I like this tile as well. Very sleek and mod looking. I would consider running it vertically instead of the picture horizontal pattern. It might give the illusion of more height in the shower surround. The color is great. If you are worried about it being "too much," you could always see if they have the same tile in a different shade and mix the two or doing one wall in a contrasting (lighter) color. I personally like it as long as you have good lighting.

I am not sure how deep and bright the two colors are that you each have selected but I might suggest that you pick a green and blue that are soft rather then intense colors. My favorite paints are ones that are made by Restoration Hardware. Of course you can get any paint company to help you achieve very similar colors. Look up Restoration Hardware and see if there are greens and blues that you each like. Most of their colors work with each other. Have fun..........

OK... but the wire wont be lower as it is fixed now. The wire in the pics below is the wall facing each other. They were leveled on equal height but the beam on one wall makes it seem a little above. But i think you guys are absolutely right that up and down lights wont look good there. I think you are right about down lights lessismoore. Would it look good if i go with two different lights on opposite walls??? it would look odd right.

you are thinking about the space right now. it looks odd, no doubt. 1) when you fill in with the furniture, just make sure the three steps are hidden. 2) consider three potted plants of different height, so the rectangle is complete. 3) glass bowl with Siamese fighting fish for each step 4) figurines of different heights 5) 2inch square wooden bar on each step up to the top of the rectangle. and complete the entire rectangle if you want with a smaller rectangle open in the center my suggestion is, there is a reason why this space ended up like this. it will look great once you put something there. things like these are what make your house unique.