Definitely the first one because you can operate it with one had and keep the selector arm at the 'warm' position for convenience. With the second one you have to use two hands to mix the warm and cold. Too fussy (and old fashioned!). It's not a matter of style (both are gorgeous) but ease of function.

I have two sets for each of the three bedrooms so couples staying can easily tell which towels are whose. They match or blend with the decor of the bedroom and the bathroom/shower room. I love colourful towels and I love colourful patterned towels even more. They can be hard to find and when I find them, I buy.

I used white 40x15cm tiles in my shower, fixed brick-bond, landscape, and almost black grout. The tiler said it took him longer than usual to make sure it looks neat and it's pristine. Agree with all comments about flooring - I inherited cream floor tiles with cream grout on my ground floor. Horrendous - just don't look too closely :-) x

I vote for leather. It is all about long lasting, easy care, looking good for a long time.