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The Designer Look for Less: Trendy Decor on a Budget

Shopping for decor can be an expensive pastime, especially if you enjoy changing the look of your interior to reflect the latest design trends. Luckily, nowadays it’s possible to get a designer look on a budget, thanks to a growing number of brands that offer quality products at great price points. In other words, you can get an upscale look for less! Below we highlight five brands and some of their most interesting design offerings. We encourage you to read product reviews and do your research when hunting for bargains. Now more than ever, the stars surprisingly align and you find a treasure that honors your budget. Happy shopping…

Tropical Style from H&M Home

There’s something tropical happening this season, which is particularly interesting given that it’s still winter! Palm leaves couldn’t be more on trend, and several brands are taking the look in a lush, green direction, including H&M Home. Below we see an assortment of new arrivals, such as the Large Glass Vase, shown in a stunning shade of turquoise:

Lush tropical decor from H&M Home

At $5.99, these Canvas Cushion Covers are quite a bargain. And we’re loving the layering of green tones, which creates a fresh, breezy vibe:

Canvas cushion covers from H&M Home

Evoking the elegance of banana leaf wallpaper, this 2-Pack of Curtain Panels is a chic bargain at only $34.99. Hemming tape is included!

Tropical draperies and pillow from H&M Home

Bring some tropical style to the kitchen with the help of crisp patterns. Since H&M Home currently offers a range of palm leaf-adorned merchandise, even your apron can exude tropical style.

Tropical leaves in a modern kitchen

Geo Pendant Lighting from CB2

All four pendant lights featured in this section of the post are under $100. Yes, that’s under $100 for a beautifully designed pendant light that channels geo style. Thank you, CB2! Below we see an array of pieces, including the Geometric Silver Pendant Light and Geometric Brass Pendant Light (just look for the hexagons)!

Geo pendant lights from CB2

Not only do these pendant lights look great in a group, they can hold their own in a pair, or even alone. Here’s a closer look:

Silver and gold geo pendant lamps from CB2

CB2’s SAIC Lateral Pendant Lamp was created for Design Collab, which has paired the brand with students in the Designed Objects curriculum at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). Tim Fates is the creator of this aluminum pendant light in hi-gloss white:

Lateral pendant lamp from CB2

Wood and glass combine in the Loft Pendant Light, which features a tapered glass shade and a variety of wooden tones at the top of the piece:

Glass pendant lamp from CB2

Wool Rugs from IKEA

When it comes to rugs, you truly get what you pay for. Sure, you can snag a cotton dhurrie rug for $65, but chances are it won’t hold up well after a year. The wool rugs below aren’t low-priced, but they are well-priced. Not only are they neutral enough to work in a range of interiors, they reflect some of today’s top trends, from black and white stripes to shaggy textures. And they can all be found at IKEA. First up: the STOCKHOLM rug, which has become a design blog favorite. So bold, yet so versatile:

Black and white striped rug from IKEA

For thinner stripes that vary in width, check out RISTINGE, which is every bit as versatile as the rug above, but easier on the eyes in terms of dark/light contrast. Earthy yet chic!

Black and cream rug from IKEA

Did we mention that the IKEA rugs featured in this section are crafted from 100% pure wool? Plus, they are handmade in India, and created in organized weaving centers that offer workers good conditions and fair wages. Below we see TJAREBY, which is a vision in blue and cream.

Blue and cream woven rug from IKEA

Next up: VITTEN, which showcases high-pile wool. With so many shaggy textures dominating today’s rugs and textiles, it’s nice to know you can purchase a high-pile rug at a great price. And yes, IKEA offers sheepskin pieces as well. More on shaggy style later in the post…

High-pile wool rug from IKEA

Metal Planters from Urban Outfitters

Oh, the growing trend of houseplants! Many planters, pots and containers have a retro feel, and nobody has celebrated this vibe quite like Urban Outfitters. This Hanging Metal Planter is available in a bronze or copper finish. A sleek bowl combines with a triple-chain suspension system for a stylish retro-modern statement.

Hanging metal planter from Urban Outfitters

These Mod Metal Planters come in small and large, and the small is only $8! It used to be hard to track down a metal planter with a retro look, especially if you were on a budget. Now thanks to Urban Outfitters, edgy design with retro flair is at your fingertips:

Gold metal planters from Urban Outfitters

The Pavlos Metal Planter has a Mid-century look. When a large metal bowl meets a stylish stand, the result is trendy retro-modern design at its finest. And for only $18!

Metal bowl planter from Urban Outfitters

For a similar look, check out the Adelphi Metal Planter, which is sleek in its form and bold in its combination of gold-toned metal and black-toned base:

Modern metal planter from Urban Outfitters

Shaggy Textures from Pottery Barn

Since shaggy textures are synonymous with modern design today, we couldn’t end the post without featuring the beautiful finds of Pottery Barn. Plush is the word when it comes to these Faux Fur Pillow Covers.

White faux fur pillow covers from Pottery Barn

Like the white pillow covers above, these Mongolian Faux Fur Pillow Covers in Frost Gray are under $50. A rich texture and a true softness create the look and feel of real fur, and at a fraction of the cost!

Gray faux fur pillows from Pottery Barn

One rule for finding a good bargain: know where to look for the good sales! End-of-season sales are a great bet, and luckily for us, Pottery Barn has marked down some of their cushiest finds. This Faux Sheepskin Throw adds warmth and texture to any surface that it graces.

Faux sheepskin throw from Pottery Barn

What are some of your favorite sources for bargains with a designer look? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below…

Kate Simmons

Kate Simmons is a freelance writer and design blogger with a love of all things decor. She spent her childhood writing stories and working on interior design-themed DIY projects. Kate’s published writing reflects her special interest in how design has changed through the decades. Her blog Mirror80 ( http://mirror80.com/) explores the fashion and [...]

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