Bathroom remodels are among the trickiest home remodeling projects you will tackle. They need to encompass all the functional requirements of a damp environment, include all the necessary amenities in one of the tightest spaces in the house, and be beautifully designed. Here are five tips to help you design your ideal bathroom.

1. Make sure you have enough storage for everything in the bathroom.
Keep the space uncluttered by creating a dedicated space for each set of things you have in the bathroom. Consider such features as a recessed niche for soaps and shampoos in the shower, a built-in medicine cabinet. Open shelving is becoming more popular as a way to display towels and other necessities and allows them to be easily accessible.

Above: Baskets corral smaller items on open shelving in this contemporary bathroom.

2. Use tile to define the overall look of your bathroom.
Subway tile sets a traditional tone, while glazed Moroccan tile, which has an appealing unevenness, creates a more exotic look.

Above: Heath Ceramics offers tiles in unusual sizes, for a bathroom that has a contemporary freshness. Shown here is an installation of 2-by-12-inch tiles, which can be stacked straight or subway-style.

3. For particularly small spaces, consider wall-mounting accessories and fixtures.

Reduce counter clutter by using wall-mounted faucet sets, soap dishes, cup holders, and shelving.

Above: The classic Weymouth Two-Handle High Arc Wall Mount Bathroom Faucet in brushed nickel from Moen, $386.40 at Home Depot.

4. Decide whether you want a pedestal sink or a traditional vanity.

The vanity is probably the most significant piece of furniture in the bath. A console with drawers provides extra storage, but a pedestal sink creates an airy feeling.

Above: With a frosted glass cabinet front and slender legs, the Sonia Europa Vanity takes up less visual space while providing storage.

5. Emphasize spa features in a new bath.

Take a cue from contemporary spa design and add touches such as shower seating. Also, allow each member of your family to customize the shower for themselves: Look for features such as adjustable bars and handheld showers.

Above: A bath in the H2hotel in Healdsburg, created by Marie Fisher Interior Design (a member of the Remodelista Architect/ Designer Directory) and Jen Gadiel Design, features an abundance of natural lighting. Image by Zubin Shroff.

Brought to you by Home Depot and Moen. Innovation never looked so good.

On our wish list: Steel Soap Dishes from the Farmer's Table in Japan, available in three sizes and wall-mountable. Prices range from ￥2,730 to ￥3,360, depending on size.

It's already being called the iPod of thermostats: the Nest Learning Thermostat. Invented by former iPod chief Tony Fadell, the new-age thermostat automatically adjusts your home’s heating and cooling based on your behavior (it even comes with a motion sensor, so that when nobody is at home it goes into "away" mode). The Nest Learning Thermostat is available for $249 at the company's online store.

Above: The Nest has a pleasingly retro shape based on the circular thermostats of yore.

Above: The Nest's circular surround is made of brushed stainless steel.

Noticed recently: classic clawfoot baths with black-painted exteriors, for a thoroughly modern effect.

Above: A bath in Sweden, via Emmas Design Blogg.

Above: A vintage bath painted black, via Salvage One.

Above: A simple bath photographed by Francois Halard.

Above: A bath painted glossy black at the Ace Hotel in Portland, OR.

Above: Black painted bath, black wall, and black window shade; photo by Melanie Acevedo.

Above: A bath via Apartment Therapy.

Above: Round window, black bath via Emmas Design Blogg.

A roundup of spa-like baths we've admired recently, which are from members of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory.

Above: A lush view in Louisiana, by Lang Architecture.

Above: A San Francisco house by Envelope A+D gets a sense of the outside while maintaining privacy.

Above: Overlooking the seaside in Montauk, NY, by Bates Masi + Architects. Photograph by Michael Moran.

Above: A bath in San Francisco by Cary Bernstein Architect brings the spa feeling home with a wood-slatted shower tray.

Above: CCS Architecture looked to Japanese bath houses for inspiration when creating this Palo Alto, CA, bath.

Above: Stelle Architects' wood-lined sauna. Photograph by Eric Piasecki.

Above: A bath in Croatia by Steven Harris Architects.

Above: A bath in Los Angeles by Michaela Scherrer Interior Design.

Above: A concrete bath niche by Michaela Scherrer Interior Design.

Above: A seed pod as soap holder; via Michaela Scherrer Interior Design.

Above: Gustave Carlson Design plays up textures in a Palo Alto bath, placing a stone wall behind a sculptural tub.

Above: Deborah Berke & Partners Architects created a fount of calm in a New York City loft.

Nothing conjures relaxation like a long soak in a traditional clawfoot tub.

