There is at least one other option: the Ikea Lillangen (sp?) sink, if you're happy with a modern look. We were strongly considering a vessel sink for a small bath, were having a hard time finding a cabinet that fit (we were limited in depth) and that we liked (and could afford), and went with that instead. We've been surprised how many compliments we've received on it. I really like the look of vessel sinks but they're all over the place now -- in hotel rooms and public bathrooms -- and I can't help but wonder if there is a risk that they've "peaked" and in a few years might take on that "dated trend" look. One argument for a pedestal sink is that there is very little risk of it ever looking dated. If you do get a vessel sink, make sure it has a overflow hole, or have an expert plumber who is used to them and can make other venting arrangements. A friend didn't, and it wouldn't drain!

You only need to cut a hole for the drain - we didn't use any silicone or anything to seal it to the countertop but you could if you wanted. I just didn't like the way it looked. The flat bottom just means you do have to clean it more often, since toothpaste and soap don't wash down as quickly, they stick to the porcelain and dry there making the sink look scummy. I will offer one other word of warning - make sure your vessel sink has an overflow drain. Ours did not and while its not a problem in our house, if we had kids we would have had a flood seven times over. [EDIT: I googled that sink and it looks like it does have an overflow. Also, now that I think of it caulking the bottom would probably be a good idea w kids so water doesn't get under there and get nasty.] This post was edited by Swentastic on Thu, Jul 24, 14 at 14:39

Thanks for the reply, writersblock. The sink has an integrated faucet hole so that I don't need to mount a faucet on the counter or wall, the faucet can mount directly onto the sink. It's hard to describe but the look that I'm going for is something similar to this, but in white and without the nearly 600$ price tag: http://vigoindustries.com/product/16-inch_aristo_single_bathroom_vanity_vg090101181k1# That sink is a drop in, my version would be taller.

Kali- very clever! You don't even notice the vent unless you're crawling on the ground. Speaking of...the bathroom is so small that I can't get a head on picture of the sink & toilet area. I'll sketch a mock up of how it is, using graph paper. Correctly this time, because... I made a major, major error in the floor plan that I posted. I have a total of 46" of wall space from the corner to the edge of the tub. 46" for toilet and vanity, not the spacious 62" that I have in my sketch. I was basing my bathroom measurements on the upstairs bath...which was based on the downstairs bath but only in theory. In reality my downstairs bathroom is more like 6 1/2' deep, not 8'. Glorious. BTW- boy do I like the shower pic that you posted, Kali. Exactly what I have in mind. Marble (or marble-esque) shower walls, marble floor & saddle, white fixtures and dark grey walls. Will dark grey make the room look smaller? Is it even possible to make the room look any smaller? Do I even care at this point? The good news is that my better half and I have had a chance to discuss things and he's talked me down from the ledge. As long as we don't use the tub (he has "silenced" the leak) the downstairs bath reno doesn't have to be done immediately. I can have a few months to research, shop sales, use coupons, hunt for prices, etc.