I have a similar layout in the works. Why not a long niche at elbow height? I'm also opting for a floating vanity so I can mount the tp underneath within reach.

I would want to be able to control the shower without having to get into the shower and have water that is not the temperature I want falling on me :-). Therefore I would have controls by the opening which in your case is opposite from where the shower head and hand held will be.

Don't forget to install grab bars since they need to be installed in the studs and so it's difficult to retrofit after the shower is tiled. They now have non-geriatric looking styles.

I have essentially the same system as you do except I have a three way diverter since I installed two handhelds - one at each end of the shower :-).

I do have a niche but I also installed a nice basket at the other end. It comes in a variety of finishes to match whatever fixtures you are using. Mine is oil rubbed bronze and it is a nice and functional accessory in the shower.

Kohler Basket

Also consider some kind of toe niche as it's handy for shaving legs or dealing with legs in general :-).

Helen, do you have pictures? I was thinking of having 2 towel hooks on the left wall, opposite the faucets. Maybe I could have the valve on the left wall and the robe hooks straight ahead as you walk in, I think there is still enough room without getting them wet!

My actual shower is quite a bit different than yours so I am not sure how my pictures would help.

I was commenting on functionality and that you should think about how you would use the shower and then translate that functionality into the specific configuration based on your shower.

For example, how do you want to turn on water and control temperature. Where are you going to place grab bars and at what height? If you are working with a designer, you should discuss how you want your shower and bath to function and then let the designer provide you with a layout which you can then accept or adapt. I found my designer to be extremely helpful in explaining how different choices would impact functionality - e.g. should a grab bar be vertical, horizontal or placed at a diagonal.

If there are any specific details of my shower that you are interested in, I would be happy to post a shot.

I think I have decided! I will put the fixed shower head and diverter valve on the short wall to the right. On the long wall, closer to the right, I will put the hand held shower and slide bar. Directly in front of the glass opening (30") I will put the on off valve, and on the left short wall, the 2 towel hooks. (I could reverse these.) I think I will also add a small niche below the fixed shower head on the right side, short wall. Hope that makes sense!