Case Study: Thawing Out in Style in Sioux Falls
Homeowners: James & Leah
Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Project Partner: Custom Bath & Shower
Anyone who has survived a winter in Sioux Falls knows that feeling of walking through the front door after a day of sub-zero wind chills. Your bones are rattling, your boots are caked in snow, and your primary goal in life is to thaw out before you permanently turn into a statue at Falls Park.
James and Leah knew this feeling well. Unfortunately, for a long time, their primary thawing station—their master bathroom—left a lot to be desired. They needed an upgrade, and they brought in the pros at Custom Bath & Shower to make it happen.
Here is the story of how they ditched the beige and brought in the brilliance.
The Challenge: The “Before” Blizzard
Take a look at the “Before” photo. James and Leah’s original setup was a classic builder-grade bathtub/shower combo that had seen better days.
- The Clunky Climb: Stepping over that high tub wall every morning was getting old. Frankly, navigating an icy sidewalk down on Phillips Avenue felt safer than stepping into a wet, curved tub basin.
- The Beige Blues: The color palette was a monotonous, uninspired beige that made the space feel cramped and dated.
- Framed Frustrations: The thick, bronze-colored frame around the sliding glass doors broke up the visual flow of the room, making a small space feel even smaller.
It was functional, sure, but it wasn’t the warm, welcoming oasis you want waiting for you during a South Dakota snowstorm.
The Solution: A Custom Transformation
Custom Bath & Shower arrived with a plan to maximize space, boost safety, and elevate the room’s entire aesthetic. They executed a complete tub-to-shower conversion.
- Out with the Tub, In with the Walk-In: The team ripped out the old tub basin and replaced it with a sleek, low-threshold shower base. It features a textured, non-slip surface, meaning James and Leah can leave the slipping and sliding to the local ice rinks.
- Sleek, Frameless Hardware: They ditched the heavy, bronze door frames for a modern, barn-door-style sliding glass track in a brilliant chrome finish. The clear glass opens up the room immensely.
- Wall-to-Wall Elegance: The yellowish surround was replaced with crisp, bright white wall panels. To break up the white and add a touch of personality, the team installed a gorgeous grey-and-black mosaic tile accent strip, perfectly mirrored inside a brand-new recessed shower niche (say goodbye to balancing shampoo bottles on the tub ledge!).
- Safety Meets Style: Strategically placed, sleek grab bars were installed to ensure absolute stability without making the space look like a hospital room. Finally, a versatile showerhead with a detachable wand was added for maximum comfort.
The Outcome: The “After” Oasis
As the “After” photo proves, the difference is night and day. James and Leah’s bathroom went from a cramped, dated chore to a bright, modern, and highly accessible sanctuary. The sleek glass and bright white walls make the ceiling look higher and the footprint feel larger.
Now, when the Sioux Falls weather drops below freezing, James and Leah have the perfect, spa-like retreat waiting to help them thaw out safely and in style.





