This story was originally published on March 6, 2014.
You might have endless boards of home inspiration on Pinterest, but actually getting your own space to look like that — within a budget — is much more challenging. Shopping for your home is tricky — it's expensive and at times intimidating and inaccessible. And, we're here to tell you that you're not alone; it's a frustration that plagues most home editors we know, too.
But, since their jobs and lives are dedicated to uncovering the best places to shop, we know they must have a little black book or two simply packed with goldmines. So, we asked some of our favorite home editors and interior designers to share their top places to shop for home on a serious budget — and style is not compromised.
Ellie Somerville, market editor, Hearst Design Group ( Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Veranda)
1. Craigslist — "I search for a specific piece I'm looking for from a major retailer and can usually find it at half price."
2. Ballard Designs — "I love Ballard because they offer the option to send in your own fabric choice for their upholstery options. Customization doesn't exist at this price point anywhere else."
3. Etsy — "This is a great resource for art and accessories. Search for things like 'black and white photography' or 'geometric pillow.'"
Photo: Courtesy of Wayfair.
Erin Swift, prop stylist and author of French Accents
1. Two's Company — "This is one of my favorite sources for occasional furniture, accessories, and objects. Until recently, it was only available to industry insiders, but it finally has an online presence that anyone can shop! You will see so many things on this site that you will love."
2. Housing Works — "Housing Works is all over New York City and filled with incredible things! The saying 'one man's trash is another man's treasure' could not be more fitting for this place."
3. Jayson Home & Garden — "It's just about the chicest store I know. They have a little something for everyone. This is a well-curated collection! Mixing in its flee-market finds and decor items to any room will elevate your look and give you the layers to create something gorgeous."
4. World Market — "This is online shopping at its best! This is my go-to cost-efficient shopping site. There are so many great items here that I can find myself spending hours just trawling for wonderful pieces to add to my warehouse of props."
5. Pearl River Market — "This is like the best kept secret — it's a store in Soho where you can find everything from furniture and tabletop supplies to crafty supplies and party essentials."
Photo: Courtesy of Two's Company.
Carolina O’Neil, assistant market editor, Architectural Digest
1. Apt 2B — "This L.A.-based site has a start-up feel, but the prices are truly amazing, and the curators have great taste."
2. H&M Home — "Fast fashion for your apartment is finally here! H&M has VERY affordable and amazing home pieces. I especially love this glass vase...for only $9.95!"
3. Urban Outfitters — "Usually, I don't think of this as a place to look for home inspiration, but there are some great finds! I especially love the furniture."
4. Canvas Home — "Its Chelsea store is a treasure trove of inspiration for all things kitchen and tabletop."
Photo: Courtesy of Hunter's Alley.
Porter Hovey, interior designer, Hovey Design
1. Home Depot — "Home Depot offers everything anyone could ever ask if you're looking for a bit of change. A quick coat of paint, change out a few door knobs, or just replace an old light fixture with something simple and modern, and suddenly you have a whole different home."
2. Holler & Squall — "At the very end of Atlantic Avenue, you'll come upon Holler & Squall, a small boutique owned by Zak and Gillette Wig. The duo picks through estate sales and flea markets for the perfect antiques and old furniture, from oil paintings of salty men to club chairs that you can really sink into. Everything is so perfect, you'll be sad that you can't buy the entire store and take it home with you. It's very curated, but compared to similar stores, the pieces are really affordable."
3. Craigslist (In the Suburbs) — "While the whole point of Craigslist is to find stuff right in your neighborhood, if city dwellers extend their searches to the suburbs, there's a lot of incredible loot to be found. Our taxidermy scarlet ibis came from Connecticut."
4. The Demolition Depot — "This is an amazing source for unique vintage finds."
Photo: Courtesy of Holler & Squall.
Alessandra Branca, interior designer
1. Mark and Graham — "A go-to for monogrammed napkins, place mats, and throws."
2. Serena & Lily — "I check here for rugs and fun furniture."
3. Z Gallerie — "Perfect for decorative accessories and art!"
4. CB2 — "They've got great kitchen essentials and occasional furniture."
Photo: Courtesy of CB2.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Make A BOLD Statement With These Items From Ikea's Newest Collection
Of Course, Kimye Gets To Stay In A $30M Airbnb Penthouse For Free
The Most Expensive Home In The World Is For Sale — & The Price Is $1 Billion