Designers have to be pretty resourceful when it comes to managing a client’s budget; therefore, we are always looking for the biggest design bang for our buck.  Below, are a few tips I use when trying to save money.

  1.  Shop Kid and Teen websites.  Kid’s decor is much more stylish and chic than it was even a decade ago.  These sites are a treasure trove (and often overlooked) place to look for stylish decor at a fraction of the price.  These sites are my go-to when a project’s budget is tight.  Below, are a few items that I am loving now:

PB TEEN

PB Teen Gypsy Nailhead Mirror $179

PB Teen Gypsy Nailhead Mirror $179

This is a fantastic price point for a mirror!

Here are some great furniture pieces from PB Teen:

Another website I love is RH Teen.  Restoration Hardware is notoriously pricey;  however, not everything on their site is a fortune.  Here are a few items that are a great deal.

2.  Buy Art online.  Art can undoubtedly elevate any room.  It can also elevate your credit card bill.  Most of us are not art aficionados, but that does not mean that we can not curate a gallery worthy art collection.  One way to keep costs down is to buy prints online. Minted.com is one of my favorite sites for art.  This site lets you browse by color, style or content; which as a designer, lets me find exactly what I’m looking for quickly.  Their prints are also reasonably priced, and give you a myriad of options for frames.  With blush being so on trend for Spring (see my post on this here), I am loving this print and this print.  Another one of my secrets is to buy prints from one retailer, and then buy frames from another retailer such as West Elm or Pottery Barn (I love this frame and this frame).  Another tip is to buy stretched canvas pieces which are typically less than framed art.  Art.com has great selections at great prices.  Below are some great prints from Minted.com.

3.  ETSY!!! Etsy is a global marketplace of online artisans and entrepreneurs.  With 1.6 million (yes, MILLION) sellers, you are sure to find anything you could ever want.  I have found hard to find fabrics, unique furniture and whimsical light fixtures.  Because there are so many sellers, prices are competitive.  I found this light fixture for a client who wanted a rustic chic vibe for her home.  For another more modern client, I chose these lucite handrails.  Both of these items were unique, hard to find and reasonably priced.  Etsy is a treasure trove of well priced and unique home decor.  The items below are some things I am loving right now from shops on Etsy:

Pillow cover in Kelly Wearstler fabric $55

Pillow cover in Kelly Wearstler fabric $55

Beautiful geometric vases from StudioArmadillo $74

Beautiful geometric vases from StudioArmadillo $74

Self adhesive vinyl wallpaper $36/sheet

Self adhesive vinyl wallpaper $36/sheet

There are so many great resources for saving money.  Albeit, it does take patience to find the perfect piece at a great price. However, one need not sacrifice style when minding one’s budget.  One of my most popular posts was the post I did on how to score designer pieces for less (read here).  This will surely be a topic to be revisited in a future post.

Thanks for reading!

XO Laurie

 

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