Canofworms - I have to run & will reply this aft or tomorrow, but for now will post something I copied... in case it helps another newbie like me: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,403815,00.html (A Lesson in Bathroom Lighting); excerpts: "Task Lighting Vanity lighting gets top consideration because these fixtures work the hardest to illuminate the head and face for grooming. The most common mistake people make is putting recessed ceiling fixtures directly over the mirror. These cast shadows on the face, making daily grooming rituals more difficult. Vertical fixtures or sconces mounted on either side of the mirror are best for casting an even light across the face. But given the size and positioning of some vanity mirrors, sidelights can be impractical (mounting them directly to the mirror is always an option, but at greater planning and cost). Only then do I suggest a fixture for over the mirror. It should be placed 75 to 80 inches above the floor and, like all vanity lighting, contain at least 150 watts ÂEideally spread over a fixture that's at least 24 inches long so that the light will wash evenly over the hair and face. The shower is a secondary area of task lighting. In smaller bathrooms, if the stall has a clear glass door, a dedicated fixture may not be necessary. Otherwise, I recommend a recessed light with a glass lens (plastic will yellow). Similar recessed fixtures work well over a freestanding tub or the toilet. " "Lighting the Vanity Right To eliminate shadows under the chin, eyes, and cheeks, fixtures should be mounted on either side of the vanity mirror (or on the mirror's surface, if it's large), 36 to 40 inches apart. The center of each fixture should be roughly at eye level, or about 66 inches above the floor. This will guarantee even illumination across the face for grooming...." "Choosing Bulbs A crisp white light tends to render skin tones most accurately. Halogen bulbs set the gold standard...." "Think Dimmers These are a lighting designer's best friend because they grant absolute control over the lighting, and thus the mood, of the room. In a very small space like a powder room, dimming the vanity fixtures might even provide all-in-one task, ambient, and accent lighting. Plus, dimmers conserve energy...." Here is a link that might be useful: A Lesson in Lighting - This Old House

Just make sure you take into account how the door is hinged and what clearance it needs to open fully. Some cabinets designed for surface-mounting may not open properly when recessed.

Yes. A medicine cabinet can fit in that space. Look for brands that offer customizable sizing options. For example there are options for a 12" wide that you gange together from bottom to top. Or one long 5 foot one that is 14" wide. You can buy one that is only 4 inches deep or if you have room with the electrical, 6 inches deep could work. If you surface mount it, and also have it open on the left hinge (some medicine cabinets offer interchangeable left or right door hinging), it won't obstruct the door on the right.

While 'bath bars' is just one style of light fixture, if that fits your chosen style aesthetic, then you can use a piece of trim (3/4" - 1 1/4" thick, similar to door or window casings) to create a mounting board for the lights. Make it a pleasing bit larger that the backplate of your chosen fixture, and paint as the wall color or trim color in the space.