Thanks ! Maybe that is what it is - but something definitely throwing me off. Would it help if I had them add a liner around it ? Like a pencil edge ?

The problem is that it makes no sense. It's just a square plopped in the middle of the wall with no purpose. Learn to live with it, or do it right and remove it.

There are several design issues I can see in your photo that makes you feel something isn’t right. The biggest issue is that the mosaic is placed center amongst a field of other tiles of which it is not anchored to in any other manner. This causes it to appear to be floating. Additionally, the lack of a border surrounding the mosaic has only served to heighten the effect it doesn’t seem to belong there. At this point, if would be beneficial if you placed the same mosaic tiles along the back of your insert and if possible use identical tile borders around both areas. Also, if the border/ outside tiles can be altered to allow the same border to be installed alongside, it should correct most of the problems created by lack of anchoring and depth perspectives.

Not normal. Why he sized it so it wasn’t cut to fit within upper grout line is a mystery. It doesn’t look centered left to right either although that could just be the angle of the photo. Messing with this might open a can of worms you don’t need. It looks like thus is a tub shower. Get a pretty shower curtain and call it a day.

Thanks for comments. I think on angle of grout lines that is the photo as I did check that after I saw photo. Built sounds like my idea of asking for a boarder (just a pencil type liner l mean) around it, this group does not think would help.

Sounds like you wanted a chair rail or a pencil to frame the mosaics; but it wasn't part of the order. Bullnose pieces are for exposed edges, such as where the tiles end and the finish piece is needed so there's no saw cut visible. The niche looks to have them around the frame.

Yes, the builder had me order extra bullnose as said that would frame it out. But I agree, it should have been pencil rail now that I understand. Sigh. Question is— should I try to have them add pencil now? Or just learn to live with it? Or some other to make it look less “off”

There's no good way of adding one now; if you really want it then he should try to carefully remove the mosaics and frame within the cutout and then replace the mosaics. Be sure the installer is experienced so he'll not damage the substrate.

Thanks ! Anything that can be done to make look less “off” if no good way to now. I understand your point, no good way to add now - just curious if any other options.

IMO if you start messing with this now there is achance the waterproofing could be damaged I would leave it use the same time as abcksplash to tie it in somehow and let it be. Next time do not do an accent before looking at ones that work .IMO this would have been better left out and framing it IMO would do nothing to make it better.

My suggestion above works but it's dependent on the quality of the installer. Another option that I know people have done is to "glue" a trim piece on the tiles to give you the look. It's not the professional way to do it and if that's the way you go, look for a resin white piece. Questech just came out with some.

It looks like a good tile job, except for the lack of a pencil border and the positioning is a bit off. If you’re using a shower curtain, leave it alone. Any work involving removal is these tiles will create a mess.

You don’t need a pencil border. To me, it would work better as a design element if it were rectangular and larger, and the accent tile had been used in the niche as well. You can’t change it now without redoing the shower, so enjoy your pretty tile!