brown is another 'neutral' color that works with black and white scheme. Would be helpful if you can provide photos or links to the samples you have chosen.

I'm quite lucky that we have quite a large bathroom for over here. There all normally so small in older homes! I have a a lot of space to fill and was only going to use the tiles in the bath and on the floor. I find fully tiled bathrooms very very confining. White wall for the rest, apparently, according to the design guru. But it's ok, I've been told when it comes time to decorate the garage I can have whatever I want!!!!

Where could I find wood grain wall tiles (as pictured), in Auckland? Need them for a kitchen backsplash / herringbone pattern.

I wouldn't do skirtings . I'd do the floor tile for '1 tile' up the wall ( assume they are 200 x 200 or 300 x 300 -- cut them if 400 or 600 ) . Personally , I'd probably even do the 'silver' tiled areas in that 1 height darker tile too , as it would make the whole room look more 'level' , but thats up to you and your tiler .