It is a little overwhelming to start. You have the functionality aspect of planning the bathroom and then the fixtures/look aspect. I definitely find it less exciting to research the functionality options but that usually ends up being where I wished I spent more time. For the functional - some of the things I think I remember is making a decision - do you want your vanity standard at I think 30 inches (this is our hall bath) our taller at 34 1/2 (our masterbath), or even taller at 36". The 34 1/2 is definitely more comfortable for me than when I use the 30" tall vanity in the hall. Someone else made the point of working around the pipes with the drawer so you can gain more storage. I wasn't able to get that in the cabinet line and every time I see the false drawers I think of what can't be stored there. You may also want to think, where else can you get more storage. In one case - had a niche build in the wall and added a glass shelf - this it the side wall that is next to the vanity. With the fan - someone mentioned making sure it vents properly thru the roof. In addition to that, you may want to see if a skylight is possible and how much it would cost. I wasn't a big skylight person (worried it would leak), but now I love having the extra light in the bathroom and extra ventilation. Not sure if you decided on a grab bar for the shower. Also if you are going with a shower niche (they have the plastic molds that can be tiled into the shower - I think that is easier for contractors to work with, but it is defined sizes) For the fixtures - I used faucetdirect with no problem and did a lot of online shopping. Where I had problems was with the valves and drains and I am not sure if that was because I didn't utilize the sales people enough or that you had to be familiar with my setup specifically to know which product. In one case, the drain wasn't quite right even though it was recommended to go with the tub. The contractor made it work. In another, luckily my contractor told me to order the pop-up drain for the sink. That's another one that doesn't necessarily match for me online. Since my faucet controls were in the wall, I needed the popup drain in the sink. With the valves, in a custom shower, I didn't do my homework on the 1/2 inch versus 3/4 inch and that I needed a transfer valve to switch between the handheld and the main shower. Last thing - I think the tile from HD or Lowes is fine. Tile can get pricey and that is where I wish I had found something that looked nice but was less expensive. If you do want to splurge on something - maybe look into the Benjamin Moore Bath and Spa line paint. It is made for bathrooms and has a matte finish.

Oh, it really does have a public restroom look with the grey primer on the walls! The gray was only temporary, but now it is making me work quicker on making a decision. I started laughing when I read that response, because it was tooo funny and tooo true! I'm really wanting the black and white toile paper, but dh is leaning towards a black and white damask. andrea mentioned using a stencil to get the effect, is this possible? I found some really lovely ones in the stencil link below. I will post some of the wallpapers I'm considering too. Thank you so much for your help!! Here is a link that might be useful: stencils

Thank you! I had the stool made. I love how it came out! I'm having one made for my girlfriend now. The curved balls are Bocci Lights 14 series. I'll post a closer picture so you can see them. And the tiny lights on the floor - I got that idea from a picture on Houzz! And here's a pic of our old bath while remodeling

One little thing I noticed that you might want to consider for your tower. I saw that there is an electrical outlet outside your husband's tower vanity. You might consider having it inside yours, if it is not too late. This way you can plug your electric tooth brush (if you use one) and keep it hidden inside the tower.