Fully accessible bathrooms, kitchens & stairlifts –North East showroom has a vast display for all mobilities

But over a decade later, they now own two thriving businesses planning, designing and fitting adaptations – from stylish modern wetrooms to state-of-the art kitchens, from simple grabrails to internal & external stairlifts, hoists and through-floor-lifts

“When we got the diagnosis and were told our son James would be in a wheelchair by the age of seven I had this vision of what our home would look like when we had to adapt it – my head thought of ugly grab rails and clinical flooring,” says Mary.

“We had no idea or experience of adapting our property to meet James needs”

Dad Steve was a joiner, and it was he who did the work to fit out a bathroom in their home suitable for James – and it was such a success that he was asked to do more and eventually the couple began to specialise in this type of work, setting up the business Shape Your World in 2012.

Leading the field

They are the leading adaptations specialist in the north east, providing adaptations for a wide range of clients including the elderly, the less able, those with physical or visual challenges and those who have lost mobility through injury or trauma.

They have an experienced team of designers, installers and tradespeople who will speak to potential clients every step of the way to find out what their needs are. They will come out to your home for a no-obligation visit to see what’s possible and make recommendations.

“We can adapt most bathrooms,” Mary said. “But if we think something can’t be done, or there isn’t enough space we’ll be honest and say so. There is no point in spending a lot of money if it’s not going to do the job.”

Modern showroom

The showroom in Newcastle showcases a large and varied selection of bathrooms, kitchens and lifts – Dolphin Lifts is a sister company which the couple recently bought out and added to their existing business.

The showroom displays a range of level access showering facilities (wetrooms), walk-in baths, specialist toilets, accessible kitchens and more.

It has been designed to allow visitors to see what the home adaptations look like in real life – from the kitchen benches which move up and down to the beautifully styled chrome grab rails.

But as well as being able to visually inspect and try out some of the products there will be the knowledgeable and professional staff on hand to offer plenty of advice, suggestions and help.

Private and public sector clients

Whether you have some support from the local authority to adapt your home, or are funding it entirely yourself, Mary and the team can help and advise all along the way. They will work with other agencies, such as occupational therapists, carers and health professionals to ensure the finished work is right for you.

“Everything is bespoke for that individual,” says Mary. “There isn’t a one-size fits all.  

“We know how daunting it can be, but we have the experience to help people. Many people think they can just get the basics that the local authority will pay for, but you can also add to the amount paid by the Local Authority under the DFG (Disabled Facilities Grant) and upgrade if you wish.”

One thing is for sure, there will be no pressure, just some sound common sense, good advice from someone who has experienced it personally, and the expertise of staff like John and Darren who oversee the design and fitting of any adaptations.

Visit the showroom

To find out more about modern adaptations for your home, to view some of the wetrooms and fully accessible kitchens and see the range of lifts, hoists and stairlifts come along to the Independent Living Showroom at Unit 16F, Airport Industrial Estate, Kingston Park, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 2EF. And take a look at the website for information, ideas and inspiration here.