Budget Kids Bathroom Update: What I’m Planning (Before & After Coming Soon)

Updating a kids bathroom feels a little risky.

They splash.
They drip toothpaste. Everywhere.
They somehow get water on the ceiling.

So while I want the space to feel fresh and intentional, I’m not about to spend thousands on finishes that may not survive real life.

Instead of a full remodel, I’m planning a budget kids bathroom update — small, practical changes that will make a big difference without breaking the bank.

And yes… I’ll be sharing before and after photos once it’s done.

Here’s the plan.

---

Why We’re Updating (Without Remodeling)

The bathroom is functional.

Nothing is broken.
Nothing needs replacing.

But it feels very builder-basic — beige walls, plain vanity, flat mirror, zero personality.

It’s part of that “sea of sameness” so many new builds fall into.

Rather than gutting the space, I’m focusing on updates that are:

• Affordable

• Durable

• Easy to redo later

• Low commitment

Because kids.

---

The Plan: 5 Budget-Friendly Updates

1. Painting the Walls

This is the first and biggest change.

Fresh paint will:

• Brighten the space

• Cover years of splash marks

• Instantly make the bathroom feel clean and intentional

I’m leaning toward something fresh but still practical — nothing too trendy that we’ll regret in a year.

And definitely satin or semi-gloss for easy wipe downs.

---

2. Painting the Vanity Instead of Replacing It

A new vanity? Expensive.

A painted vanity? Smart.

Instead of replacing it, I’m planning to repaint it in a deeper tone that hides scuffs and adds contrast.

If it chips in a few years, I can repaint again — no stress.

This feels like the best move for a kids bathroom makeover on a budget.

---

3. Replacing the Builder Mirror

You know the one — the large, flat mirror glued to the wall.

It works. But it doesn’t add anything.

I’m planning to swap it for a framed mirror to give the space more personality and make it feel finished.

It’s one of those simple changes that can elevate the entire room.

---

4. Adding a Shelf Above the Toilet

Kids bathrooms need storage.

Extra toilet paper.
Towels.
All the random bath items.

A simple shelf above the toilet will:

• Add vertical storage

• Make the space more functional

• Give me a little styling opportunity

Practical and affordable.

---

5. New Shower Curtain

This is where I’ll probably bring in a little personality.

Pattern, texture, or subtle color — something that feels intentional but still kid-friendly.

And if they outgrow it? Easy swap.

Low cost. Big visual change.

---

What I’m Not Doing (On Purpose)

No tile replacement.
No new countertops.
No plumbing changes.

Those upgrades can wait.

Right now, the goal is a fresh, functional space that looks updated but doesn’t feel precious.

---

Before & After Coming Soon

I’ll be sharing:

• Before photos

• The exact paint colors

• Budget breakdown

• What worked (and what I’d do differently)

• Final after photos

If you’ve been wanting to update your kids bathroom but don’t want to commit to a full renovation, this might be the push to start small.

Sometimes a glow up doesn’t require demolition.

Sometimes it just requires a plan.

Stay tuned for the before & after. 

How I Started a Traditional Sourdough Starter (Without Wasting a Ton of Flour)

For the longest time, I wanted to try making a traditional sourdough starter… but every recipe I found told me to use 100 grams of flour at a time and discard half of it every single day.

Maybe it’s just me, but that felt so wasteful.

All I could think about was perfectly good flour going straight into the trash.

So I kept putting it off.

Finding a No-Discard Method

After going down a sourdough rabbit hole (as one does), I came across the no-discard method from She Bakes Sourdough and decided to give it a try. The biggest lightbulb moment?

You do not need a massive quantity of flour to create a healthy, active starter.

You just need the correct ratios.

That completely changed the game for me.

Instead of feeding 100g at a time, I started very small — and it worked.

Starting Small (Like, Really Small)

I keep a tiny starter. Most days it’s around 9 grams total.

Here’s exactly what I do:

• Keep 3 grams of starter

• Add 3 grams flour

• Add 3 grams water

That’s it.

No giant jar.
No huge discard.
No guilt.

When I’m ready to bake, I simply build it up a few days before. Otherwise, I keep it small and manageable.

If you’ve been avoiding sourdough because it feels overwhelming or wasteful, this is your sign that it doesn’t have to be.

The Winter Struggle (Ohio Edition)

Now… here’s where things got interesting.

I started this in the winter here in Ohio, and my starter wasn’t quite doubling like it was supposed to. It would rise a little… but not enough to feel confident.

Instead of scrapping the whole thing, I did some research.

One tip that kept popping up? Try rye flour.

So I swapped out my regular flour for rye during a feed.

The very next day, there was a noticeable difference.

It was bubbly.
It was rising.
It was alive.

And from that point on, we were off to the races.

What I Learned

Here’s what I wish someone had told me before I started:

• You don’t need large quantities to create a healthy starter.

• Ratios matter more than volume.

• Temperature plays a huge role (especially in winter).

• Rye flour can give your starter the boost it needs.

• You can keep your starter tiny and build it up only when needed.

Sourdough doesn’t have to mean dumping flour in the trash every day. It can be simple. Low waste. Manageable.

And honestly? Kind of addictive once it gets going.

If you’ve been thinking about starting sourdough but feel intimidated, start small. Use the right ratios. Adjust for your environment. And don’t be afraid to experiment.

If you try it, let me know — I’m always up for talking sourdough.