Project Case Study: A Safer, Brighter Bathroom for Easier Everyday Living

Every project tells a story, and this one shows how thoughtful planning and skilled craftsmanship can transform not only a room but daily life too.

For this Scottish Borders project, Remo Volpe Joinery & Building Services was contacted by an elderly couple who were finding their bathroom difficult to use. The space was small, the layout awkward, and their reduced mobility made it increasingly challenging to move around safely.

Here’s how Remo and the team completely reworked the space to create a bright, accessible, and easy-to-use bathroom that suits their needs perfectly.

1. Understanding the Challenge

With only one bathroom in the property, careful timing was essential. The couple decided to take a short holiday while the work took place, allowing the team to complete the project quickly and without disruption.

Their priorities were clear:

• Improve accessibility and safety
• Create more usable floor space
• Bring in more light
• Make the room easier to maintain

2. Stripping Back and Starting Fresh

The first stage involved completely stripping the bathroom back to its shell. Everything was removed, giving a blank canvas to work from.

To improve lighting and ventilation, the ceiling was dropped to make space for new downlights and to conceal the pipework for an extractor fan. This made the room feel higher, cleaner, and more modern once completed.

3. Smarter Layout, Better Access

The original layout featured a traditional bath, which took up most of the floor area. To make the room safer and easier to navigate, Remo installed a corner shower instead.

This change immediately created more usable space and allowed for level access, which is particularly important for anyone with reduced mobility. The new layout gave the couple a comfortable, practical bathroom that feels much more open.

Another improvement was the re-hanging of the door. Previously it opened inward, which limited movement within the room. Now, it opens into the hallway, allowing clear, easy access without obstruction.

4. Materials and Finishes

Every surface in the new bathroom was clad in multi-panel shower boards. These brightened the space and provided a low-maintenance alternative to tiles. The subtle marbled design added just enough colour and texture to make the room feel welcoming while keeping cleaning simple.

Combined with the new lighting and extractor fan, the result is a space that feels fresh, bright, and carefully considered.

5. Complete Project Management

Remo Volpe Joinery & Building Services handled every part of the renovation, coordinating all required trades so the clients did not have to worry about a thing. Plumbing, electrical work, joinery, and decoration were all managed smoothly from start to finish.

The project did come with one unexpected challenge. On the final day of completion, access to Walkerburn was temporarily closed due to an explosion in a local factory. Thankfully, the clients were able to extend their holiday by an extra day, and the team worked through to finish the project on the Saturday. When the couple returned home, their new bathroom was ready to use.

6. The Result

The finished bathroom is safe, spacious, and modern. It feels brighter, easier to use, and perfectly suited to the clients’ needs.

By improving the layout, updating the lighting, and managing every detail, Remo Volpe Joinery & Building Services delivered a result that combines function, comfort, and craftsmanship in equal measure.

Ready to start your own project?

At Remo Joinery, we specialise in bespoke joinery solutions across Scotland. Whether you want timeless craftsmanship or a sleek modern design, we’ll bring your vision to life with joinery built to last.

Get in touch today to start the conversation about transforming your kitchen.

Call: 07772 329705
Email: remo@remojoinery.co.uk