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bethr09 If you're wondering what is on the door - it's carpet. No big deal. Can't wait to rip that down either, what are people thinking?

pruner Hey - your tiles are not a patch on the 80s 'classics' that could be there...! Assuming all the current wall tiles are 'sound' and you aren't thinking of tiles up to the ceiling, there's a few options depending on how 'hands-on' you want to be and how long you'll be looking at the end result. (The wall space above the tiles can be painted however boldly you'd like to go).
1) paint with the appropriate primer and top coats which lasts quite well, even in a shower recess, but the paint fumes are strong! Most economical option and it's DIY friendly.
2) rip off what you have and re-tile, which could also lead to ripping out and replacing the wall surface, sealing and waterproofing as well - best left to the professionals, or
3) it is possible to tile over what you have, although the surface needs to be well prepared (cleaned and primed for adhesive)... risky if you have large and/or heavy tiles - refer to Point 2 re the walls.

If you are thinking of floor-to-ceiling tiles, again see point 2.

bethr09 I guess I failed to mention that the wall tiles must come down. Just moved here and found out that the shower is not properly waterproofed. After hours of reading about how to do this, I feel very confident, but can't pick out a design. Tile or wainscoting? If tile, I'm thinking 1'x1' (so there is some contrast between the floor and the wall) but I just don't know. Especially if I should go half up or all of the way up?

mswilder If the wall tile is in good condition and it is just the color that bothers you, the most economical option is to have a professional come in and refinish it; a process much like painting and sealing the tile. It will look like brand new tile and only takes a couple days. I've seen it done in a room very much like yours,similar textured deco band and the very outdated color, resurfaced in a new white color and it looked spectacular. It was only a few hundred dollars verses a re-do at triple the cost. I believe you can even do the floor too, so your walls and floor could match. It may not be the 20+ year solution, but it certain would make it more attractive for a number of years until you can afford a real re-do.

Also, re-doing your shower does NOT mean that you need to remove the balance of the wall tiles. The walls of a bathroom aren't typically waterproofed at all. It is the rare house where a waterproofing has been installed under the flooring and up the walls 4-6" to protect the subfloor and walls in the event of a tub overflow.

Are you 100% sure you have a shower waterproofing problem and not plumbing that is leaking? You don't have photos of the shower, but many older showers are mudded rather than cement board and those rarely have waterproofing issues. Is your caulking in good shape? Caulking is the final piece of most waterproofing systems and often the most neglected by homeowners.

If you are planning a DIY of your shower, understand in advance that no matter how much reading and planning you do, unless you've done this before you should expect it to take three times longer and cost twice as much as you estimate. I do not recommend a shower re-do for any beginning DIYer.

olldbobbi How old is your wall tile? I see an old rad and window, make sure your tiles don't contain lead before you start your project.

Tiles with a great design will keep your room interesting, see if you like any of these: http://www.houzz.com/photos/products/grey-tile

Susan Jablon Mosaics Hi behr09, why not try a mosaic blend that includes grey and white but also color(s) of your choice? These are some examples of 1x1" tiles you said you were interested in. You can also make your own color combination in our Mosaic Designer: http://www.susanjablon.com/designer/mosaic-designer.html

Lynn Oxenford The wall tile needs to go, and the floor tile also. I'm including a link that shows a high wainscot and a 12 x12 floor. This will work well on a budget. The wainscot is high, witch will cover any wall flaws by going to the height of the existing tile heigh. You want believe how the large floor tiles will make the room appear larger . These tiles often can be purchased at very little cost. Check you local home improvement . But do keep the colors light, darker colors will close the room up. If you need a masculine feel to the room, and chocolate hardware and photo frames/artwork. I hope this helps, and good luck with your project.

Natalie Hello-it's a small bath and you're starting over from scratch---think neutral, clean, serene, and minimal yet interesting. Photo for reference-walls-tub-floor-lighting-shelf/art... Good Luck![houzz=
]

avnetd1 I think you should go with white wainscoting. It is classic, timeless, and goes with everything. If you want color, bring it in on the walls or the shower curtain/towels/rugs. Plus I'm pretty sure it will be cheaper due to a less labor-intensive installation.

Kristine Livingston I agree, keep the new wall tile a different size so that it doesn't look unintentional. Sometimes two very similar but not exact sizes look like you were trying to match but failed. I love the mosaic mentioned early, but you could also 1x4 tiles or random patterns on the wall. As for color - don't bother trying to match the floor (again, unintentional) and do something that compliments it like slate blue or gray or yellow.

Should I Go Or Should I Stay Hi, I know your desparation, been there - done that.
I would suggest you paint the grout on the floor with BIN(white or off white) and then treat it with a coupe coats of sealer; it will take the emphasis away from the grid like look.
Then install wainscotting to the same height as the current tile or to about 16" from the ceiling and paint it white(choose a soft hue, not stark white. Also paint the radiator the same colour. Then remove the hardware from the cabinet, fill, sand and paint it (mini roller works well) I would probably choose an off white colour a bit lighter than the top. Crystal knobs may work well (I am guessing this is a 1930's home); do not put the new ones in the middle of the door; install them in the usual kitchen cupboard location. Replace the towel bar, tissue paper holder and wall sconces with black or oil rubbed bronze ones. The light fixtures would look nice if they had a glass shade. Have towel bars on both sides of cabinet. Paint the wall shelf the same white as the wainscotting and lower it over the radiator. Replace the taps with vintage looking chrome ones. Replace the mirror. Oval shape may be best.
The space above the winscotting rail can be painted or papered depending on your taste I would like to see a light greyish green or blue - or a light gray with beigy brown tone; depending on towels and shower curtain choices and also the paint colour chosen for the cabinet.
You really have to put it all together colourwise before you start the job.
Good luck.

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bethr09 Thanks for all of the helpful comments! We are sure that plumbing is not the issue. Will update with finished project.