Our roundup of classic freestanding tubs (all come without fittings, unless otherwise noted) are equally at home in traditional and modern bathrooms.

Above: Victoria and Albert's Cheshire Bath is crafted of a composite material called Englishcast, a blend of volcanic limestone and resin that results in a naturally white tub. It doesn't have a surface coating that can chip or peel, and has better insulating qualities than traditional cast-iron tubs. With white feet and a chrome drain, it's $1,785 at Home and Stone (other options available).

Above: Made of a composite material that provides thermal insulation, the Waterworks Empire Freestanding Bathtub is $9,280 at Waterworks.

Above: Victoria and Albert's York Bathtub is made of Englishcast with a high-gloss finish; $2,027 at Quality Bath.

Above: White House designer Michael Smith created the Town Bathtub for Kallista; $13,350, available through showrooms that carry Kallista.

Above: The Aston Matthews Astonian Rimini Roll Top Cast Iron Double Ended Bath comes with a primed and paint-ready finish; currently £736 (usually £921) through Aston Matthews.

Above: The three-layer enamel-coated, cast-iron Beaumont Freestanding Oval Bathtub is available with iron scroll feet (shown) or traditional claw feet; prices start at $9,018 at Waterworks.

Above: Made of cast iron with a white porcelain interior and a white enameled exterior, the Piedmont Pedestal Soaking Tub has a rolled rim and slipper-style ends for comfortable soaking. It comes with a floor-mounted tub filler and telephone-style handheld shower; $7,795 at Restoration Hardware.

Above: Drummonds' cast-iron baths, made by hand using traditional techniques, can be ordered in four finishes: raw, primed, polished, or painted with a choice of Sophie Conran paint colors; prices for the Spey Tub start at £2,825.

Above: The Palais Pedestal Soaking Tub is made of cast iron, coated with white porcelain on the interior and white enamel on the exterior. It includes faucet, telephone-style handheld shower, and necessary fittings; $4,150 at Restoration Hardware.

Above: For a relatively affordable classic clawfoot tub, consider the Randolph Morris 72-Inch Classic Clawfoot Tub. Made with traditional porcelain over cast-iron construction, it's $1,199.95 at Vintage Tub.

Waterworks admirers take note: the company recently introduced the Studio Collection, a more moderately priced line of plumbing fixtures.

We especially like the Flyte line, featuring faucets made of brass and available in two finishes: chrome and nickel. The most newsworthy element of this streamlined collection is its appealing price: Most of the new Studio pieces cost about half as much as the other Waterworks lines.

Above: From Waterworks' new Studio Collection, the Flyte Low Profile Three Hole Deck Mounted Lavatory Faucet with Metal Cross Handles starts at $535.

Above: Waterworks' Flyte Low Profile One Hole Deck Mounted Lavatory Faucet with Metal Lever Handles; $630.

Above: Waterworks' Flyte Low Profile Three Hole Deck Mounted Lavatory Faucet with Metal Lever Handles starts at $530.

Noticed (and admired) recently: carved stone sinks that function as sculpture.

Above: A polished marble cube in a house by Italian architect Maurizio Belli, with interiors by Domenico Mula. Photo by Gianni Basso via Kikette.

Above: A sink in a duplex designed by Paris-based architect Antonio Virga.

Above: A cylindrical sink in the Hotel Americano.

Above: We like the juxtaposition of the square and oval in a bath by UK architect Gavin Jackson; photo by Warren Smith.

Above: A large double sink from Italian architect Arturo Montanelli.

When it comes to kitchen sinks, we're admittedly opinionated: we favor deep, single-bowl models, capable of holding a dinner party's worth of dishes and accommodating oversize pots.

Here is a roundup of our favorite farmhouse sinks, including both apron-front and undermount styles. We've focused on white ceramic sinks (except for the last, which is cast iron), but many of those featured here are available in various widths and finishes. (For stainless steel options, see our post on 10 Easy Pieces: Stainless Kitchen Sinks).

Apron-Front Sinks

Above: In my Seattle remodel, I used Shaw's Original 3018 Fireclay Apron Front Sink from Rohl. It's a classic farmhouse sink, still individually made in Lancashire, England. The 30-inch-wide model is $1,147.50 at Home Click.

Above: The Shaw's Contemporary Classic Single Bowl Fireclay Sink offers the same handcrafted quality with more contemporary lines; $890.50 at Quality Bath.

Above: The Universal Fireclay Farmhouse Kitchen Sink features a convenient offset drain; $1,345 at Waterworks.

