Thanks everyone.
I also worked with a plumber friend to update the plumbing as part of my project, so I could move to a more modern valve setup, move the shower head a bit higher, and install a shut-off valve behind the wall.
My only regret is that I used white grout - it never looks clean.
Thanks for sharing! I like the height of my showerhead, and I already have plumbing access through a panel in the back of a closet in an adjoining room. What did the change in the valve setup do for you?
My plan is white subway tile, so I was thinking white grout, but maybe I should go with a grey? The overall look I'm going for is retro 1920s-30s, as my house was built in 1919 and I really like the bungalow vibe it has in some parts. Here's what I'm thinking:
(Actually, this photo is very much like my bathroom, right down to the window in the shower and the little back-of-the-tub shelf.)
When I’ve done my bathrooms I’ve observed the time really depends on your design choices. What kind of shelving: niche(s) in a wall or triangular shelves in a corner? Are you going to bullnose any edges? Are you incorporating any mosaics or different directions of tile work? It doesn’t cost extra once you have the tile, but the time commitment really can vary the more imagination you have with your design--it is the best part about DIY (on top of not arguing with anyone but yourself).
I also used Kerdi as the waterproofing in my bathrooms.
Just in case you weren’t already planning on it--really consider tiling all the way up to the ceiling. It really makes the room seem taller.
About the schedule: I have the whole week off from work, so if it takes the full week, that's fine, just less than ideal to have the bath out of commission for that time. After that, I'd have to turn it over to my saw-guy (who is off longer) and my husband.
I'm not planning to install any shelving except that I'm keeping a small shelf between the back of the tub and the wall (almost exactly like the photo). There's currently a piece of stone there that's in great shape that I'm just going to reuse, although I may need to rebuild the frame underneath depending on condition. Only planning to bullnose the outer trim, not anything around the window or elsewhere.
I appreciate the input on going up to the ceiling, but it's not really the look I'm going for. I'm looking for more bungalow-retro, in keeping with the rest of my house. (Or, how I eventually want the rest of my house to look.)
Really look into denshield as it is basically waterproofed dry wall. So much easier to work with then backer board.
DensShield looks perfect for my application; the cost isn't that much more when you factor in the time and extra materials of a separate barrier. Did you use this, or do you know of any reliable reviews? (Also going to look into any thoughts on the John Bridge forums.)