I think once grouted they will look gorgeous and different from the usual subway tiles, I think you will love them, they look great, they are so lovely how he has laid them and they look beautiful, nice change from the overused subway tiles that you see everywhere.

Thank you Julie, your comment is really helpful. I hope I will learn to love them too. I’ve been thinking that if in 6 months I can’t live with them then I’ll just get them done again.

I think the tiler has done a beautiful job.

Yes, he is very thorough and takes his time. I agree his work is very good.

Dear jillmckay428, I think you have two options here:

1. you ask your tiler to take the tiles down again, that is, demolish his work. It does mean though that you ill need to provide him with more tiles and will have to pay him again for his work. He will also have to waterproof behind the new tiles again and potentially fix any damages to the plasterboard that occurred during the demolition. A lot of work and money but in my mind work it if you really are after the staggered tile look.

2. You make the best of the situation as it is and learn to love it as the previous comments suggested. Maybe you could add that little bit of extra spark through a coloured grout? That looks great with stacked white tiles as you have. Mapei grout have an amazing range of coloured grout. Or go with a dark grey/charcoal grout and black tapware for a minimalistic look?

The key point in design and construction, that includes even smaller projects like your tiling job, is good and clear communication. Show plans, or otherwise pictures, of how you want to have a job done, sit with the trade for a while to make sure all is clear or, if you can't stick around, ask them to send you photos of the job once they started.

I hope my tips will help you in moving forward, all the best, Alexandra

It is so annoying how so many tradies (who do these jobs ALL the time) fail to communicate with their clients (who DONT ) about what they are actually after. There are so many ways these tiles could be laid, for future reference, what you were after was "horizontal running bond", but the tiler arranged them horizontal "stacked" bond. ...anyway... @Ansari Architects have made a good point. If you dont have the resources to take them all down, see this as an opportunity to do something different. However, if you dont like the look of them at the moment, I dont think you are going to like the look of them with a charcoal grey grout. If the rest of your bathroom is white and that's how you like it, go for white grout and distract from the pattern with a lovely hanging plant in the corner there. Or be different, push the boat out and turn the tiles into a feature you will love by using a pretty pastel or even glitter grout. I dont really like contrast grout with the horizontal running bond style tile layout, I think it looks too busy, but I think it would be fab with what you have, especially with that blank tall section. Just some ideas to throw around :)

I love them this way. I think the usual subway tiling is overdone and in a few years time we will be able to date houses by the subway tiles in the bathroom. I much prefer the way your tiler has laid them and feel it is a more classic and timeless style. The symmetry of it is really pleasing to the eye. I love them! I hope you can learn to love them too. Maybe do an image search of stacked bond subway tiles and see some bathrooms using this style. I'm sure you will be inspired.

I think you will love them, have a look at these beautiful bathrooms. Yours will look just as gorgeous.

What floor tiles are you having and can you post a couple of extra photos, love the tiles laid that way, everything is new again from the 70's

I love the tiles the way the tiler has laid them. Would stick to white grout though. They won't date and would look amazing with a hanging plant as @Pleased to Bijou Design has suggested. I hope you grow to love them!

It's not right or wrong either way. It's personal preference. I think it will look fine when grouted - but if it's not really what you wanted use a light coloured grout to soften it off, rather than accentuate the lines.

I was going to have the pink subway tiles in my granddaughter’s powder room done the common way but I prefer the way yours are as it seems crisper and more modern . I do like the idea of the coloured grout .

I think it looks much better that standard Subway tiles, which are so over done and common.

I love your tile layout, I am now changing my plans so have the same. Just looks so more modern. I bet they look gorgeous with the grout done.

I am glad you are feeling more comfortable with your tiles. It takes some metal adjustment when you have envisioned something else. I hope you put up some pictures when the room is finished. I think it will look lovely.

Yes, I will definitely put pics up when it's all done. Thanks everyone.

KIS they look fine. Subway tiles are overdone. Bathroom I have had 600x300 white gloss wall tiles, white grout and they look clean crisp with a simple upgrade. Floor is neutral warm tone with soft grey grout. It is not a full wall tile job and looks fine. Having back to wall corner bath decina natalia.

I'm so glad you are happy to keep these and did not use fancy grout. Over 50 years ago when I built my first house, standard bathroom tiles were 6 inch square ones and I wanted something different. Subway tiles (although they weren't called that back then) were appearing but they were all laid as yours are and I never regretted using them once - in fact until reading your dilemma, I had never connected my tiles with subway tiles which I've never liked. The subway tile fad will pass but I think you will find them timeless laid this way.

I’m seeing these tiles everywhere now! https://www.houzz.co.nz/photos/collingwood-warehouse-apartment-phvw-vp~139941995