We didn't want to sacrifice style for practicality........but we also have to face the fact that this isn't our forever home, so high-end designs choices (such as these hexagon carrara marble tiles I'm still obsessed with) don't necessarily have to happen now. This bathroom has to be tough enough to withstand an 80 lb dog who has a penchant for hiding/scuffling in the bathroom during thunderstorms, and it could possibly be a kids' bathroom down the road.
So we chose a textured ceramic tile (durability + no sealing necessary = yay) in a plank size. I know this look isn't for everyone (and I hope I don't sound defensive in my explanation above) but we are pretty pleased with the final product.
The tiles are still a bit dusty so the texture doesn't translate well, but there's a subtle concrete look to the planks. Is our house the place where gray tiles go to die, as we also installed it in the upstairs bathroom and the kitchen? Some might call it safe, but I call it consistency. <------- insert sarcasm font here
wall color: Benjamin Moore Gray Owl color matched in Sherwin Williams Harmony No VOC paint
tiles: Crossville Ceramic Co from The Great Indoors, 6 x 24 planks (color: Lead) promo $9/sq ft (originally $14/sq ft)
grout: Lowe's (warm gray)