Polished chrome is classic, low maintenance and less expensive than nickel. If fingerprints, watermarks or bath products such as toothpaste get on chrome, they are easily removable with soap and water without leaving stains. On the other hand, nickel requires more rigorous upkeep. For example, here are the Care & Maintenance instructions from Newport Brass (they make Restoration Hardware fixtures) "General instructions for cleaning and caring for your faucets and bathroom fittings. Our faucets and bath fittings are made of solid brass and are of the finest quality. To maintain the finish on these items, please do not use any abrasive cleaners, rubbing alcohol, ammonia, detergents, brass or silver polish which will scratch the surface. Clean with a soft damp cloth. Applying a coating of a non-abrasive liquid wax to the clean surface of the product will protect the finish. Brass ProTech, product of Brasstech, Inc., can be used on all types of decorative painted and plated finishes. Simply apply Brass ProTech with a soft cloth and let it dry. Remove by rubbing gently with a soft dry cloth. Brass ProTech does not contain harsh abrasives. We highly recommend using Brass ProTech regularly on items finished in Polished Nickel (15), Satin Nickel (15S), Polished Silver (25) and Satin Silver (25S). Do not allow soap scum or minerals in water to build up on the surface finish of your faucets or bath fittings (including toothpaste). These will gradually wear away the protective coating or finish and diminish the beauty of your products. Living Finishes and Uncoated Finishes 03W, 08W, 25 and 25S are living finishes. 03N is an uncoated finish. Depending on maintenance and use, these finishes will naturally weather and change color. Our warranty does not cover living or uncoated finishes. Finish colors can vary and change in color is unpredictable." I recommend chrome in one of the many classic styles available to complement your carrara bathroom.

Well you posted this several months ago, but I thought I would make suggestions anyway. Hope you don't mind. In order to stay with or keep in mind the style of the shelves I would first change out the towel rack and TP holder to a chrome, or brushed nickel finish. Or get something that goes with the water faucet on the sink. If you are going to paint the wood around the shower base, paint the window trim and pieces of baseboard that are wood as well. I agree with using a gray color that adalisa, above mentioned. Maybe paint your vanity a darker gray, or even a shade of black, like your shelves to tie it in. That's it for me.

Lindsey, I see you have a couple inspiration boards, use ideas for colors, styles, finishes, faucets, counter tops, etc for your new home, just on a smaller scale. Maybe find your dream bath and copy those finishes into your small space. Vanities ideas could include an antique piece repurposed. Tile can be cold, yet, carpet and wood do not do well in wet areas. With that said, there are heating systems available now that are installed beneath the tile to take the chill off. My other trick is using one large rug runner to almost fill the size of the area instead of tiny bath mats.

This made me laugh: http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/09/seagull-turns-orange-after-falling-into-vat-of-chicken-tikka-masala I couldn't copy the picture, but it's hilarious.