A few decades back, it seems, designers have moved toward replacing traditional vanity cabinetry toward more a of a furniture style vanity. I really prefer this to the cabinet type vanity. When I last built a vanity we added cabriole legs to make our vanity a piece of furniture. This image from Boston Home Designs is probably not the style I would choose for myself but I appreciate it none the less. The caption says that it was designed to be open style to keep from "closing in a very small bathroom".