Two Aging-in-Place Bathrooms for A 1970s Home in East Madison

Dan and Nancy, a retired couple living in East Madison, envisioned updating their 1970s home to accommodate their needs better as they planned to age in place. Initially, they sought assistance from a local company to redesign their bathrooms but were dissatisfied with the results. That’s when they turned to us for help in creating a functional, thoughtfully designed home that aligned with their vision.

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The Master Bathroom Renovation

The original master bathroom had a cramped and inefficient layout that was not conducive for homeowners planning to age in place. The shower was awkwardly tucked away around a corner, far from the entry, and failed to serve as either a functional or visual centerpiece. The rest of the room was dominated by a small vanity and a toilet, all crowded together on one side of the space. To enhance usability and accessibility, we moved the shower to the back wall, making it the first thing you see upon entering. This change created a striking focal point and also allowed room for a wider vanity. The original shower location was repurposed to accommodate the new vanity and toilet, ensuring a balanced and practical layout that supports long-term comfort and mobility.

Widening the Doors to Thirty-Six Inches for Accessibility

Both existing bathrooms initially had 24-inch-wide doors, which posed a potential challenge for future accessibility needs. To ensure the spaces could accommodate a walker or wheelchair, we upgraded to 36-inch-wide pocket doors in both the main and master bathrooms. This design choice not only enhanced accessibility but also added a sleek, modern aesthetic to the renovated spaces.

The Washer and Dryer Were Moved To the Main Floor

One of the couple’s primary goals was to move their washer and dryer from the basement to the main floor for easier access. The spacious main bathroom presented an ideal location for this. To accommodate the laundry, we reconfigured the bathroom layout, switching the positions of the toilet and sink. By removing the bathtub, we freed up enough space to add a closet designed to house a full-size stackable washer and dryer. This adjustment made laundry tasks more convenient and also ensured a safe, stair-free solution for the future.

A Tub to Shower Conversion with a Low Threshold and Grab Bars

With the new laundry closet in place, we utilized the remaining wall space to install a custom-sized walk-in shower. Designed with aging-in-place features, the shower includes a low-threshold entry and strategically placed grab bars for added safety and accessibility. The conversion from a tub to a shower provides a safer bathing experience and enhances the room’s overall functionality. A custom glass shower door adds a touch of elegance to complete the transformation. By prioritizing Dan and Nancy's needs and focusing on accessibility and long-term usability, these bathroom renovations have created a space where the couple can comfortably and safely enjoy their home for years to come.

Accessibility Was Improved and The Room Made More Comfortable

The newly renovated bathrooms have significantly improved the functionality of Dan and Nancy's home. By incorporating features like wider doorways, accessible showers, and a main-floor laundry setup, they now have spaces that prioritize their safety and comfort. Additionally, the bright, modern designs have refreshed the look of their home, ensuring it meets their needs both today and in the years to come.