I keep my stuff on hooks. I have a mesh sponge on a hook, a squeegee on a hook and my razor on a hook. Placing sponges on a hook allows them to dry. The photos that show pristine showers are not realistic.

You're totally right about magazine-worthy showers vs. showers we really use every day. Thoughts:

- In answer to your question, I'd build in hooks for back sponges and scrubbers. That'll give them a "home" and will allow them to drip dry.

- Consider, too, a spot for bar soap. And dripping washcloths. And razors. In fact, just go look at your own shower right now and inventory all you have in it.

- Consider a shower curtain instead of the expected glass door. It's easier to keep clean, and it hides your clutter. Don't go for a piddly Walmart shower curtain -- choose a floor-to-ceiling curtain with an eye-catching color /pattern, and you'll be surprised at how much it will upgrade your bathroom.

- Build (at least) a double-wide niche. We built a cute little 12x12 niche, and we have big squirt-top bottles sitting on the floor. Even better would be a wide ledge instead of a niche.

- Don't waste any effort with pretty tile at the back of your niche. Oh, yes, it looks so nice in the pictures -- less nice once you cover it with that shampoo bottle.

- Be SURE your installer gives you a piece of solid material for a shelf /not just the tile surrounding the niche. And be SURE it tilts down just a bit so water will drip out into the shower.

Do you have a "wing" wall to hide your stuff? I placed shower baskets in my shower behind wing/pony walls, so the stuff is not visible when you look into the bathroom.

These are from Kartners and they come in different sizes and finishes.