Above: Kallista's For Loft Sink by Michael Smith is a generous 40 inches wide; the fireclay sink is also available with a drainboard; $1,795 ($1,868 with the drainboard) through Kallista.

Above: The Whitehaus Collection Farmhaus Fireclay Duet Sink with an apron front measures 36 by 18 inches; $779.99 at Vintage Tub and Bath.

Above: Barclay's Fireclay White Single Bowl Farmer Sink with an offset drain; $699 at Home Click.

Above: A freestanding option, the American Standard Country Farmhouse Sink is $783.89 at Vintage Tub and Bath.

Undermount Sinks

Above: Franke's Oak110 Fireclay Undermount Single Basin Sink features rounded corners; $1,153.50 in white at Faucet Direct.

Above: Rohl's Allia Fireclay Single-Bowl Undermount Kitchen SInk has an offset drain; $582 at eFaucets.

Above: A simple and affordable option in cast iron: Kohler's Bakersfield White Cast-Iron Sink; $407.17 at Plumbers Surplus.

Some of our favorite baths noted recently feature concrete sinks, tubs, even walls, for a rough yet refined look.

Above: A concrete basin in a bath photographed by Paul Ryan Goff, via Style Files.

Above: An industrial-looking sink via Blue Ant Studio.

Above: A simple concrete wash basin by Heike Muehlhaus in Germany.

Above: Concrete bath from Belgian firm ISO (L). A concrete bath in a summerhouse in Portugal (R), via Marie Claire Maison (and Purple Area).

Above: A concrete bath in France, via OWI.

Above: A concrete wall in a bath, photographed by Karina Tenburg.

Above: A bath in London by architect Jamie Forbert.

Above: A concrete tub surround and wall, paired with a wood floor, in a bath spotted at Taverne Agency.

Will the Washlet catch on where the bidet has failed in the US? We prefer the former for its innovative approach to personal hygiene.

When it comes to toilets, the Japanese company Toto gets the nod from architects and homeowners in the know. The Washlet, an innovative toilet seat, makes it possible to retrofit an existing toilet with the latest in Toto technology; as the name suggests, it includes the functionality of a bidet—and more. With an "integrated water cleansing system," the Washlet comes in no less than five models, with a range of options that include air drying, an integrated air freshener, heated seat, and automated lid closure—all activated by convenient remote controls. The Washlet seat is is available in round or elongated sizes and fits most standard toilets.

Above: Toto toilets consistently get top marks for performance, quality, and technological innovation. The entry-level Washlet C110, shown atop a Toto wall-mounted toilet, offers warm-water washing and heated seat options. It is available as a round or elongated seat; $409.86 at Amazon.

Above: The newest addition to the Washlet series is the Toto Washlet B100, with similar features to the C110, but with a new hidden cord design; $440.43 at Home Click.

Above: The Toto Washlet S300, pictured here, includes warm air-drying, an air purifier, and a wireless remote control; $657.69 at Amazon. For the ne plus ultra of toilet seats, the Toto Washlet S400 (which only works with select Toto toilets) has auto-flush sensors and a lid that automatically opens and closes; $992.50 at Home Click.

Bridge faucets are a link back to the turn of the century, when newfangled indoor plumbing was first implemented.

We spotted a handsome version in designer Elizabeth Roberts' renovation of a brownstone (see Victorian, Revamped). Re-create the look with one of these models below, ranging in price from $3,028 to $194.97.

Above: Roberts used a Kallista bridge faucet in this Brooklyn kitchen.

Above: Kallista's For Town Kitchen Faucet with Lever Handles and Side Spray was designed by Michael Smith; $3,028 for the chrome finish (shown above); it's also available in nickel silver and brushed nickel.

Above: Kohler HiRise Deck Mounted Bridge Kitchen Faucet is available in polished or brushed stainless (shown above) finishes; $785.41 at Faucet Direct.

Above: Cifial Highlands Hi-Rise Bridge Kitchen Faucet with cross handles, shown in polished chrome; $327.60 at eFaucets.

Above: A pared-down faucet at a pared-down price, the Elements of Design Deck Mount Kitchen Faucet in chrome is $194.97 at Plumber's Surplus.

Not just for the laundry room: we love the no-nonsense, industrial aesthetic of a utility sink.

Our picks range from over $2,000 to under $400. For inspired uses of utility sinks outside the laundry room, see our earlier post: Utility Sinks as Bath Sinks.

Above: Kohler's Gilford Apron-Front Wall-Mount Sink made of vitreous china; $1,302.71 at eFaucets.

Above: American Standard's Country Kitchen Sink is equally at home in a utility room. Made of durable vitreous china; $783.99 at Vintage Tub and Bath.

