How to Convert an Old Bathtub into an Art Deco Rainforest Experience
Can you turn a 1980s bathtub into a luxury Art Deco shower? Yes. By combining custom architectural arches, high-flow plumbing for 13 water outlets, and specialized "aging-in-place" safety features, you can transform a dated bathroom into a spa-like "rainforest" sanctuary that increases home value and personal comfort.
The Vision: More Than Just a Bathroom
When I first met Griff Hubbard through the Rotary Club of Longview, I knew his project would be special. Griff is a man of history, particularly railroad history, and his home reflects that soul. He didn't just want a new shower; he wanted the "crowning achievement" of his home—a space that felt like an Art Deco rainforest.
To truly understand Griff’s vision, I did something most contractors don't: I listened to his railroad history podcasts. This allowed us to build a design that wasn't just functional, but deeply personal.
Engineering the "Rainforest" Experience
The centerpiece of this transformation is the "Rainforest" shower system. To achieve this level of luxury, we had to overcome significant technical hurdles:
- 13 Water Outlets: We installed a massive array of body sprayers and the largest rain head Ekon Bath has ever commissioned.
- High-Volume Plumbing: Most older homes aren't built for this much water. We coordinated with specialists to ensure the water pressure and hot water capacity could handle the "rainforest" flow.
- Custom Art Deco Hardware: When standard handles didn't fit the 1920s aesthetic, we sourced custom hardware and even had a machine shop create a bespoke Art Deco drain cover.
Design Details: Where History Meets Luxury
Griff’s bathroom is a masterclass in Art Deco design. We replaced the standard square shower entry with a striking architectural archway. This creates a sense of "arriving" at a destination rather than just stepping into a shower.
We also prioritized "Aging in Space"—a core value at Ekon Bath. While the shower looks like a high-end spa, it secretly includes reinforced support behind the walls for future safety features, ensuring Griff can enjoy this sanctuary for the next 40 years.
The Ekon "Red Carpet" Experience
At Ekon Bath, we believe the process should be as beautiful as the result. For Griff, that meant:
- Daily Cleanliness: We vacuumed and dusted every single afternoon so Griff could live comfortably during the renovation.
- Above and Beyond: To finish the job, we didn't just clean the bathroom; we power-washed his back patio to leave his entire home better than we found it.
