The most forward-thinking bathroom designers these days are looking backward. Retro and vintage styles dominate the market in bathroom tubs, sinks and vanities. Old-fashioned pedestal sinks, washstands and even free-standing bowls are taking over from flush in-counter sinks and one-piece counter/sink combinations.

If you like country charm, you might choose an antiqued white washstand, with turned legs and a storage drawer or shelves underneath. Vintage style wallpaper sets it off. For retro metro, try a console sink with chromed legs and perhaps a towel bar in front. These look especially good against tiled walls.

Those styles that appear to be free-standing bowls are actually above-the-counter sinks. That means you don't have to carry water in a ewer to use them! You can get them in old-fashioned rose embellished china, stark modern fired glass or earthy pottery styles. You can also get basins shaped like lotus blossoms or in sweeps of bronze.

You can have your bathroom sink mounted on the wall with nothing underneath. You can find styles that fit into corners. Colors and shapes are yours for the choosing. Would you prefer a dark blue oval, a black hexagon, or perhaps a glass bathroom sink in a freeform shape?

These styles, most of which are open underneath, generally provide less storage than a traditional bathroom sink, so they are best used when there are other storage options. One advantage, however, is that it opens up a small room visually, making it feel less cramped. The other advantage is that they are just so beautiful!