Just tile the tub area and its window.

Hire the right GC to deal with a window in a wet area.

If you want to jazz up the space, then just use a vinyl wallpaper to add some color/pattern.

Make sure you have a good exhaust vent in the bathroom, that vents to the outside.

Out of curiousity.. were the shower and toilet in different locations originally? It looks like both of those windows are regular wall windows.

@beesneeds Yes. The the shower and toilet were in different locations originally. Thanks!

OK another related question. So the current fluted wood look wall tiles are designed as accent wall to create some visual interest, but there will be a niche on the wall (right above the bathtub). Here is a photo:

So the wall with niche will have fluted wood-look tiles (large format, 16"x48") as accent wall, and the other two walls will have horizontal strip stone look porcelain tiles. Two questions:

1. It should be possible to use the same fluted wood-look tiles in the niche, right? For example, here is a sample that I found online:

2. I suppose that at the joint (90 degree angle), because the thickness and texture of these two wall tiles are different, it should be OK, right? Here are the two different wall tiles that will be used for above tub walls:

3. Also, the designer mentioned that for the strip-stone-look tiles if we can keep the strip horizontal, and the fluted wood-look tiles (the lines) vertical, then it would create a more elongated effect. Do you agree?

Thanks again!

I have an older home not far from you in the Bay Area, and I when renovated my bathroom I reversed the tub/ shower position so that the window is now next to the end of the tub, to bring more light- therefore current code required that we replace the original wood window with a new window with waterproof trim because of the possible exposure to water. What does your contractor say? What is the code in San Francisco?

Also, I agree with rebasheba’s comment above to do ALL shower walls and the niche in the same tile. I like the way the ribbed tile looks, but I would fear it will be very difficult to keep pristine. I wonder if you’ve tested it by putting a few sample tiles in the shower you’re currently using to see how they hold up with soap shampoo, etc. I am not a fan of wood-look tile - ever- and having one wood-look tile on the wall and using a different wood-look tile on the floor (if this is still your plan) doesn’t seem like a promising design decision- too many different patterns and colors in one bathroom.

@chinacatpeekin Since we replaced these two windows not too long ago, so SF code does not need us to replace the window (it's already vinyl window with no wood sill).

Here is another photo:

How would you design this space, especially how would you handle those two windows and wall tiles? (Note that the floor will be large format wood-look porcelain tiles "modena natural beige"). Here is a simulation with the floor tile installed:

Thanks!

@W C - I am definitely not a pro, but since you asked me, these are my completely unprofessional thoughts: I would not use “wood-look” tile on the floor or shower wall both because it doesn’t look like real wood, and (since you have said you want “timeless”) I think it has been dated for a while now- but, if you really love it, it’s your house! If you do go that route I’d have the flooring laid the long way, not cross-ways, and match the grout color to the tile. Instead of wood-look I might choose a large square slate (or another plain, light-color non-patterned matte tile) laid on a diagonal. If you are certain about the fluted tile in the shower and niche (I think it will be hard to keep pristine, therefore not a great choice for a shower- but it’s your house) I’d find a plain tile that matches well in color for the other tub walls, or a plain off white that is harmonious and coordinates and calls no attention to itself, because the fluted tile is the star, and one star is all you need. I like your idea of a floating vanity. If you don’t have wood-look flooring, then the vanity could be natural wood. I’d choose chrome fixtures because they are classic and easy to maintain.
If it were possible, I’d make the window on the right wider and centered on that wall.
I would consider a fixed glass panel instead of a glass shower door.
Thanks for asking for my ideas:)

W C - if you decide against the fluted tile shower surround, perhaps consider a white marble- look muted porcelain tile, without strong veining.

Typically, you should be admonished for having a window in the shower surround. I am aware of no specific code about shower windows, but windows are not designed to shed water hitting them from inside. So the hardware, tracks, sashes, all will eventually allow water down into the wall. However, being opposite the showerhead gives you a fighting chance. Also, semi-opaque glass still allows a shadow show, and the closer you are to the window the crisper the shadow, so you may or may not have issues with that if it is important to you.

Trim can be PVC in damp areas.

I believe the dark grey shower backer board is Wedi or Home Depot Everbilt foamboard. That is great. However, it looks like they may not have installed it according to manufacturer directions, which call for Wedi joint sealant before you mount (or tape after) at seams and screws. The RedGard is just a secondary risk prevention here and does not take the place of installing the backer properly.

It would be worth it to me to remove both windows and provide a single large window on the main width of the bathroom (not including tub). This would be visually better, eliminate potential problems of a window in the shower, and be cleaner with design lines like the competing lines of the shower niche and any trim on the window. Most people do not go to this detail, but since you have an interior designer with the level of bathroom finishes called for I would have expected this would have been thought of.

For the tile questions, the floating vanity and overall concept does not fit well with a wainscot. I understand the designer's concept of the shower accent wall tying back to the vanity finish and style. I agree a single tile should be used for this accent wall. If function of the ribbon wood-look tile next to the showerhead is not desired because of cleanliness, and you had a single window, then the back wall could be your accent wall instead.