Yesterday you saw Day Numero Uno of what we lovingly call “Operation Granny Chic.” The mission: update my granny’s small bathroom over the course of three fast-paced days. With the prep work completed, Day 2 focused on painting and installing new flooring—after a small but necessary fix.

Before painting, we noticed a large rust spot on the air duct near the floor. Paint alone would have bled through, so we treated the area with Rustoleum first. One quick coat did the trick and prevented the stain from coming back through the new paint.

For the walls we chose Benjamin Moore’s “Hint of Violet,” a soft violet with subtle gray undertones. Granny loves purple, and the color felt cheerful without overwhelming the compact room. Because the space is small, we painted the ceiling the same color as the walls to create a more open, less chopped-up feel.

The paint went on smoothly in two coats, and by lunchtime we were ready to tackle the floor. The old flooring was that dated sheet laminate—neutral and serviceable but worn. Granny specifically wanted textured individual vinyl tiles, so that became our priority.

We considered classic hex tile and other vintage options, but time and budget made peel-and-stick vinyl tiles the most practical choice. They’re affordable, easy to install, and don’t require thinset, grout, or a wet saw. We picked up tiles at Home Depot for a budget-friendly price and relied on a straightforward installation method: lay each tile snugly against the previous one to avoid gaps and seams.

Cutting the tiles is simple too. Score with a utility knife, then bend and snap the tile along the cut. That said, Granny’s tiny bathroom had many edges to trim, particularly because we didn’t remove the sink or toilet. To avoid disturbing the plumbing in this older house, we cut around the fixtures and left spare tiles so any future fixture replacement could be accommodated.

My method was to make paper templates for each tricky area. I used whatever was on hand—a spiral notebook sheet taped in place—then cut along the fixture outline. After transferring the template to the tile, I carefully trimmed it, tested the fit with the backing still on, and then adhered the tile in place. This approach ensured precise cuts and minimal gaps.

After installing roughly two dozen tiles, the new floor was finished in about four hours. The textured vinyl was a marked upgrade from the sheet vinyl, and it complemented the soft violet walls beautifully, adding depth and visual interest to the small room.

With painting and flooring complete, we moved on to a few finishing touches. Granny’s cabinet hardware looked dated and had peeling finish, so we sanded and spray-painted the pieces in a deep navy (Valspar’s Indigo Streamer in Satin). The hardware holes weren’t standard, so reusing the original pieces turned out to be a good solution that also added an unexpected pop of color.

We let the painted hardware dry outside while continuing to prepare for the final day. We added a playful blue glass knob to the medicine cabinet and rehung a towel ring using existing holes in the duct—holes that had supported the ring for years and that Granny preferred to keep. We also replaced a couple of old outlets, including one that was burnt, after an electrician checked the wiring to ensure everything was safe.

One of the most satisfying areas was the tiny sink corner. The combination of fresh paint, textured flooring, and updated hardware transformed the space more than we expected, even though some late-night photos didn’t capture the true wall color very well.

By the end of Day 2 our checklist looked nearly complete:

• Brainstorm colors & shop for accessories (Day 1)
• Spackle, sand, and caulk to prep for paint (Day 1)
• Rebuild cabinets to balance proportions (Day 1)
• Prime and paint cabinets for a fresher look (Day 1 & 2)
• Paint the entire room, including the ceiling (Day 2)
• Address problem areas like the rusted duct and dingy sink corner (Day 2)
• Replace the dated sheet flooring with peel-and-stick tiles (Day 2)
• Refresh hardware and accessories with a new finish (Day 2)
• Make and hang curtains for added charm (Day 3)
• Bring in meaningful art (Day 3)
• Add functional and personal accessories to finish the space (Day 3)
• Reveal the finished room to Granny (Day 3)

Tomorrow’s post will include full before-and-after photos, the final reveal, and a detailed budget breakdown once receipts and photos are finalized. In the meantime, if you’ve used peel-and-stick tiles for an affordable bathroom upgrade, did you make paper templates too, or do you prefer another method for trimming tiles?