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Watching Fixer Upper while we were renting our first apartment really inspired me to think outside of the box when it comes to home decor. I love Joanna Gaines’ style and all things Magnolia so I’m constantly trying to find ways to imitate the Magnolia look on a budget. A few weeks ago, I visited Target Optical because I was in desperate need of contacts. I don’t know what’s more convenient than being able to make an appointment in less than 24 hours and having your actual appointment take under 30 minutes – except for the fact that it just so happens to be at Target.
I scheduled an appointment for my husband too and since his appointment was first, I figured I’d visit the Dollar Spot, because my mama always taught me to use time wisely ;). I wasn’t sure if it would be wise to visit the Dollar Spot because I tend to lack self control in Target but it turned out better than I expected. I found a few cute and affordable items in colors that I love. One such item was a mint green wastebasket for $3. Did I have any need for a mint green wastebasket? Of course not! But for $3 it was too cute to pass up. I knew I could use it as a toy basket or something else. I bought it not quite sure yet what it would become but hopeful that I could put it to work in my home.
I noticed that the wastebasket had a hole in the center of it and got excited as the idea to create a pendant lamp formulated itself in my mind. I knew that it would be an easy endeavor to turn it into a light because pendant lights are popular and many stores now have kits for making them. I used a lightbulb we already had to see if it would fit in the hole and it did! I did a Google search for a light kit and found one from Cost Plus – it happened to be on sale, eBates was offering 4% cash back on in store pick up orders and I signed up for the World Market Explorers program and received a coupon for an additional 15% off my purchase!
The total cost of the lamp was about $17
Mint Green Wire Wastebasket $3.00 (I received a 5% discount for using my Target RedCard)
Silver Electrical Cord Swag Kit $6.99 (This kit is available in black and white too and includes a hook)
Edison Filament Light Bulb $6.99
All throughout our home, we have soft lighting but in the living room, for some odd reason, our landlord used fluorescent lightbulbs which I hate. My new pendant lamp provides the perfect warm glow and makes our living room feel cozy rather than cold.
The lamp was super easy to assemble and didn’t cost a fortune!
What are your favorite ways to brighten up your home?
Check out the rest of the Magnolia My Way series by clicking on the images below:
