty of answers that way. It is very hard to comment based on your description alone but tile doesn't strike me as a great move for this application.