An Aging-in-Place Bathroom Remodel in Waunakee. WI

Jerry and Diana are baby boomers who recently moved to Wisconsin to be closer to their grandchildren. They responded to a neighborhood mailing we did and called us to ask for help updating their 20-year-old bathroom in their duplex condominium located in the Meadowbrook complex in Waunakee.

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After meeting with Jerry and Diane, we learned that their goal was to create an aging-in-place bathroom. They wanted the bathroom remodel to remove the jetted tub and provide the space needed to create a large walk-in shower. There was also an existing wall and pocket door dividing the vanity and tub area from the shower and toilet area. Their other request was to figure out how to fit a double vanity in the space to replace the single vanity. The design had to be aging-in-place compliant and include grab bars and a handheld shower. A low-threshold entry to the shower for easy access in the future and an elongated, comfort-height toilet.

Opening Up The Space

We determined that the shower could be spacious (60 x 42 inches) during the preliminary design stage. This left us plenty of space for the toilet, double vanity, and linen storage. Our design included a predominantly glass shower enclosure with a frameless shower door for access, large enough to allow someone using a walker to safely enter the shower.

To meet our client's specific requests, the design included several Glacier Bay oil-rubbed bronze grab bars placed inside the shower enclosure. We also installed additional grab bars adjacent to the shower to serve the shower and the toilet. To improve functionality, we installed Amerock Clarendon robe and towel hooks at various heights to hang items in the perfect location. The homeowners also specified that they wanted a corner seat in the shower. We honored their request but still had plenty of flexible floor space plus a comfortable spot to sit while showering with the handheld shower.

“The design of our bathroom is top-notch. The integrity and honesty and kindness shown to us by Kelly Lawton, our lead on the project was a wonderful experience. We feel our lives were enriched by getting to know him.”

— Jerry D.

before: a jetted tub and small acrylic shower were closed off making the bathroom feel cramped.

after: the vanity at left is where the jetted tub was. the dividing water closet wall was removed, and shower enlarged to accommodate aging-in-place mobility needs

before: the wall divided the water closet from the vanity area but the bathroom felt small and dark

after: the bathroom is open and bright. cabinetry provides plenty of privacy for the toilet, and the open floor plan allows for aging-in-place needs such as a walker or wheel chair.

We also included a pair of niches to the left and right of the shower controls in the design to hold soap and shampoo bottles. The handheld Delta Universal multi-function shower head is in Venetian bronze on a slider bar that can be adjusted in height. The shower head can also be placed adjacent to the seat for optimal functionality and usability.

Because the bathroom's width was substantial, we could place his and her vanities opposite and symmetrical to each other. The bathroom remodel included lots of linen storage in the tall custom Amish cabinetry handcrafted in Wisconsin. The linen cabinet is placed between the vanity and the toilet, providing a sense of separation and keeping the visual focus on the beautiful shower and stained maple vanities. An additional cabinet over the toilet is the perfect place for spare toiletries and supplies or more towels and linens. Our design features plenty of storage options in this bathroom!

before: a tiny acrylic shower module with a large step and a cheap shower curtain was not in keeping with the price point of this spacious, luxury condo in waunakee, wi

after: a spacious shower had grown both wider and deeper.

Creating an Elegant New Entrance

The next issue we needed to address was creating a new entrance into the bathroom. The original master bedroom design featured a pair of closets flanking a hallway to the bathroom. When the hinged door was open, it blocked the vanity. Our bathroom remodel plan proposed using a pocket door for the space, but Jerry and Diane chose to have an oversized double door installed to separate their closets from the bathroom.

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We installed pair of 21-inch French doors, stained to match the home's existing woodwork. They provide a large opening to the closet space, essentially turning the closet space into a walkthrough to the bathroom. California Closet-style organizers keep the closet spaces organized and attractive. The premium Panasonic vent fans ensure that any humidity from the shower will not impact any of the clothing in the closets. The French doors feature opaque glass dividing the closet area from the bedroom, creating a doorway into the bathroom suite. The new doors are a focal point in the bedroom, and the addition of a clear transom window above the doors allows natural light from the large bedroom windows into the closet area.

Creating A Balanced, Functional, and Luxurious Retreat

The custom wood cabinetry, oil-rubbed bronze hardware, and Corinthia Amber LVT floor tile by Adura Flex provide a luxuriously warm and inviting spa-like vibe. The included features like grab bars, a handheld shower, and a built-in corner seat offer comfort, functionality, and safety as Jerry and Diane age. The dual 21-inch entry doors, beautiful glass shower enclosure, and frameless sliding shower door offer flexibility, accessibility, and safety.

Our bathroom remodel results in a beautiful, safe, and functional retreat perfect for Jerry and Diane to continue living in their home as they age. The aging-in-place features are attractive in every way. They are perfect for hanging towels and robes, and the aging-in-place bathroom makes this an attractive option to future homeowners of any age! Jerry and Diane's home is now even more attractive, comfortable, and safe, thanks to this beautiful bathroom remodel.

View The Project Page and Even More Photos of This Luxury Bathroom Remodeling

This article was updated by Abe Degnan on 9/29/2022.

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