I don't have it yet, but I am planning to add the following in my upcoming remodel:

1. Shorten the vanity top and add a tall cabinet. The tall cabinet will be its own cabinet (like a kitchen pantry cabinet), but you could get a similar effect by sitting a shallow cabinet on your counter, if that's what you like

2. Medicine cabinets

3. Recessed 5' or 6' tall cabinet with a full-length mirror door. This will go in between the studs on the wall behind the vanity area. I think it will be good for toiletries.

4. Semi-recessed small cabinet over the toilet. This is the only storage within reach of the toilet and will hold toilet paper and other, ahem, toilet-related items.

We are just completing what sounds like the same remodel. We kept the stool and tub/shower combo, but got rid of everything else. I have a 5' single bowl vanity and thought long and hard about shortening it and putting in a floor to ceiling towel cabinet or a tall countertop cabinet, but decided against it. I have a linen closet just outside the bathroom door, and I really like the bigger vanity. So, it's really whatever you want. We put in a medicine cabinet on a side wall. We didn't have one before and I love it. Stand in there and think about whatever bugs you and what really isn't a priority. Because of the things we didn't change I was able to put more money toward a fancier sink and faucets. I can't wait till it's done! Good luck!

sjt2900 - thanks for your comments. I hope you'll post some pictures when you're done. Problem is I don't really know exactly what I want or what might look too overwhelming in the small space or what might sound better than it actually is. I currently do have a medicine cabinet on the side wall and don't care for it - it's too small and on the other hand I don't like that the "big" door swings open right in front of your face when you're using the sink/vanity. So we shall see.....

I am just beginning an entire master bath remodel. Am removing a spa tub and putting in a large (7 x 5) walk in, doorless shower in its place. Am keeping the two cabinets but putting new tops, sinks, fixtures, floors and lights. The layout is not the problem. The design is where I am stuck. I am asking anyone out there who can recommend a "bathroom designer" in the San Antonio, TX area that I could hire to help bounce ideas off and get moving on this project. I know what I like, I just need some help on narrowing it down to a plan I can go to the contractor with. He is ready to start mid June, so I am in a time constraint. ANY help will be GREATLY appreciated. TIA.
Karen

gibby3000: what style will you be doing i.e. traditional or a little more modern? I think in a small space it is good to have less detail and have a sleeker more streamlined space. If you are still wanting help, please post a bit more detail on the proposed overall style and I will try to help you. Travertine large scale tiles can be bought for a great price and would make the walls in the shower look bigger, less grout lines. You could get a similar (lighter or darker shade) smaller scale tile for the floor. An up to date touch would be pretty glass tiles as the back splash around the vanity. Get the cabinet maker to show you a Shaker style door - up to date and fairly timeless, plus will go with various styles of fittings. Go for a large white semi recessed sink (Ronbow do a lovely one which I might buy) with kitchen height cabinets. I have done tons of research so am happy to offer suggestions to anyone wanting them!

Hi francisco - thanks for your ideas. I'm not so concerned about the style of cabinetry, tile, etc. more the functional aspects - really useful storage beyond a basic vanity. My house is kind of transitional - style of house is contemporary but my stuff is more eclectic/antique/etc. I will probably do slab cabinetry which is what the house originally had. I remodeled my kitchen a few years ago and have shaker there but I don't think I want the same thing in the bathroom. I have a little more contemporary look in mind. Cabinetry will be dark with light tile/counters. I'll be doing something other than travertine. Much as I like it I want something that isn't so popular with the masses.

I, too, want something more modern, but I am settling on some stock cabinets. As much as I like sleek design, I need lots of functioning space. We have a smaller home with one full bath. With 3 teen daughters, we need drawers for all their stuff! I am getting a single sink with 6 drawers, 3 on each side, 60" wide. We have a linen closet in the bath already, which is staying. I am ripping out my framed 66" mirror for a medicine cabinet, which I miss. We just have lots of stuff: hair stuff, makeup stuff, nail polish stuff, skin stuff, hygenie stuff, lotion and potions and sprays, etc.

Good luck with your remodel!

I know what you mean about those cabinets that come down to t he counter top. maybe you could do one on each side of the mirror? lots
of room for meds, creams etc. I have also seen medicine cabs on either side of the mirror over the sink - the mirror doesn't open, just the cab door on either side of it. so it isn't opening into your face. the cabs aren't that wide - maybe 8" each. with the mirror they are like 1 unit. lights over the mirror.

and you could to a more shallow floor to ceiling cabinet also. I prefer the more shallow space - don't lose things in the back (like you do on a deep pantry shelf). 15" deep would be plenty (for me).

I do like the idea someone had about a shallow cabinet over the toilet for extra tp etc.

I'm putting in 1 sink in the new place with side cabs attached - each side has 3 drawers. it's about 45" or so total. the drawer cabs are around 15" each. lots of drawer space (I have NONE now). I'm also putting a wire coated basket under the sink for dirty laundry. and I'm having the fake drawer space (sink area) tilt out for my cleaning tooth brush and sponge.

I have a small marble shelf above my sink and below the medicine cab now - I'll be putting it in that space in my new bath also. it's great for my hair clip while I shower, my watch etc. I use it for a lot of things. it's about a foot long and 4" deep - just sits on 2 L shaped braces under it.

could the door hitting the toilet be fixed by shortening the vanity on that side? change in the door size? putting drawers on that end with the new vanity? maybe with some of this new storage you can uncover the laundry chute door and use it again.

maybe post a layout of the bathroom? with dimensions? pic of it?