Tile man should have discussed pattern with you before he did it. He is responsible for fixing it. With my clients I have them sign off on everything so there are no errors. Does he work for the tile store? If so you could complain to them. Otherwise you need to tell tile man he assumed wrong.

While I agree with the comments above, a staggered install *is* more common, and a reasonable assumption on his part (if you want to allow for assumptions, which is a big 'if', I agree.)

That said - offsets keep the tile from looking TOO linear and grid-like - which, unless you have a grid elsewhere that you're looking to play off or emphasize or connect, will be an unusual and noticeable pattern that will detract from the tile's beauty, in my opinion. If you want people to notice the install, do a brick install. If you want people to notice the tile itself, you're absolutely fine with an offset pattern that allows the wall to 'flow' as a unit, instead of being columns of tile. Hope that makes sense and helps you get your head around the way it was done.

If you get a chance, upload a photo and let us see it1 Best....A.

I should also clarify that I don't think 1/3 offset is awful! I was talking about the principle of the thing--your wishes should have been addressed and discussed and nothing installed until you were on board with the layout.

I commend you for choosing subway tile since it's beautifully simple and timeless and you'll never regret it as you would if you had chosen something more trendy.

It's just that you're going to be looking at this for years to come, and I don't want you to have negative feelings about it. If it really bothers you, then by all means pursue the installer to fix it. If you truly accept the way it looks, then that is the best scenario, for sure.

What color is the grout? Using a matching grout would minimize the pattern.

PH is right - white tiles with white grout will look less busy than with a colored grout.

The 1/3 offset subway tile is exactly what I would have done. I am presently having white subway tile with a light gray grout installed in my kitchen and I am doing the same. I would not have considered the brick pattern as I feel it looks like a grid. If it is any consolation, the 1/3 offset is a very popular choice and although you are feeling a little unsure because it is not what you expected, I bet it looks fantastic.