Vessel sinks can be nice, though could limit your faucet options (ie you need a tall one or the ability to wall mount). Also they seem better suited to powder room, where people are just washing hands vs face/brushing teeth, both of which could be messy for vessel sink.

Thanks. You make a good point about the powder room, where it would make more of a statement.

Hello jmccagg.
I don't recommend vessels sinks for bathrooms that get a lot of sink use (I agree with Shirley A) since they tend to be more decorative than user-friendly.
If you're looking for a low-maintenance solution for your bathroom, invest in solid surface countertop with pretty undermounted sinks.
I've attached a pic of one of my projects, where I placed a sink with a unique shape beneath a granite top.
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Tile is wonderful in a bathroom & many of my clients have expressed similar concerns over grout. To keep grout at a minimum, choose large-scale tile to reduce the amount of grout joints.
Porcelain tile has very sharp edges that can be placed closely together, reducing the size of the grout joint, thus reducing the appearance (and maintenance) of grout as well.
Last but not least, choose a grout that has mold & stain resistance built right in.
TEC powergrout has these qualities.

The best of luck to you with your renovation!
~Lynn

Thank you so much, Lynn. You have given me a lot of direction and I love your px and suggestions!

It's my absolute pleasure jmccagg - you are SO very welcome! :-)