A former interiors editor has detailed a collection of affordable home decor strategies and product recommendations, aiming to help individuals achieve a more expensive aesthetic without a significant financial outlay. The advice, compiled from her experience writing for publications such as Homes & Gardens, Ideal Home, and Living Etc, emphasizes the use of high-street homeware and secondhand marketplace finds.
Marble Accents
Marble, often associated with luxury, can be incorporated affordably. DFS's Carrera marble collection, including a dining table priced at £699, offers a high-end look. Dunelm also provides accessible marble pieces, such as chopping boards and coasters, which can enhance the visual appeal of a space. Upgrading everyday items like tissue box covers can also contribute to a more polished look.
Marketplace Treasures
Secondhand platforms like Facebook Marketplace are highlighted as valuable resources for acquiring designer-inspired furniture at a fraction of the original cost. The author successfully found a look-alike for the popular DUSK Bondi sofa and an exact match for the Noguchi glass coffee table, originally priced around £2,000. Additionally, IKEA's pre-loved section and other secondhand sites can yield sought-after items, such as the discontinued grey IKEA Tobias chair, which was found for £10.
High-Street Style
Retailers like M&S, H&M Home, and Dunelm are noted for offering homeware that rivals more expensive brands. Items such as H&M's checkerboard trays, chrome kitchenware, and dark wood furniture, as well as Dunelm's chairs, are cited as examples of affordable pieces that lend a sophisticated air. Chic ornaments and cushions are also suggested for adding personality without commitment.
Building a Collection Over Time
Transforming a home is presented as a gradual process, with an emphasis on having a long-term vision. The author began acquiring pieces for her new home a year in advance, including a collection of Le Creuset items sourced from sales, T.K.Maxx, and personal treats. Smaller, discounted items from brands like Le Creuset and Addison Ross, known for its bobbin lamps and salt and pepper grinders, can also contribute to an elevated aesthetic.
Investing in Statement Pieces
While many items can be acquired affordably, the author acknowledges that some expensive pieces are worth the investment for their quality and design. The SMEG kettle is mentioned as an example of an appliance that adds style to a kitchen countertop. High-quality furniture, such as a John Lewis sideboard made from oak with a distinctive striped and checkered design, can serve as a statement piece, though it's recommended to mix such high-end items with more affordable finds.
Elevating Everyday Essentials
Basic household items, often overlooked, can also be upgraded. Brabantia products, known for their modern design and neutral color palettes, offer a more refined alternative to standard supermarket or Amazon offerings for items like ironing boards and bins. These subtle enhancements can contribute to a more cohesive and chic home environment.