I (Cat) will be working on the hardware of our solution.  To make things easier I'll start by looking for a suitable off-the-shelf light fixture that I can modify to turn into our first prototype even if it will not be everything the final product is supposed to be.

Which brings up the requirements we'd like to meet:

• Have at least two sources of light: One cold (high blue content) for stimulating morning/daytime light and one warm (low blue) for evenings, that could also become a night-light just by dimming very low.
• Sensor(s) to turn the light on/off as needed.  This may get complex as somebody taking a bath/shower may not be detected by an infrared sensor pointing forward.  We have to find a solution.
• Some interface to set clock and other values (how dim the night-light, for example). This could be done with Bluetooth and an app but we'd like to find a way for less technical people.
• I'd like the light to be bright but not shine directly into one's eyes, so the custom/final design will include a reflector that will make the light indirect for most people.

On to finding a light to buy to modify.

After a lot of searching online stores like Home Depot, Wayfair, Walmart and some specialist stores we found something we like and think is both classy and modern, at Walmart.

The "Gymax 2-Light LED Vanity Fixture Polished Chrome Wall Sconces Lighting Bathroom".

It includes two E26 LED light-bulbs that might not be exactly what we want if we need space for extra LEDs but would be convenient if we found an easy (for non-techie people) way to adjust tunable (can change color or at least color temperature) light-bulbs like the Philips Hue or others.

Anyway, we'll start with this one for now.  The pictures are based on it, and show the main idea.