“Cornfields & Grab Bars” – A Walk-In Shower Upgrade in Warren County, Iowa
The Challenge
When we got a call from Joanne in Warren County, Iowa, we knew right away we weren’t just walking into any bathroom renovation. “I’m not trying to turn my shower into a day spa,” she told us over the phone. “I just want to get in and out of it without feeling like I’m bull-riding at the county fair.”
Joanne is 72, sharp as a tack, and known around Indianola for her peach cobbler and unbeatable cribbage game. After a minor slip last winter (which she downplayed as “just a surprise sit-down”), she realized her tub-shower combo wasn’t cutting it anymore. She wanted safety, yes—but also something that didn’t scream “institutional.”
The Journey
Joanne had lived in the same house since the Carter administration. Her bathroom hadn’t changed much either. “The only thing that’s been updated since 1982 is the toilet paper brand,” she joked.
When we first visited, Joanne gave us the grand tour—complete with local gossip, weather commentary (“You know it’s tornado season when your dog hides under the sink”), and a detailed rundown of the Iowa State Fair’s butter cow history. But once we stepped into the bathroom, we understood her concerns. The high tub wall was hard on her knees, the faucet had a stubborn drip, and there wasn’t a grab bar in sight.
The Process
We decided on a low-threshold walk-in shower design that prioritized accessibility and comfort. The wall panels were done in a sandstone finish—warm, neutral, and perfect for reflecting the natural light from the small window nearby. We integrated dual recessed shelves for her shampoo and soap (and yes, her rubber duck named “Earl”), a corner seat, and installed two sturdy grab bars along the back and side walls.
Joanne wasn’t shy about design input either. “I don’t want one of those giant rain heads—I’m not trying to drown. Just give me something with decent pressure that won’t knock me into next week.”
So, we went with a flexible handheld showerhead and a side-mounted diverter valve, easy to reach and simple to use. As we installed it, Joanne stood nearby with a mug of chamomile tea, supervising like a seasoned foreman. “You boys don’t cut corners, do you?” she asked. “Because I once had a cousin who tried to tile his bathroom himself—let’s just say it ended with two emergency room visits and a very angry cat.”
The Result
The finished product was clean, safe, and perfectly suited to Joanne’s needs. The grab bars blended into the design seamlessly, the bench made her morning routine easier, and the new flooring meant no more slip-and-slide surprises. And yes—Earl the duck now has a designated shelf.
Conclusion
Joanne called us two weeks later, not to complain, but to tell us her neighbor came over just to “peek at the fancy shower.” “Now she’s jealous,” Joanne said. “Told her she’d better upgrade before her knees file a formal complaint.”
In Warren County, where practicality meets charm, it’s customers like Joanne who remind us why thoughtful design matters. After all, nothing says “Iowa strong” like a safe shower and a sense of humor.
