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08.07.2025

Weekend Bathroom Renovation

If you’re short on time but want maximum design impact, a weekend bathroom renovation might be the smartest approach. With just two days and a few key upgrades, we completely transformed the garden-level bathroom in our Brooklyn brownstone—no gut demo or major construction required.

This project was all about efficiency, affordability, and design-forward thinking. With help from Glacier Bay products, available exclusively at Home Depot, we were able to give our tenant Kimberly a space that feels brand-new—while keeping the process simple enough to tackle over a weekend.

Step One: Fixture Upgrades for Function and Style

A successful weekend bathroom renovation starts with identifying what matters most. In this case, we focused on replacing the four primary fixtures: the toilet, vanity, faucet, and shower head. Glacier Bay products checked all the boxes—streamlined design, high performance, and straightforward installation that didn’t require a professional.

  • Toilet: We opted for a compact, high-efficiency model with a clean, skirted base that’s both modern and easy to clean.
  • Vanity + Faucet: The pre-assembled vanity unit included a sleek integrated faucet, which helped cut down on install time. The storage adds function, while the crisp finish brightens the space.
  • Shower Head: We installed a pressure-balanced model that offers reliable water flow—a simple upgrade that makes a noticeable difference.

Each component was DIY-friendly, which made staying on our tight weekend timeline realistic.

Step Two: Color Drenching for Maximum Visual Impact

To give the space a more cohesive, elevated feel, we turned to color drenching—painting the walls, trim, and ceiling in a single deep, moody hue. This technique adds depth, minimizes visual clutter, and creates a cocoon-like atmosphere that balances beautifully with the bright white fixtures. We used a navy blue paint to drench the bathroom.

For a weekend bathroom renovation, this is one of the fastest ways to deliver dramatic change without changing your layout. Check out our blog post on how to color drench a room! 

Step Three: Rethinking the Floor—Without Demo

Instead of removing the existing tile, we installed peel-and-stick luxury vinyl floor tile, which was both cost-effective and fast. After prepping the surface, we laid down the adhesive tile in a staggered pattern to create a more custom look. This step took just a few hours and instantly refreshed the room.

If you’re planning your own weekend bathroom renovation, peel-and-stick flooring is one of the most practical upgrades you can make.

Products We Used

Glaicer Bay Shower Head

Glacier Bay Bath Vanity

Glacier Bay Bathroom Faucet

Glacier Bay Toilet

Caulk

Caulk Gun

Paint Brush Set

Paint Roller Cover

Plastic Tray Liner

Wrench

Shower Curtain

Gray Paint

Blue Paint

This entire project came together in just two days—and the transformation speaks for itself. The key was focusing on high-impact areas and using reliable, easy-to-install products like those from Glacier Bay. Whether you’re working on a rental unit, a guest bathroom, or just want to refresh your own space without a full remodel, a weekend bathroom renovation is well within reach.

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guys

We’re Jordan Slocum and Barry Bordelon, the founders of The Brownstone Boys. Our journey began in 2017 with a shared passion for Brooklyn’s historic architecture and a vision to restore and transform brownstones with a modern touch. Over the years, we've had the privilege of working on over 725 projects. We pride ourselves on our hands-on approach and our ability to bring out the character of each space. Our work has been featured in top design outlets like Architectural Digest, The New York Times, House Beautiful, and Dwell.

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