There is no downside to putting the grout just between the whole tiles, it's really just a personal aesthetic choice. The glaze does go over the entire tile, so if you don't grout all over it, nothing bad will happen -- the tile is still "sealed" with the glaze-- it's not like water will soak in or something. It's just that one way of doing it will look more like a grid of textured tiles and the other will look like many individual little pieces -- more like a mosaic.

HI RinaI do agree I love jewelbox rooms, but I consider them more cosy ... and with a grey marble floor it goes all Versace Italianate! I am trying to balance the colours by bringing in a pattern on the covers rather than plain. I feel this will bring colour without overpowering the room. In the pictures I showed above, the rooms are basically neutral but the colour is brought in via pattern - I think this might be the way to go...Ideally a green or blue on a subdued grey would be the best, but I dont know what the market is like for Sumit...Cushions can do a lot to tie in the other white/grey elements.Shelley - navy is a good suggestion, but as Sumits area is quite tall and thin, trying to keep the general area light Any more suggestions most welcome. These are just ideas after all and Sumit will choose what works for the room in the end ;-)

Sorry, but would you really take advice from someone that hasn't seen even off color photos of all the materials you've selected or knows the floor plan of your kitchen. If you post photos of the color and door style of the cabinets and cabinet moldings, a photo or the the name of the coutertop (there are many types and styles of black countertops), the finish and style of the appliances, the flooring you have selected, and the floor plan of your kitchen, maybe you could get sensible advice along of course with a lot of less valuable input. Asking blind strangers to direct you isn't sensible.

Thanks One Plan for your recommendation. Would it be good to go for Herringbone pattern in hallway and in the open plan vinyl straight planks and then matching tile in the decking area. We have shortlisted karndean vinyl for open plan (Von Gogh Distressed Oak) althought not sure. Also what type of anti-slip material should I go for if I had to matching wooden look vinyl ?