You need a pony wall between the tub and vanity, so account for that width. I'd cover it in tile, and tie that tile height into the tile around the tub. Use bullnose to finish it off and take the 90°turn around the shower. Or, you could tile the whole vanity and tub walls in a simple colored tile, maybe with a pencil liner in black or bullnose in black. Very MCM. If you do a tiled tub deck with a drop in tub, you can extend it into the shower for a bench. That would be very today. So, a mix of the best of classic and updated now.

Thanks Sophie. So if we tiled the whole vanity and tub walls, would we also need the pony wall? Love the idea of extending the tub deck into the shower!

You need a barrier between wood and water. The best option is a pony wall. Put a niche in the side facing the tub, and you will have a hidden location for products.

Thanks again Sophie!! This is super helpful. I am wondering why my architect didn't include this.

Do you think extending the countertop to wrap the vanity would work? More like a waterfall on the edge that meets the tub. I hate to give up cabinet storage if I don't have to.

We are already struggling with the vanity cabinet design. Its a 7-foot run and we want to sinks, and usable drawers. We are currently looking at doing this:

16 inch drawers - 20 inch sink base - 12 inch drawers- 20 inch sink base - 16 inch drawers

If we have to add the wall, we give up 6" of storage and counter-top.

Any idea how projects such as this one accomplish the look? https://www.houzz.com/photos/jensen-architects-modern-bathroom-san-francisco-phvw-vp~27438