Enter the creation of the vessel. Gone are Marsha Brady bathrooms with Formica countertops, predictable chrome hardware and avocado cabinets. Homeowners want something more; they want a conversation piece that will leave guests in the bathroom for longer than is socially acceptable. Vessels are fast becoming the bathroom sink of choice, and manufacturers are heeding the call with amazingly artistic results.

Hand-blown glass vessels can add a trendy touch when updating your bathroom, or they can set the tone in a home under construction. Artistic glass vessels, as seen in these images provided by Wells Sinkware, come in as many colors as a designer’s fabric swatches, and they can create a look that’s Asian in nature, supremely southwest or classically exotic.

While a vessel sink is sure to be the main attraction of your bathroom, selecting the right fixtures can either enhance or detract from even the most gorgeous bowl. Vessels somewhat solve this problem because they are easy to pair with most styles of hardware. If glass isn’t your passion, select a fixture that will compliment other vessel materials: granite, marble, travertine or tile.

Size also matters when deciding which bathroom vessel sinks are most appropriate. Most vessels sit between five and six inches high, and have a diameter anywhere from 15 to 18 inches. They are perfect for just about any double-vanity bathroom or powder room, but beware – they are not splash proof! A bright red vessel in a children’s bathroom might compliment the décor, but its “user-friendly factor” is in the low teens on a scale of one to 100.

Consulting with a professional is also crucial before installing your vessel. Better yet, take the high road and have the professional just get it done. Vessel sinks are not hard to install, but they do require a different plumbing style and installation process than the standard sink. You’ll also need mounting hardware, something your traditional sink does not require.

Finally, even though you are investing time and energy into a space that you will hopefully be able to enjoy, think of resale value when selecting a trendy accessory for your bathroom. Vessel sinks are arguably the hottest thing in bathroom remodels today, but choosing something too unique might “sink” a future sale tomorrow.