When Grace shared photos of her stunning bathroom renovation, we knew we had to feature the transformation—especially since she and her husband completed the project themselves on a very tight schedule. Below is her note about the remodel and the results they achieved.
Greetings from sunny San Diego! We recently renovated our bathroom (and did it all in under a month just like you guys). My husband Collin did all of the work himself (with a little help from yours truly) and we really love how it turned out. We especially like the glass tile that we chose for the tub, the lighter look of two pedestal sinks (over our previously bulky vanity) and the nickel fixtures that finish everything off. We hope you enjoy the before and afters! Oh and you can check out my blog for more details. – Grace
Below is the bathroom before the renovation — a snapshot of the space prior to updates, showing the dated surfaces, dark finishes, and a bulky vanity that made the room feel smaller and more closed-in.
And here is the same room after the renovation, following a full update that included new sinks, lighting, mirrors, tile and fixtures. The overall effect is a brighter, more open bathroom that feels modern yet timeless.
Grace and Collin’s makeover highlights several smart design decisions that any homeowner considering a bathroom remodel can learn from:
- Swap a bulky vanit y for two pedestal sinks to open up floor space and create a lighter, airier look while maintaining function for two people.
- Use iridescent or glass tile around the tub and shower to reflect light and add visual interest without overwhelming the room.
- Choose classic, brushed nickel fixtures to unify the design. Metals with a soft sheen often read as elegant and durable, pairing well with both warm and cool palettes.
- Update lighting and mirrors to improve both task lighting and the perceived size of the room. Well-placed sconces or layered lighting make a dramatic difference in daily use.
The results are impressive. The tiled surround gleams and becomes a focal point, while the twin pedestal sinks provide an updated, nearly spa-like feel. Small details—the finish of the faucets, the scale of the mirrors, the grout color—work together to create a cohesive, polished look.
Completing a full bathroom renovation in under a month is ambitious, and it shows how careful planning, a clear design direction, and hands-on labor can speed the process. Grace mentions that Collin handled most of the construction work himself, with Grace assisting and overseeing finishes. Their collaborative approach kept timelines tight and costs down, and it allowed them to select materials and details that suited their tastes exactly.
Before-and-after bathroom projects like this are useful inspiration for anyone thinking about a refresh. They demonstrate that even rooms that feel cramped or outdated can be transformed through strategic changes: open up the layout visually, introduce reflective materials, streamline storage, and select hardware that complements the design. The finished space can feel light, organized, and welcoming—an environment that’s both practical and beautiful.
We love how the subway-like tile pattern and iridescent surface catch light at different times of day, and how the double pedestals balance form and function. The brushed nickel accents provide a subtle contrast against the tile without creating visual clutter. Altogether, the remodel feels refined but not fussy—classic choices executed with thoughtful attention to proportion and finish.
If you’re planning a bathroom update, consider which elements will make the most impact for your space and schedule: lighting, tile, and fixture finishes often deliver the biggest visual improvements. And if you’re embarking on a DIY renovation, allow extra time for unforeseen challenges but know that focused work and smart choices can yield dramatic before-and-after results—just like Grace and Collin achieved.
Now tell us: what’s your favorite part of this makeover? We’re partial to the shimmering tile wall, but those twin pedestal sinks are tough to beat.