On Sat, 14 Jun 2008 09:37:15 -0500, "d.williams"
wrote:

My question is how to treat the sides of
the cabinet on the wall side of the case. I plan to have a frame and panel
cabinet back with legs parallel to the wall with the back panel frame dadoed
into the side frame and panels. Would it look OK to leave the back panel
with and 1-1/4" gap to the wall as long as the vanity top and backsplash is
mounted flush to the wall.

IMO there is no perfect way to integrate a fee standing vanity into
the base set up in most baths.
If you notice the photos, they have strategically placed a basket on
the near side so you don't see what's going on with the base running
behind the cabinet. The close-up view however does show that they
left the cabinet away from the wall so I will assume the base runs
behind it.
With this particular cabinet it looks as though the legs are straight
on the ends so I would see no problem with removing the existing base
and then running it into the cabinet legs. If you can't get under the
cabinet to run the piece between the legs (if you can still see it)
run that piece first, set the vanity and then run the ends into the
cabinet legs.
Since you did state that you would rather leave the base and shoe in
tact, I see no alternative than to pull the cabinet away from the
wall. I guess that's what they thought too.

Mike O.