Aging with Grace

Life is an unfolding ever-changing up and down experience. When we’re young and healthy, it’s easy to overlook the small discomforts. Leaping over the edge of a tub to take a bath might feel like a minor inconvenience. Stepping down into a shower may seem like a quirk of the home you inherited. Dim lighting in the bathroom might go unnoticed, and leaning over the sink to apply mascara is just part of the morning routine. But as we age, these little inconveniences begin to speak louder. The ache of arthritis, the sound of knees that no longer move with ease, are reminders that make us consider how our spaces support us. If you love your home and want to remain in it through every season of life, there are things that can be done to help you with grace, style and comfort. Let’s look inside the master bathroom of a Chatham model to see how good life can be when your space is built to support you with beauty and ease somewhere in the heart of The Villages.

  •  New Shower
This home originally featured a quirky sunken shower. While it may have seemed unique, stepping down into a shower presents a slipping hazard at any age. To improve safety and accessibility, the old tile was removed, and the opening was enlarged to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges. The new shower was crafted using solid surface material, offering a non-slip, curbless entry that eliminates tripping concerns. The expanded entrance with no door, allows plenty of room for a chair or walker to move comfortably into the space. Its depth helps contain water within the shower area, and even if a bit spills out, the surrounding tile is non-slip and designed to handle it safely. The solid surface of the shower was created to mimic the quartz on the counter tops so that everything looks stylishly coordinated.

  •  Layers of Water
The new shower features a variety of heads, offering homeowners flexibility and comfort. A rain head provides a wide, gentle spray that creates a soothing experience, ideal for relaxation. A smaller fixed shower head delivers more concentrated pressure, perfect for a hands-free rinse. For those who prefer or require seated bathing, an adjustable handheld shower offers ease and control. Having multiple options ensures the space can adapt to changing needs over time, supporting both comfort and independence.

  •  Grab bars and a bench
The shower features a selection of grab bars designed to resemble elegant towel holders, that blend seamlessly into the overall aesthetic. Each one is placed with care, reflecting both the homeowners’ current routines and the possibilities that may arise in the future. The built-in bench offers generous space, making it comfortable for seated showers while also serving as a convenient spot for everyday tasks like shaving or simply taking a moment to rest.

  •  New tile floor
The new tile floor is both beautiful and practical. Called Coralina Bone, it draws inspiration from natural Coraline rock, which forms in reefs from fossilized coral. Its surface features delicate, fossil-like imprints that echo the textures of the sea, giving the space a subtle, organic elegance. Cool underfoot and non-slip by design, the tile offers comfort and safety in equal measure. Its rectified edges allow for minimal grout lines, creating a clean, seamless look that feels refined and is easy to maintain.

  •  Walk in Tub
The new walk-in tub is a true luxury. The original tub was oversized, dominating the entire corner of the bathroom. Getting in required a bit of gymnastics, and getting out felt downright dangerous. The updated tub fills and drains quickly while offering a soothing jet spa experience, all within a footprint that takes up only half the space. Positioned beneath the window, this tub creates a serene bathing retreat where you can relax and enjoy the view outside as you unwind.

  •  Refined closets
This bathroom originally featured a spacious and enviable closet, but its contractor-grade sliding doors lacked character. The doors were removed, and the opening was expanded to create a more generous and inviting entry. In their place, new doors were installed that resemble a freestanding armoire, echoing the style and finish of the custom cabinetry throughout the room. To elevate the look, casement molding was added around the new doors, giving the space a polished and architectural feel. Additionally, the niche that once served as a display area for the old tub was reimagined. It was opened up and transformed into a shallow storage zone, complete with a large door that matches the cabinetry, reinforcing a sense of harmony and design throughout the bath.

  •  New cabinetry
Both vanities were replaced with new cabinetry in a warm wood finish that brings richness and elegance to the space. The larger vanity near the entry was reduced in size and shaped with a soft angled edge, allowing generous clearance for easy access to both the shower and the bathroom door. Near the tub, the second vanity was replaced with a lower cabinet to better suit the homeowner’s needs. A seated makeup area was incorporated into the design, offering comfort and convenience for daily routines. Additional drawers were added throughout, providing ample storage and improving functionality. The warm wood tones pair beautifully with the crème tile, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere that feels both refined and personal.

  •  Layered lighting
The lighting in this bathroom was designed to offer layered illumination to suit every moment. The first layer begins in the ceiling, providing bright, even light when full visibility is needed. The second layer comes from the lighted mirrors, which cast a soft, shadow-free glow. Because the light is directed straight toward the face rather than from above, makeup application becomes more precise and comfortable. The final layer is tucked beneath the cabinetry’s kick plate, offering a gentle night light that softly guides the way after dark. Together, these layers create a space that adapts beautifully to the rhythms of daily life.

  •  Water closet
The toilet in this bathroom occupies its own private space. The doorway was widened to allow easier entry, and stylish grab bars, matching those used throughout the bath, were installed on both sides of the toilet and on the front wall, offering support without compromising aesthetics. A high-tech bidet toilet was added, bringing modern convenience and elevated function to the room. Above it, a sleek storage cabinet keeps extra tissue and towels neatly tucked away. A small shelf and integrated toilet paper dispenser were also installed, providing a convenient spot for communication devices or personal items, ensuring everything is within easy reach when needed. Call Ruth your full service decorator at: 352-804-2056
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