I think it is outdated too.. But some people love the strip. I just planned my showers and had no strips. Instead I did a tile change half up the wall (tile chair rail between) and in my master did this picture frame look (pic below)

It sounds lovely. The ceiling will be more than suitable for a transitional style. I think the wainscoting would also be fine but as I'm cautious I'd be adding after I'd lived there for a while. It does seem more traditional than transitional. On the other side I'd love the bead boarding in the hall.

The mosaics behind the vanity are called extra light diamond from Rex. I have added the website http://www.rex-cerart.it/en/extra-light/ The tiler will screed the wall in white so no other colour comes through and then use an adhesive in white and then grout. I have sealed the grout also as white grout can discolour. You will see on the website some amazing applications of this little glass mosaic. Happy hunting

You are so right white is never out of fashion. I would set your budget and then look at your options. If you plan to stay in the house for many years then spend to the top of your budget (if that is going to give you a life time of pleasure), if you plan on being at the home for only a short time / few years then I would go mid range so it looks lovely, will have good resale value but you can invest your well earned money to go towards something else as well. Obviously Marble / Granite is the top of the range but there are so many cheaper and very attractive options these days that look just as good.