Stylishly Accessible Case Study

When these homeowners reached out to Master Edge Homes, their existing bathroom presented serious accessibility barriers. With two young men in the home facing varied mobility needs, the current layout simply wasn't working. A wheelchair couldn't access the shower due to both space constraints and a threshold barrier, and the grab bar mounted on the glass partition raised significant safety concerns. The family needed a solution that provided true accessibility without the institutional look they dreaded. Through thoughtful space planning we transformed their existing bathroom into a fully accessible sanctuary that earned recognition as Best Adaptive Renovation at the 2025 RenoMark Awards, proving that accessibility and elegance truly belong together.

Stylishly Accessible Award Winner 2025

Addressing the Challenges

The project began with a comprehensive assessment of the existing bathroom and the specific mobility barriers our clients faced daily. The original bathroom, while functional for some family members, created significant obstacles for wheelchair users.

The primary challenges included:

  • Eliminating the shower threshold that prevented wheelchair access
  • Reconfiguring the layout to provide adequate manoeuvring space within the existing footprint
  • Replacing the unsafe glass-mounted grab bar with properly secured support systems
  • Creating zero-transition access from the bedroom through the bathroom and into the shower
  • Incorporating wheelchair-accessible storage without compromising style
  • Maintaining a residential, spa-like atmosphere while meeting full accessibility standards

Our solution involved reimagining every element of the bathroom with dual priorities: uncompromising accessibility and sophisticated design. We demonstrated that with careful planning and Adaptiv Living expertise, the existing space could be completely transformed to accommodate all necessary features while feeling more spacious and luxurious than the original bathroom.

Elegant Accessible Features

The bathroom now exemplifies how accessibility and beauty coexist seamlessly. Every design decision prioritized both function and aesthetics, resulting in a space that feels like a high-end hotel bathroom while meeting rigorous accessibility standards.

Multifunctional Grab Bars

The matte black grab bars demonstrate how accessible design can look completely universal. We selected sophisticated matte black fixtures that function as grab bars and towel bars, providing discreet support while presenting as stylish bathroom hardware. Their placement feels natural and intentional, blending seamlessly into the contemporary aesthetic in a way that benefits everyone who uses the space.

stylishly-accessible grab-bars

Clever Cabinet Solutions

The vanity area features two distinctly different cabinet configurations, each serving specific needs:

  • Storage cabinet: Custom shelving designed for easy reach and organization of toiletries and personal items
  • Wheelchair-accessible cabinet: Open underneath to allow full wheelchair access to the sink, with clever design details that make the accessible feature virtually invisible

Both cabinets share the same exterior finish and hardware, creating visual continuity while serving very different functions.

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Seamless Transitions

Perhaps the most critical accessibility feature is also the least visible:the complete elimination of thresholds and transitions. The bedroom flows directly into the bathroom, which flows directly into the shower, all at the same level. This barrier-free design required careful floor structure planning and waterproofing strategies, but the result is effortless movement throughout the space.

The heated floors add an unexpected luxury element while serving a practical purpose, ensuring the space remains comfortable year-round.

Design Details That Elevate

Beyond the essential accessibility features, thoughtful design choices transformed this bathroom into a sophisticated retreat:

  • Contemporary finishes: Clean lines and modern materials create a spa-like atmosphere that happens to be fully accessible
  • Lighting design: Layered lighting provides both task illumination and ambient warmth, enhancing the room's residential feel
  • Colour palette: Neutral tones with strategic contrast create visual interest without overwhelming the space
  • Quality materials: Durable, easy-to-maintain surfaces that look and feel luxurious rather than institutional

Redefining Accessible Design

This project stands as proof that accessible living doesn't require compromise. Our clients gained full accessibility, eliminated dangerous safety issues, and ended up with a bathroom more beautiful than they initially imagined. The 2025 RenoMark Awards recognition as Best Adaptive Renovation validated what we've long believed: when accessibility is approached as a design opportunity rather than a limitation, the results can be extraordinary.

Looking For A Transformative Renovation?

If you're facing accessibility needs in your home and wondering whether an addition is your only option, we invite you to explore the possibilities with Master Edge Homes. As Markham's only Adaptiv Living certified accessible design renovator, we bring specialized expertise to creating spaces that work beautifully for every stage of life.

Whether you need a fully accessible bathroom, aging-in-place modifications, or thoughtful universal design throughout your home, our team can help you discover solutions you may not have considered.

Contact us today to discuss how we can transform your existing space into something extraordinary.

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