Above: Kohler's Large Harborview Utility Sink with four holes for dual faucet locations is crafted of enameled cast-iron is $2,253.78 at Vintage Tub and Bath. This utility sink is available with an appealing wood grate cover for more functionality.

Above: The Clarion Farmhouse Drainboard Sink evokes images of scullery pantries. Eighteen-inch drain boards flank each side of the porcelain over Cast Iron sink. The version with legs is $1,703.99 at Vintage Tub and Bath (the same sink in a Wall-Mounted Version is $1,502.99).

Above: The classic three-foot-long enameled cast-iron Kohler Brockway Wash Utility Sink with drillings for two faucets (also available in four- and five-foot lengths); $955.51 at Every Faucet.

Above: The brushed stainless wall-mount Noah Commercial Utility Sink by Whitehaus comes with an offset drain and an undercoat covering sound-deadening pads; $1,099 at eFaucets.

Above: Kohler's enameled cast-iron Bayview Utility Sink sits in the Bayview Wood Sink Stand that offers a built-in storage shelf and towel bars; $724 and $627.48 respectively at Amazon.

Above: For an industrial retro look, consider the American Standard Enameled Cast-Iron Wall-Hung Sink; $434.87 at eFaucets.

Above: The functional Whitehaus Freestanding Laundry Sink with adjustable legs is $1,185 at Home Click. For a smaller (and less costly) version, consider Griffin's Single Compartment Scullery Sink in stainless; $596.66 at Plumber's Surplus.

Above: For an instant utility room set up, consider Ikea's Varde Sink Cabinet with double-bowl sinks, stainless counter and cabinets (faucet sold separately); $312.98 at Ikea.

N.B. This post is an update, the original post date was February 17, 2010.

For just a bit of color: primary (and tertiary) Vola HV1 faucets stand out in the kitchen.

The iconic Arne Jacobsen faucet, commissioned by Vola in 1961, is currently available in six different colors, as well as stainless steel and chrome, through the Danish Design Store. We spotted the blue KV1 model in a display put together by the much-loved store Mjölk in Toronto.

Above: A bright blue Vola KV1 faucet at Mjölk shop in Toronto, via owners John and Juli's blog Kitka.

Above: A closeup of the shop sink, set in a teak countertop.

Above: The Vola HV1 is $780 at the Danish Design Store; shown here in blue and red.

Above: The Vola HV1 is $780 at the Danish Design Store; shown here in green and orange.

Perhaps the ultimate luxury: a designated sink area for tending to the needs of household plants and arranging flowers.

Above: A gardening sink in Sweden by Agnetta Enzell.

Above: A sink used for floral arranging; photo via House Beautiful.

Above: A gardening sink at Terrain, outside Philadelphia.

Above: As usual, the English have it covered; image via Light Locations.

Above: A florist's sink from the September 2007 issue of Martha Stewart Living via Vignette Design.

Good news for tea drinkers and hot beverage lovers everywhere: the new Indulge Modern instant hot water dispenser by InSinkErator blends contemporary style with maximum efficiency.

Designed to fit seamlessly with pure, minimalist decor, the Indulge Modern offers the convenience of instant hot water in the kitchen without sacrificing style. The system includes a stainless steel tank and F-201 filtration system, which supplies up to 60 cups of near-boiling, filtered water per hour and cool-filtered drinking water on demand.

Known for its hot water dispensers and garbage disposals, InSinkErator was founded in Racine, Wisconsin, by John W. Hammes, an architect who invented the first "in sink" food waste disposal system in his basement in 1927 to make it easier for his wife to do dishes.

N.B.: The Indulge Modern will be available in summer 2012 in both hot/cool and hot-only water models.

Above: The Indulge Modern, shown above in chrome (it's also available in satin nickel), is equipped with a dual temperature handle that delivers either cool or hot water in seconds. Its unique Stay-on feature allows the faucet to remain open for easy dispensing of cool water. The 200-degree Fahrenheit water helps expedite cooking and preparing hot beverages. Inaddition, instant near-boiling water reduces the amount of scrubbing when doing the dishes.

Above: The under-counter filtration system allows you to forgo plastic water bottles and use tap water as your primary source for drinking and cooking, while instant hot water eliminates the need to run water until it heats up.

For the minimalists among us: kitchens where even the faucets are de-emphasized.

Above: Minimalist master Claudio Silvestrin's penthouse kitchen in London; photo by Sarah Blee for OWI.

Above: A sunken sink in a kitchen in the Cotswolds by Found Associates.

