For 16 years, our annual Big Splash Bathroom Giveaway has been one of the most meaningful projects we take on. Each year, we partner with the Olivia Bloomfield Foundation to transform a bathroom for a local family who truly needs it.
In our last post, we introduced you to this year’s recipient — Matthew Calel, a 10-year-old with a big personality and even bigger passions. Matthew loves cars, plays the bass at church with his family, and rarely misses a chance to cheer on the Kansas City Chiefs.
However, Matthew also lives with spina bifida and uses a wheelchair for mobility. While his condition does not slow him down, his current bathroom does.
Right now, the biggest challenge is simply access. Matthew can't enter the bathroom in his wheelchair, which means his dad has to lift and carry him every time he needs to use the space. In addition, the traditional tub and shower combination makes bathing difficult and unsafe, and the sink height prevents Matthew from using it independently.
A bathroom should provide safety, dignity, and independence. Unfortunately, Matthew’s current space does the opposite.
That is exactly why we are stepping in to help.
With demo beginning next week, we are excited to share the design plans that will transform this space into a bathroom built for Matthew’s needs.
Table of Contents
Matthew’s Current Bathroom Challenges
Matthew’s existing bathroom was not designed with wheelchair accessibility in mind.
First, the doorway is too narrow for his chair, which prevents him from entering the room independently.
Next, the tub and shower combo creates another obstacle. The tall tub wall makes safe transfers nearly impossible, and it increases the risk of slipping and injury during bath time.
Finally, the sink and vanity height make daily routines difficult. Matthew cannot roll up to the sink, which limits his ability to wash his hands or brush his teeth on his own.
Because the room was never designed for accessibility, it lacks:
- Adequate turning space for a wheelchair
- Safe shower access
- Reachable fixtures and sink height
Although the footprint of the room is relatively small, thoughtful design can make a dramatic difference. That is why this renovation focuses on removing obstacles and restoring independence.
That is where our design team steps in.
Reworking the Floor Plan for Accessibility
When designing a space like this, the floor plan becomes the most important element.
Our degreed architect, Leslie Hatfield, specializes in turning tight spaces into highly functional layouts. She carefully reworked the existing footprint and bumped into bedroom #2 to create an ADA door into the bathroom. This new plan works to create better circulation and accessibility throughout the room.
By adjusting the layout, the new plan will:
- Improve wheelchair access throughout the space
- Allow Matthew to approach the sink comfortably
- Create a safer, more accessible shower area
- Open the room visually so it feels larger and easier to navigate
- Add a California Closets reach in closet system in bedroom #2 since the original closet is being removed to create space in the bathroom
Even small changes in layout can significantly improve mobility and independence. To better accommodate the family's needs and use of space, we're turning bedroom #3 (not pictured but bottom left corner room in floor plans,) into a walk-in closet system. There are no beds in this room, and it will serve as a place for storage and create more room in the bedrooms for the family.
With the new floor plan in place, we could then focus on creating a space that feels calm, welcoming, and uplifting for Matthew.
Designing a Calm and Accessible Bathroom
While accessibility drives every design decision, we also want this bathroom to feel beautiful and peaceful.
Designer Kelly Summers is working with the Calel family to create a calming, spa-like environment built around earthy neutral tones.
The design will focus on:
- Soft natural colors
- Clean, simple lines
- Bright lighting to make the room feel open and airy
- Durable materials that are easy to maintain
Together, these elements will create a zen-like bathroom that feels both functional and relaxing.
More importantly, it will allow Matthew to move throughout the space more freely and participate in daily routines with greater independence.
3D Renderings: Visualizing the Transformation
Before construction begins, our team created 3D renderings to help the Calel family see the new design come to life.
These visuals illustrate how the updated layout will open the room and improve accessibility while maintaining a calm, welcoming aesthetic.
accessible sink for wheelchair access and ample storage
The renderings also help ensure every detail — from fixture placement to circulation space — works for Matthew’s mobility needs.
toilet and storage with plenty of room for a wheelchair
zero-entry shower for accessibility
Seeing the design take shape makes this project even more exciting.
And soon, it will move from rendering to reality.
Demo Begins Next Week
The countdown is officially on.
Demolition begins next week, marking the first step toward transforming this bathroom into a space Matthew can truly use and enjoy.
From there, our team will move through each phase of construction — framing, plumbing and electrical changes, tile installation, cabinetry, and final finishes.
Follow the Big Splash Journey
We will be documenting the entire transformation from start to finish.
You can follow along as we share:
- Behind-the-scenes construction progress
- Design updates
- Installation milestones
- The final reveal
Be sure to follow us on Instagram and keep an eye on our blog, where we will continue sharing updates throughout each stage of the renovation.
This project means so much to our team, and we cannot wait to bring Matthew’s new bathroom to life!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Olivia’s Big Splash?
Olivia’s Big Splash is an annual bathroom renovation giveaway created to help families in our community who need safer, more accessible bathrooms. We proudly partner with the Olivia Bloomfield Foundation to make these transformations possible.
How long has the giveaway been happening?
2026 marks the 16th year of the Big Splash Bathroom Giveaway! This is our 4th year partnered with the Olivia Bloomfield Foundation.
Who designs the giveaway bathroom?
Our in-house design team leads the process. Architect Leslie Hatfield develops the floor plan, while designer Kelly Summers works with the family to select materials and finishes. Director Don Richeson helps oversee the construction. We are so grateful for our trades partners who donate their time and resources to help make this possible.
What other services do you offer?
In addition to projects like the Big Splash giveaway, our team specializes in:
- Kitchen remodeling
- Bathroom renovations
- Whole home remodeling
- Home additions
- Basement finishing
- Smaller Handyman projects or re-freshes (window replacement, wood rot repair, drywall repair, appliance installation, new tile)
- Remodeling projects at the Lake of the Ozarks and throughout Kansas City
How can I follow the project?
We will be sharing progress updates on our Instagram stories and through future blog posts as construction moves forward.
A Bathroom Built for Independence
At the heart of every Big Splash project is one simple goal — creating a space that improves daily life for a deserving family.
For Matthew, this renovation will do more than update a bathroom. It will provide greater independence, safer routines, and a space designed around his needs.
As demolition begins next week, we can't wait to see this transformation unfold.
Stay tuned as we continue sharing the journey, from demo day all the way to the final reveal!
Ready to make accessible updates to your home or design the bathroom of your dreams? Contact us today so we can make your home a space you truly love to live in.