I adore this, especially in a narrow space where you can focus on how pretty it is, without being overwhelmed by the pattern.

These tile vault posts are interesting, thanks. Not much help with choosing a new bathroom floor though - every time I see one I think "oooh, that would be cool!", only to change my mind when the next one is posted... :)

Rather off topic, but if anyone has experience of cork or bamboo flooring in a (relatively) splash-free bathroom, I'd love to know.

I grew up with a laminated cork flooring in the kitchen and bath...wonderful stuff!

From what I've read about cork flooring, it's not meant for bathrooms. If the plan was to use it in a half bath then I don't see a problem.

Thanks Aaron. I'm definitely going to put it in the kitchen once I get the cash together and I've been hemming and hawing about the bathroom, a full rip-out of which is imminent. Internet searches throw up a mix of "bathroom, no problem if it's properly sealed" and "bathroom, don't go there". I'm a non-splashy careful kind of a person so if your folks managed to bring kids up on it, I think I'll give it a try.
Cheers.

I'm not American so I'm afraid I'm not sure what a half bath is... The room in question just has a bathtub with a shower screen and a basin. Is that a half bath?

Laurita, you can definitely use cork in the bathroom -- you can even put it in the shower! Check out these cork pennyrounds, very cool:
http://www.modwalls.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=19

(and yes, it all comes down to proper sealing)

A half bath is a bathroom with just a toilet and sink (no bath or shower)

The penny rounds are great. Next bit of indecision: trying to decide whether to try and track down something interesting like that in France or stick to good ol' tile...
Thanks for your help.