“A Thoroughbred Upgrade” – Ralph’s Walk-In Shower Renovation in Lexington, Kentucky
The Challenge
When Ralph from Lexington, Kentucky first gave us a call, he introduced himself like this: “I’m 73, retired, and I’d like to stop feeling like I’m preparing for a steeplechase every time I get in the shower.” That line told us everything we needed to know.
Ralph, a lifelong Lexington resident and former thoroughbred trainer, had spent years around horses, barns, and racetracks—but now he was looking for something much simpler: a safe, comfortable, and modern shower. “I’ve slipped on enough wet tile in my life,” he told us, “I don’t need a rodeo in my own bathroom.”
His existing setup was a cramped fiberglass tub/shower combo with an outdated curtain rod and a soap dish that looked like it had survived a few decades of battle. “This thing’s older than half the jockeys I used to work with,” Ralph joked.
The Journey
Ralph’s home was a classic brick ranch nestled just south of downtown Lexington, not far from the Kentucky Horse Park. His house had personality—wood paneling in the den, old racing posters on the walls, and a cat named Derby who supervised the entire consultation.
“I don’t need anything fancy,” Ralph said. “But I do need to stop pretending I can hurdle over the tub wall like it’s the final stretch at Keeneland.”
He was clear about what he wanted: a low-threshold walk-in shower, safety features that didn’t make the room look like a hospital, and enough room to turn around without bumping his elbow on the wall.
The Process
We began by removing the old tub and prepping the area for a custom walk-in shower. Ralph chose a sleek, subtle gray tone for the wall panels—something easy to clean and modern, but still neutral. “Reminds me of a good Kentucky limestone,” he said. We’ll take that as a compliment.
The design included two recessed niches for storage—big enough for shampoo, soap, and, per Ralph’s request, “a backup bar of Irish Spring.” We installed a wide grab bar along the back wall, another on the side for extra security, and a comfortable built-in bench that made his morning routine much more manageable.
But the real star of the show? A new overhead rainfall showerhead paired with a handheld option, offering both luxury and flexibility. “This is the first time in years I’ve looked forward to taking a shower,” Ralph told us. “Feels like I’m washing off a day at the track without the smell of hay.”
The Result
Ralph’s new shower is exactly what he hoped for—safe, spacious, and refreshingly simple. No more awkward climbing over tub walls, no more worrying about slipping on slick tile, and no more battling with a wobbly curtain rod. His bathroom feels like a space built for someone with experience, wisdom, and a little bit of Lexington flair.
Conclusion
Ralph told us he now showers “like a champion thoroughbred—calm, clean, and injury-free.” That’s high praise in a town where horses get the VIP treatment. For us, helping Ralph create a space that matches his lifestyle was more than just a job—it was a winning bet.
