[jfleury]

I have to install tile in the shower area. There is a window and I am concerned by the aesthetic of the finished project. Since the window is at eye level, I was thinking about starting the tiling at the base of the window and cut the tiles at the bottom. What do you think?

[smoothy]

Depending on tile size, window opening size, distance to the tub, tile spacing... work on layouts that can avoid unequal tile cuts at the window, or excessively small tile size at the tub. Its going to take time to find a balance that will work.

Will the window have the wood framing or will it be wrapped with tile flush to the window?

There are several options open to you and it's a matter of knowing exactly what you plan to do, how you plan to do it... and finding the right balance that is the most appealing aesthetically.

I have textured glass (vinyl fame windows) in that window in my bathrooms, and I wrapped the corners to the window frame.

Another thing to consider... is thermal expansion. Are these walls wood framed or cinderblock?

I had both. And had grout cracking problems on the Cinderblock wall mostly in winter... I have to ceal the grout out of that seam where the tile wraps arounf the frame and used a matching flexible grout. That cured my problem once and for all.

[dimorphous]

I always make my cuts at the tub or the floor since they are rarely level. Don't make the rookie mistake of starting at the floor. You can draw a level line anywhere and start by putting a board that you have screwed to the wall and using that to hold the tile up. Then when the tile is dry, remove the board and continue installing. Layout is mostly dependent upon your personal visual taste, but it is considered a good installation when the cuts are even on both sides. If the window is not center, I personally would not use my whole layout from that point. It is your call.