Salvaged, Styled, Stunning: One Woman’s Brooklyn Bathroom Revolution

In the tight confines of an East Flatbush, Brooklyn, bathroom, Allyson, an attorney, has conjured a jewel box of global inspiration, a space where salvaged 19th-century doors meet meticulously laid marble and brass inlays. But it’s the floor—a geometric tapestry of cool marble and warm brass, painstakingly assembled—that whispers of a homeowner’s audacious vision, a testament to the sweat equity and design daring that transformed a dated space into a personalized sanctuary.

Wait until you see the intricate tile floor

• Homeowner: Allyson, an attorney, posted her bathroom remodel on Sweeten
• Where: East Flatbush, Brooklyn
• Primary renovation: Remodeling the bathroom in a 1920s home to fit a more creative and modern aesthetic

Written in partnership with homeowner Allyson. “After” photos by Kate Glicksberg for Sweeten.

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Starting with the bathroom

An electrical inspection revealed a full electrical update was required. According to the electrician, stereo wire had been used to establish connections. Therefore, it was a matter of when, not if, the house would catch fire. Her scope had just expanded.

Personalize and modernize a dated bathroom

Allyson’s ambition was to infuse her bathroom with a curated blend of styles: vintage, mid-century modern, and Afrocentric, all anchored by natural wood and brass accents. This deeply personal vision required bold moves. The removal of a 1950s wall hamper and the repurposing of a bedroom closet were instrumental in achieving her desired shower and separate tub, resulting in a space that truly reflects her artistic eye—and a walk-in closet.

Every element, from the flooring to the vanity, was a result of Allyson’s pursuit to personalize the space. She and her contractor worked together to ensure the materials she found were the right size and configuration. “I took on the part of figuring out what I wanted. He would instruct what mechanisms it’d need to fit,” she said. Her contractor turned a vintage credenza Allyson found online into a vanity. She installed brass sinks that were sourced from Australia.

Using geometric spaces and salvaged materials

Allyson’s vision unfolded in intricate detail, starting with the floor—a bespoke mosaic of marble and brass. Each brass inlay was painstakingly cut and fitted, a testament to her desire for a “geometric, unusual, and somewhat imperfect” aesthetic. This dedication extended to the reclaimed 1800s pocket door, a brownstone relic rescued from Big Reuse. What began as a DIY project, involving months of stripping away layers of history, ultimately required professional finesse. The resulting blend of cool and warm tones, punctuated by brass accents and the aqua, windblown shower tiles, evokes a serene, water-inspired retreat.

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The biggest and most time-consuming part of the renovation was sourcing all the materials. Allyson hit all the stops: Etsy, Instagram, Anthropologie, and international sites to find ideas. The process even inspired her to start a business called Cultivate Self, where she’ll curate items inspired by global design and travel, and share her tips for cultivating a home.

Having a flexible general contractor

Throughout the entire process, Allyson’s contractor helped to achieve her vision. “My contractor was patient and never dismissed my ideas as ridiculous or impossible.  If something wasn’t how I liked it, he made sure that it was corrected. Because a lot of the items I wanted to use came from outside of the country, he worked around my undependable delivery schedule.  He took a potentially stressful situation and provided steady guidance and expertise,” Allyson said. “I truly appreciate their amazing work and help in making this renovation happen. I really feel like my bathroom reflects my creative vision and I love every inch of it.”

While she’s still very much in the weeds of the rest of her renovation, the homeowner and first-time renovator has advice to share. “Don’t be afraid to take risks. I read that if you’re not doing something in your renovation that scares you, you’re not doing it right.”

Bonus: The brass inlay and marble floor was inspired by a backsplash Allyson saw on Instagram.

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Renovation materials

BATHROOM RESOURCES: Thassos 1×1 white marble tile, Thassos white Greek marbled honed subway tile: Houzz. Brass rod inlays, #MTL-03-BR: Inlay Product World laid by contractor to create custom flooring pattern. Wall tile in Glassio Lumiere 3×6 Angel Feather crackle subway tile; California Faucets shower fixtures (handshower #9128S, shower head #SH-177-6, arm flange #9132C, flange #9103)  in satin brass; California Faucets wall-mount faucet, #TO-V6602-7; California Faucets wall mount tub spout, #TS-65: Decor Planet. Brass basin sink, #10284 and bathtub handshower: JustinPlace. Shower wall tile in Glasstints dune textured glass in Aqua and shower floor and niche in Glasstints corundum texture glass tile in Aqua Beryl: Interstyle. Broyhill credenza converted into vanity by Sweeten contractor. Reclaimed 1800s pocket door and vintage wood (for floating shelves): Big Reuse. Emtek mid-century pocket door lock; Maykee barnet oval bathtub: Amazon. Perch round mirror with shelf: CB2. Double bare bulb wall sconce and mini helix flush mount light in brass; wall brackets for floating shelves in brass, towel rack, toilet paper holder, and wall hook: Pepe & Carols. Kohler Persuade dual-flush toilet, #K-3815-0: Home Depot.