When I attended Evo Conference in Utah I really had a good time talking with the great people from Lowes. They have a fun new program called “$50 and Change”. Lowes asked consumers about their budgets and small do-it-yourself projects. They have found that most people say that $50 is their sweet spot for spending money on basic DIY projects, and so they’ve created a challenge on their Facebook page. Lowes has asked their customers and fans to create their own projects for $50 or less and post their ideas to the Lowe’s Idea Exchange on Facebook. I played along, always up for a good challenge!
Lowes has lots of ideas already – Projects to Update Your Home for $50
I started here. In this ugly bathroom. It’s been “under construction” for several years. We make small changes as the budget allows, so this challenge was actually quite ideal for us.
I have been wanting to get rid of these nasty looking ornate wall sconces since we bought this house in 2007. Finally… finally!
So armed with a $50 budget, I hit the lighting department inside Lowes. Buying brand new sconces can run anywhere from $25 to several hundred dollars, depending on what you choose. I actually played it pretty frugal and went with these simple brass sconces for $6.98 each. I really didn’t care for the old fashioned glass light covers that came with the sconces. They had a large variety of light covers, but none fit this particular sconce, so we checked over by the ceiling fans. Score. We picked up 2 light covers, also for $6.98 each! Then it was off to the spray paint aisle where I grabbed some Rustoleum Metallic (Nickel Matte) to give the brass a brushed nickel look. Grand total = $36.21.
Bye bye Ugly Betty.
The first step was to paint those brass sconces. I gave them a couple of coats and let them dry thoroughly.
Hubby removed the old sconces exposing the wiring. For safety’s sake we turned off the bathroom breaker beforehand.
He put the new one on and that was that. Simple!
It was when I took this picture that I remembered the white wicker mirror I had found at the flea market a year ago. It had been sitting in my basement all that time. So I brought it up and replaced the mirror…
Much better! See, for under $50 it looks completely different. So now it’s YOUR turn! How about if I give you a $50 Lowes gift card so you can post your DIY project too?
RULES: Must have a U.S. shipping address, be 18 years or older, and enter the giveaway by the deadline of 10/22/12. Good luck! Can’t wait to see who wins and hope you’ll take the challenge too!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Lowes provided me with a $50 gift card to create this project.
- Cinnamon Ornaments - December 9, 2025
- Waterless Snow Globes - December 5, 2025
- Deco Mesh Poinsettia Flower - December 2, 2025
Judi Johnson says
I like the new look but I love the old sconces. What did you do with them? I recently redid an old chandelier into a solar one for daughter. That would be awesome to do the sconces for outside. Dont want the old ones send them to me. hint hint
Amanda Formaro says
Oh haha that was a long time ago. I gave them away on Freecycle!
Sheila Vives says
Wow, glad you shared the photos. Cannot believe what a different such a small style change made in your bathroom. You inspired me.
Amanda says
Thanks Sheila! I’m loving the change :)
Angie @ Big Bear's Wife says
I absolutely love the new look!
Cathy O says
Have you thought about tile paint to get rid of the colour you hate? I notice another user posted about yellow tiles and painting is definitely a cheaper option. I haven’t used the paint myself, but I have seen it used on makeover shows before.
Amanda says
Yes, but eventually my husband wants to redo the entire bathroom so I don’t want to waste the time, effort and money on painting it, just to have him remove it later. So the alternative is to hang large pieces to break up the monotony of the color :)
Sunny C says
Hey Amanda;
Call me Strange……..But I LOVE your Old Ornate Sconces, and the old Mirror That you hated and took down!!!!
I Honestly wish that I had them, as I could use them and they would match some of the things which I have and use no less!!! LOL!!!!!
Dont get me wrong, what you have done looks nice. I just do really LOVE the Ornate Sconces. I wish I had em!!!
Margie Hall says
LoL, I am dealing with a bright yellow tiled bathroom circa 1960-70. I am at a total loss how to deal with the retina burning color other than completely retile it
Amanda says
Have you thought about hanging contrasting wall art to cover up much of the tile? For mine I’ll be making large pieces like a painted signs and a big starfish. :)
Cathy O says
Tile paint?
Emily K. says
What a great giveaway! I could definitely use the money to build an accent piece for my bedroom, or add new shelving to the bathroom.