Christina Hall’s client did not want to sacrifice style for accessibility. There is a stereotype that accessible bathrooms may sacrifice style in favor of function. In the episode, Hall said how she understood that the bathroom should feel like a “sanctuary.” She started by creating an open-concept layout. Before the renovation, the bathroom’s angular floor plan blocked light flow and created unwelcoming dark areas. Hall flooded the bathroom with natural light and chose a brighter paint color.
Hall removed the glass shower doors for accessibility but installed shower tiles and a special drain to direct water flow toward the drain. She chose a light gray glossy tile for one wall. It provides contrast against the crisp, cool white of the rest of the bathroom. When it became time to redesign the cabinets, Hall chose a stone gray paint color and a marbled countertop with glass and metallic fixtures.
The bathroom’s original built-in bathtub was an eyesore that was hard to enter. Hall replaced it with a free-standing, rounded tub. Beside it, she placed a plant on either side as a creative way to designate the distinct spaces. To complete the room, Hall included personal touches like a stool for the client’s children and a wooden bathtub tray.
