This article was originally published on June 12, 2023; it was updated on June 21, 2023.
After focusing on raising their children, it was finally time for the couple to invest in their home and themselves. Armed with a solid budget for the project – a full-blown primary bathroom upgrade – they turned to Payal Bansal, founder of Buffalo, N.Y.-based Payal Bansal Interior Design, to deliver their dream bath.
Bansal said, “The primary bath of the 1999 house was a very outdated, builder-grade room. The space was adequate in size, but much of it was devoted to elements that were not appealing to the homeowners.” The room had a double vanity with a large mirror over the sink and a single three-light sconce. It was dominated by a large whirlpool tub on a platform, which was a waste because the homeowners preferred the shower experience. The shower – which was leaking – measured slightly more than 3 ft. x 4 ft.
“The clients were eager to think beyond the box,” said the designer. “I liked how they wanted something out of the ordinary but still sleek and sophisticated.” She created a calming retreat that matched their personal needs and lifestyle, including a spacious walk-in shower, free-standing bathtub, and a linen cabinet for storage.
Bathroom Upgrade for Empty-Nesters
The new design offers plenty of aging in place features. There is a 36-inch clearance between the tub and the vanity. Instead of a shower curtain, a glass shower door swings both inside and outside; if someone should fall against the door, it will not be obstructed. The shower has an adjustable hand shower. Mounted on a vertical bar, it can be adjusted to a full range of heights – ideal for older folks who may enjoy both sitting and standing in the shower. The comfort-height toilet is easier on the knees and back for users, and is especially helpful for taller people and those with mobility issues. The faucets are all lever-style rather than knobs, which can be be difficult to twist with arthritic hands.
“Design is the creation of an experience. It’s also the process of creation and how well it’s organized,” said Bansal. “On top of that, design is the resulting experience – the things we see, hear and feel. My favorite part of this project was coming up with unique, out-of-the-box design concepts that addressed my client’s problems and gave them a new feeling and experience.”
—By Leslie Clagett, KBB Managing Editor
