if you don't want to risk it, how about painting over it? You could do it an accent color and not worry about matching the current tile.

Here is a link that might be useful: painting ceramic tile

Thank you for the link - it mentions painting not being a good choice for a shower. This is definitely in the wet zone. Has anyone successfully painted ceramic tile in the shower? I'm a bit skeptical that it would be durable.

sorry, I didn't read it...but keep searching google for other sites about it. I would think if you sanded the tile/prepped carefully and maybe even put a couple of coats of clear sealer on over your paint choice that it could work. I'd think it was worth a try - if you need to figure out how to rip it out later - (if it doesn't hold up) then you aren't out much.

Here's another idea...don't know if you just have a border to cover, but I'd also think about trying something like this. Again, not much work, not much expense and the decals say they are steam and moisture resistant.

Here is a link that might be useful: decals for shower

Especially if there's greenboard behind the tile-- even if it's in good shape, you're taking a huge risk chopping out tile that's been there that long. If it were cement board, I might chance it, depending on the accent tiles, the condition of the shower, etc.. But in your case, I'd be real leary of taking anything off the walls, unless you're prepared to tear everything down to studs and redo it.

How about this? It seems like the small kit could cover the accent, and worth a try. it even says you can do sinks and shower pans. The color chips look weird to me beige looks peach and steel is baby blue. I wonder if it is my monitor or if the colors are true.

Here is a link that might be useful: Tile paint

Thanks for the responses- I think we'll buy a shower curtain and call it a day. The tile is a bit feminine but the solutions seem risky and I have no interest in replacing the shower.

How about using these tile "tattoos"? Some even let you upload your own design.

Here is a link that might be useful: tile decals