Breaking Free from the Bathroom Time Capsule: The Taulbee Family Case Study
Nestled in the heart of Kentucky—where the grass is blue, the bourbon flows smooth, and horse racing reigns supreme—the Taulbee residence had plenty of charm. However, their master bathroom possessed a different kind of history: a cramped, yellowing shower stall that felt less like a spa and more like a horse trailer at Churchill Downs.
For years, stepping into their old shower required an athletic level of maneuvering. Washing your hair meant risking an elbow-to-wall collision, and the dimly lit alcove felt completely cut off from the rest of the bathroom. The Taulbees decided it was time to bid farewell to claustrophobia and upgrade to a sleek, modern space built to handle everything from muggy Kentucky summers to brisk winter mornings.
Before & After Transformation
Outdated, yellowed plastic insert with restricted entry and dark interior.
Spacious, glass-enclosed Onyx sanctuary with matte black fixtures and built-in bench.
Executive Summary
- The Challenge: An outdated, cramped shower stall with a restrictive doorway, yellowing fiberglass walls, and a gloomy interior that made daily routines feel more like a claustrophobic chore than a refreshing start to the day.
- The Solution: A full custom overhaul using our premium shower replacement services to tear out the old fiberglass unit, widen the opening, and install clean, durable wall panels from the Onyx Collection alongside clear glass panels, a built-in bench, double recessed storage niches, and modern matte black hardware.
- The Outcome: An expansive, spa-like walk-in shower that completely opens up the bathroom layout. The Taulbees reported that the installation crew went “above & beyond expectations” and gave the finished transformation a 100% recommendation.
The Challenge: A Shower Quarter-Horse-Sized Problem
The original setup had outlived its usefulness by a good decade or two. Encased in high drywall cutouts, the original shower was essentially a dark cave made of aged, discolored plastic. The narrow opening choked off natural light and forced you to sidestep into the pan.
The Taulbees knew they wanted two primary things:
- More space and light: A structure that opened up the room rather than trapping them in a dark corner.
- Durable, low-maintenance materials: Surfaces that were easy to clean, impervious to mold, and built to last a lifetime without cracking or yellowing.
The Solution: Opening Up with Onyx
To give the Taulbees the airy retreat they envisioned, Custom Bath & Shower designed a custom layout featuring hard-surface Onyx shower material. Known for its durability, seamless finish, and effortless maintenance, Onyx was the ideal choice to elevate the space.
Key Upgrades Installed:
- Bright White Wall Panels: Custom-measured Onyx panels with a crisp subway-tile pattern running all the way to the ceiling, instantly reflecting light throughout the room.
- Frameless Glass Enclosure: Replaced the heavy drywall obstruction with a crystal-clear glass wall and door, making the entire bathroom feel twice as wide.
- Modern Matte Black Fixtures: Premium dark hardware—including an adjustable hand-held showerhead, sturdy safety grab bars, and streamlined door handles—to create a striking contrast against the white walls.
- Built-in Comfort & Storage: Integrated double recessed shelving niches for clutter-free shampoo storage and a dedicated shower bench for maximum relaxation.
The Outcome: Above & Beyond Expectations
When our installation crew arrived, they worked with precision, efficiency, and respect for the Taulbee home. In short order, the outdated plastic stall was gone, replaced by a gleaming, open-concept shower retreat.
The physical difference was night and day. Light now flows freely across the bathroom, and the shower itself offers ample room to stretch out and relax.
Upon seeing the completed project, the Taulbees shared that our installation team went above & beyond their expectations from start to finish. They gave Custom Bath & Shower a 100% recommendation, confirming that when it comes to quality craftsmanship in Kentucky, we always deliver a winner.
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BATHS & SHOWERS
Includes new shower, countertop, toilet and new flooring!
