Nice idea on the quartz - I like that! Thanks!

The engineer husband and I are almost certainly going to be doing the installation. We did a bigger LFT in the kitchen, admittedly, on the floors. He's pretty (actually very) good at this DiY schtick, and I do my best to keep up.

So this will be the tile for the shower walls? IMO it's not a great idea. That texture is going to make it harder to clean. Water and grim is going to pool there. There's a reason almost every shower has flat tile.

Also, waterproofing should NEVER be DIYed. I don't care how handy someone is. A poor tile job in a shower can result in very expensive damage. Leave it to a professional. A kitchen floor tile is a completely different game than shower tile. Whatever money you save initially by DIYing you will likely lose, and way more, down the line from serious water damage.

Texture in the shower. Right. Hmmm. Good food for thought. Thanks. Exterior shower walls then, and around the other walls where there isn't water.

Have you ever tried to tell an engineer they aren't the best person for a job ;) I know you must work with Civils. Noted on the waterproofing, though.

that ceramic is very glossy and sleek. I doubt you're going to have grime issues w/this tile. (unless you have no ventilation and you only clean once a year!) seriously. a weekly cleaning and wipe-down after showering will be fine.

if you want a smaller size, tilebar has the Byzantine

https://tilebar.com/byzantine-bianco-3d-ceramic-tile.html

they also have this 3x8 leather/pillow tile

https://tilebar.com/maverick-leather-blanco-3x8-ceramic-tile.html they have a few diff colors/texture options

regarding curb and pony wall, use the solid countertop material or find a solid white quartz piece that's used for backsplashes. they come in 6" heights and are perfect for curbs and such. I used one for the neighbors remodel.

example,,,MSI has this 4" x 36" quartz piece w/double bevel, perfect for curb or pony

for my own, I used a solid piece of marble that would match my floor tile

Thanks, Beth. Love that Tilebar Tile. It is lovely, just a bit out of my budget. :) And thanks for the in-shower textured tile perspective too. Great bathroom!

well, floor and decor has almost the same tile for $2 a tile.

https://www.flooranddecor.com/porcelain-ceramic-decoratives/heirloom-linen-3d-porcelain-tile-100501212.html

they have a 12x24 wall tile like this (Idole)

Emser also has some diff choices

https://www.build.com/emser-tile-f72surf-w1224/s1307898?uid=3110038

You can size the niche to be 1/2 tile so you will have the full pattern and the frame it with white quartz. Make sure to get a nice handheld showerhead and make it a habit to just rinse off the walls before you step out of the shower and it will stay clean for a longer time!

Great looking tile - Don't be afraid of it... I do agree about the waterproofing - not a DIY project

Good luck and post finished pics!

Thanks Beth! I had seen that tile on their site months ago, and for some reason had been unable to find it since. I love the way it's stacked on the tile bar site. I have a backsplash decision that this might just fulfill!

Thanks for the vote of confidence on the tile and niche ideas, Debbi.