Above: A compact, stainless kitchen in Ghent; photographed by Frederik Vercruysse for OWI.

Above: Architect Joseph Dirand created a stark marble sink in an ornate space in France.

Above: A sink by Antwerp-based architect Vincent Van Duysen.

Above: In this urbane kitchen, German architects Hollin + Radoske installed a faucet spout in the overhead cabinetry.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on March 20, 2009.

The ultimate kitchen luxury? According to a friend who's a professional chef, it's the pot filler faucet.

Consider this: A gallon of water weighs more than eight pounds. Pot filler faucets eliminate back strain caused by heavy lifting (and spilling) in the kitchen and are perfect for filling large pots or tea kettles on the stove. Our round-up features wall-mounted styles, but many pot filler faucets are also available in a deck-mounted configuration (good for use with stoves in kitchen islands). The key is to place the faucet close enough to the stove top so that you can reach it easily. Our favorite faucets feature swing arms that stay out of the way by folding against the wall.

TRADITIONAL

Above: Our all-time favorite is the Steam Valve Original Wall Mount Pot Filler, shown in brushed stainless with wheel handles. Additional handle options include metal lever or and black or white ceramic levers; $806.25 at Quality Bath.

Above: Watermark's Contemporary Pot Filler with a single cross remote valve has a 26-inch reach and is available in several finishes; $368.25 in chrome at Quality Bath.

Above: Julie uses a Chicago pot filler faucet. "It turned out to be one of our best remodeling decisions; we use it constantly," she says. Chicago Faucets 515 Wall-Mounted Pot Filler Faucet with an 18-inch double-jointed spout and metal lever handles; $218.74 at Faucet.com.

Above: From laboratory faucet manufacturer Zurn, the 13-inch double-jointed swing spout Zurn Wall-Mounted Single Lever Faucet works well in tight spaces; $156.58 at Faucet Direct.

Above: The Chesterfield Wall-Mount Pot Filler Faucet with double cross handles is available in 26 finishes, including polished chrome (shown) and extends 26 5/8 inches from the wall; $397.20 and up, depending on finish, at Faucet Direct.

Above: Rohl's Country Kitchen Single Handle Wall Mount Pot Filler Faucet with an 11-inch swivel spout; $201 in chrome (other finishes available) at AJ Madison.

Above: The Easton Classic Wall Mounted Extension Pot Filler Faucet with a 13-inch reach and swivel spout; $578 (in chrome) and up, depending on finish, at Waterworks.

MODERN

Above: Vola Wall Mounted Pot Filler Faucet with single handle and a 10-inch swivel spout; $468.75 for the polished chrome finish (other finishes available) at eFaucets.

Above: Dornbracht Tara Wall Mounted Pot Filler Faucet has an extendable swivel spout with a 12- to 19-inch projection; $428.40 in polished chrome at Cotswold Kitchen and Bath.

Above: Westbrass Two-Handle Wall-Mount Pot Filler (Model 34682) has a 24.5-inch reach; $261.80 at Home to Dream Home.

Above: The Elkay Ella Wall-Mount Pot Filler has a 360-degree swing arm with a 21-inch reach; $380.59 in polished stainless (shown) and $287.62 in satin stainless at Amazon.

Above: Whitehaus Decohaus Wall-Mounted Pot Filler Faucet with cross handle (also available with a lever) and a 13-inch long double-jointed arm available in polished chrome or brushed nickel; $406.10 at Wayfair.

Above: Kallista One Wall-Mounted Pot Filler has a 22-inch reach; $1,051 in chrome finish. Also available in nickel silver and brushed nickel through Kallista.

Simple genius: A kitchen island made from a carpenter's work bench. Designer Elisa Cavani of Bologna-based Manoteca specializes in pieces made from reclaimed materials; here are some ideas for recreating the look.

Above: A modern restaurant faucet and white porcelain sink contrast with the rustic look of the workbench.

Above: Vintage Carpenter's Table; $1,598 at Terrain.

Above: Ikea's Domsjo Sink is $185.99.

Above: Ikea's Hjuvik Faucet is $239.

Making a comeback: the classic revolving soap holder. The practical Provendi soap fixture from France has adorned public school washrooms throughout Europe for years. Now we're noticing them in chic baths everywhere (and we're coveting one for ourselves).

Above: Spotted at Society Limonta: the Pro Ven Di soap hook plus Drai Linen Towels.

Above: The Pro Ven Di Soap Hook is €22 at Torquato, which ships to the US.

Above: Pro Ven Di refill soaps are available in a range of fragrances, including Green Fern, Beige Fern, and Lemon soap; €9.50 each at Torquato.