Vein cut travertine is lovely, as you can see below. Here in Texas we use a lot of travertine tile, and some is extremely uniform and others are not. It depends on the grade and how it is cut. I don't recall seeing tile that is referred to as limestone. We use limestone for cladding our homes. Someone in the stone business may be able to better differentiate the two for you.
Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID

Like travertine.

Hello, both are great and popular items, and when looking to the Marble Institute under Residential Stone Countertops for a brief description, they are both described as being of calcium-based makeup. If you have one of these materials in your home or looking to use it, just be aware that it has the "same chemical attack vulnerabilities as marbles." If there is a polished finish, abrasion damage can happen, and these do have higher absorption rates which sealers can help with.

In my past life as a commercial designer, we did not use travertine very often-but commercial is just that, rated for larger foot traffic and use in general. However, in residential and as an importer of slabs and stone tiles, we bring in just as much travertine as limestone for peoples homes (just shy of the amount of marble and quartzite we import).

Please visit some of our pictures, particularly the large fireplace. Travertine is most definitely used in quite a few of our homes whether it is the client's first or last. Now, the color and type of type of Travertine may have been to blame for some of the Tuscan trends designers are now trying to overcome, but it is still a very popular and a very desirable material. We don't necessarily recommend using it in a kitchen and yes, they can etch if shaving cream is left on too long.

As for uniform vs. not, depends on the type, color, lot, and where it came from.

Hopefully this helps! Good luck! AT&S

If the criteria of a "naturalistic material" texture and pattern seems to be increasing important to you above and beyond all else, then I would first determined that a "limestone" tile product will not suit you, then next look at the "highest grade" travertine tile product sold in your area and see what you like. If the travertine IS NOT of a hardness grade and durability of at least a medium price ceramic then I would move on to a PORCELAIN tile product that has some pattern created in it that you find appealing. If that is a dead end because, no porcelain appeals to you, then I suggest you go back to a natural product again but, instead of travertine or limestone look and see what marble and granite tile products have been brought into your area. Go to a really reputable showroom and seller to best understand the "natural tile" product they are promoting. Many marbles are beautiful but, too,, soft and porous for a "wet environment". Granites are generally hard though some have other flaws that can be a draw back. Anyway, a long time seller and showroom with a history of service to your community will be sensitive, careful and thoughtful about the products and information they are promoting.l They count on word of mouth and repeat business so, they usually are exact in what they promote and "claim". At least that is how this industry is supposed to work and in my 20+ years living here in Phoenix and Dallas I would say that is mostly the case. Forget the discounters, big box sellers, on-line and local new store sellers (with no service history) until you are clear on what you value and want. Then once that is established you can maybe bargain shop a bit but, not too, much. I would say that the old adage "that you get what you pay for has a lot of truth to it". Buy from a seller that has "earned your business" as you both will feel good about that!

Oh and as a designer I get questions all the time about "maintenance" from clients so I know that could effect "resale". So, while you may be okay with increased maintenance in exchange for "beauty" that appeals to you, the home is still "real estate" at the end of the day and so, maintenance issues will always come up now and in the future. I have quite a bit more to say about the subject of maintenance and housekeeping as well but, it can wait for another day!

Will you post your solution when you get there? Thanks!