I believe the reason the tiles work well with the cabinetry is because the tile is lite in color and flat, its not rustic unlike most terracotta. The expensive cabinets work fine with the floors because of the smooth finish. The floor here is the focal point of this room. The Interior Designer or whoever did this room, did a very nice job, keeping it very simple.

Tile is still the best thing for a walk-in shower to be waterproof. Neither the cork or hardwood will be. Think about installing a radiant floor under the tile like Sharon recommended. I like the NuHeat Radiant floor system the best.

First be okay with the fact the bathroom tiles might need to be replaced. All of them. Replacing them in the bathroom will have the least impact on the rest of the house and whatever comes out in one piece, can be stored for future cracks. Maybe you can find a similar color but a different size, so it won't look too awkward, just an idea. Taking out a cracked tile is quite easy. Put on some gloves and safety glasses and (carefully) smash the broken tile with a hammer. An old screwdriver or chisel will help you tilt the pieces out. Work from the hole outwards to remove the other tiles. Removing a good tile is nearly impossible. Assuming it is still glued firmly, I'd say impossible. But, if you want to try anyway, you'll need to mill out the grout and then figure out a way to lift the tile..

Will you be keeping the cork tiles on the floor? If so, make the countertop/bench top a similar color. They are both horizontal surfaces. Choose a color you like that has a bit of yellow in the base (ex: tomato red instead of crimson, or lime green rather than mint green).