14. Above-counter basins and vessels are today's hot choice for adding elegance to otherwise ordinary vanities. These sinks work equally well in baths with contemporary, traditional, Asian, and eclectic personalities. Note that vessel sinks require higher backsplashes and taller or wall-mount faucets.

15. The flexible design options of open showers continue to inspire homeowners. If you choose this kind of shower, plan abundant ventilation at the shower entry to prevent humidity from afflicting bathroom surfaces such as the vanity.

16. Squeezing laundry features into a bath lets you wash clothes right in the room where they tend to pile up. A stacked washer and dryer unit is a space-savvy way to make a bath double as a laundry room; these units require a space about 27 inches wide and 27 inches deep.

17. Some whirlpool tubs and power showers require a plumbing upgrade. Designer or European fixtures often require 3/4-inch pipes instead of the standard 1/2-inch. If you buy a luxury shower, which can use 9 gallons of water per minute, you may need to buy a second water heater as well.

18. Flooring options. In a recent National Association of Home Builders survey of customer preferences, prospective homeowners ranked the following materials as their top choices for bathroom flooring: 53 percent ceramic tile, 31 percent vinyl, 7 percent carpet.

19. Wood can work in bathrooms. Wood tubs and sinks are possible thanks to special stabilizing and polishing processes, epoxy resins, and the use of water-resistant woods such as teak. Check each product's fabrication process and warranty. Wood is also a flooring option, but you'll need to prevent puddles and expect some shifting of planks.

20. Wall color plays a vital role in determining whether your bath lives large or small. Soft, airy hues open up a room significantly, while flashier, rich tones are a sure way to shrink a space.

21. The design concept of work zones is as practical in baths as it is in kitchens. Thinking of bath space in terms of a toilet area, bathing area, and sink area leads to plans that let multiple users use different parts of the bath concurrently.

22. Elongated toilets are considered more comfortable than round ones, but they occupy more space.

23. Claim adjacent space. If you're looking to grow your master bath, you might not have to look far. Designers often turn to seldom-used closets and bedrooms when seeking space for a bath expansion.

24. An easy way to add luxury to a bath is by installing a radiant floor heating system, which costs $4-$6 per square foot. Adding a timer lets you set the heater to provide a warm surface for the first footsteps of the morning.

25. If you're adding the relaxing power of a steam shower to your bath, the key is finding a place for the steam generator, which requires its own cold water and electrical supplies and drain. The generator must be within 50 feet of the shower but can be located in a closet, vanity, basement, or heated attic. Costs vary based on installation and shower features, but Dan Reinert, vice president of sales and marketing for the Sussman Corp., which manufactures MrSteam and MrSauna, recommends allocating an additional $2,500 to a bath project that will include a steam shower.