Bathroom Improvement

Tile is 8″ squares w/dark brown grout. Tile around tub & sink is beige w/med brown mixed in. Tub is gold which I can’t change. I will change sink to white?

I was told to leave a 1/4 inch space between tile and walls/tub. Does this mean NO GROUT between tile and walls? That was my understanding until someone at a home improvement store told me to grout up to the walls and tub because ceramic tile doesn’t expand or contract. If he’s right, please tell me (because I went ahead and did what he said, hoping he’s right). BUT if he’s wrong, how much empty space (no grout, no tile, no thin set) do I leave between the tile and the walls and tub? Also, if I do need space, what’s the best way to remove grout?

My boyfriend is doing a bathroom and the theme is raiders we live in los angeles so if any one has any idea where i can find something please let me know..

I have three different kinds of ceramic tile. I am on a budget so I plan on using the tile that I was given for free. I believe I can design a nice looking bathroom so I am looking for information on random tile work. Or is this possible. A friend of mine tiled his kitchen floor with random pieces of tile. I need any information on how this can possibly be achieved.