When most people think of a bucket list, skydiving or world travel may come to mind, but for 89-year-old Melba, it was an aging in place bathroom remodel. Her dream was to transform her space into a safe, stylish, and functional retreat, supporting her desire to stay in the home she loves. She wanted a primary bathroom renovation, giving her an updated, attractive, functional, and safe space.
With the help of Bonnie J. Lewis Design, a National Award-Winning interior design firm in Scottsdale, AZ, with expertise in Aging-in-Place remodels, Melba’s dream came true. Her story has inspired others to consider an aging-in-place design. It is one that is not clinical or institutional but that supports function and is luxurious, modern, and truly life-enhancing!
A Dream Bathroom Designed for Safety and Style
When Melba first reached out to Bonnie J. Lewis Design, she had two main goals: She wanted her bathroom to be beautiful and functional. Bonnie listened and recommended a personalized design approach that included proactive aging-in-place elements. Melba agreed, and Bonnie J. Lewis Design got to work.
The result? A breathtaking transformation within the original footprint. The area was redesigned to include ADA-compliant structural safety, accessibility, and flow. The plan included moving the shower, water closet, and wardrobe closet. Other key considerations for the design included aging eyes, fall prevention, and night toileting.
Key aging-in-place features include:
- Wide doorways for wheelchair access
- A curbless, zero-threshold shower
- An elegant, wheelchair-accessible vanity
- Stylish and strategically placed grab bars
- Abundant, layered lighting for aging eyes
Melba can now get ready in the morning and relax at night without worrying about falls or other accidents. Due to these well-planned and personalized upgrades, her life improved, and she has the confidence and comfort to use the bathroom today and well into the future.
The best bathroom I’ve ever had.
A Wellness-Focused Design with Biophilic Beauty
While safety was a priority, Bonnie also infused the bathroom with Biophilic Design principles to promote wellness and connection to nature. Every surface was chosen with intention:
- Wood-look porcelain floor tile with inlaid glass mosaics adds warmth and texture
- Soft blue-green wall coverings create a calming environment
- A botanical raised pattern tile brings visual interest to the vanity wall and shower
- Granite countertops provide durability and timeless appeal
Melba calls it “the best bathroom I’ve ever had.” And her family agrees! When her adult children and their spouses visit, they skip the guest bath and head straight for Melba’s serene spa-like retreat!
Why An Aging in Place Bathroom Remodel Matters
More and more people are choosing to age in place. This means that they will need to renovate their bathrooms to enhance safety because accessibility is becoming a top priority. The bathroom is statistically the most dangerous room in the house for older adults, but it doesn’t have to be.
The benefits of an aging in place bathroom remodel:
- Help prevent falls and injuries
- Improve daily function and independence
- Increase a home’s market value
- Create peace of mind for homeowners and their families
- Allow homeowners to stay in the homes and communities they love
Bonnie’s thoughtful design allowed Melba to check a major item off her bucket list, but more importantly, it has improved her quality of life!
Your Bathroom, Your Future
If you’re 55 or older and planning to remodel, now is the time to incorporate Aging-in-Place Design. But before you begin, here are a few tips from Bonnie J. Lewis Design, an Aging-in-Place Remodel expert who has helped many homeowners age in place with beauty and safety:
- Make sure your bathroom is ADA-compliant. This means having wide doorways, properly installed grab bars, a curb-less shower, and more. Consider installing a shower bench or a raised toilet seat.
- Use slip-resistant flooring. This is especially important in the shower and bathtub areas.
- Install good lighting. This will help you see what you’re doing and avoid accidents.
- Choose accessible storage. Make sure your vanity and linen closet are easy to reach and use, even if you’re using a wheelchair or walker.
- Decorate with a calming, relaxing color scheme. This will help you feel more at ease in your bathroom.
Whether you’re preparing for the future or recovering from surgery, thoughtful design can make all the difference in your ability to live safely and independently.
Ready to Design Your Own Bucket List Bathroom?
Aging in place doesn’t mean compromising on style. Contact Bonnie J. Lewis Design to learn how your dream bathroom can help you age well and create a home you can live in for life.