With a nice clean space like that you can go a lot of different ways. I would start by looking at shower curtains, because they can become the focal point. When you find one or two (or more) that you like, you can play off of the colors in the curtain to find the color towels, bath mat, and even wall color. Some ideas: You could go classic black and white, with a touch of something bright if you want for an accent (like the fuscia in the photo) Or something "spa-like," in acqua and cream. Or you could go bright, with teal and lime green. Another classic look: tan walls, white and/or tan towels and bathmat, simple white accessories. Good luck!

A 3x3 shower is too big. Definitely less intimate. I like the second plan! What did you decide to do?

Lighting - pendants over the servery bench should be another feature that complements your chosen kitchen surfaces. So whilst I love the copper pendants in picture 1.. They could work depending on the rest of your decor and would be a highlight in a neutral white/timber kitchen = Good! If you choose copper you would complement it with a couple of copper bench top items. These are beautiful! (I collect copper because I love it, my kitchen pendants are silver, I renovated to sell in the next 3-5 years) You will see a picture starting to form in your mind and there is nothing wrong with making a statement with your lighting. I found that when I wasn't sure I would get a very strong sense of what was right and what was wrong for a space, then common sense or passion would determine the outcome! Here are another couple that might work, look her on Houzz under lighting, search pendants, then have fun looking!Timber tones with black or white to complement your cabinets... or Statement white pendants for a bit of quirky fun! Your personality can be reflected in your lighting and accessories creating that point of difference from the predictable white on timber look. Plus don't forget the power of greenery to punctuate the theme!

Add colour . Please add colour haha . Just a thought though , instead of paint ( its a bit hard for me to visualise everything from your description -- I am a visual person ) how about maybe those translucent blue looking tiles ( yes , I know , extra cost ) , you may even 'frame' them in the white tiles to tie in with the shower , or possibly do the blue instead of the white , or even do the shower in them , and have the rest your 'white' walls . And when I say about those tiles , you can get them in square or subway or even long skinny ones , or even long and skinny but with long skinny darker blue and brushed ali ones too -- in other words , have fun and add interest !