Mass produced home products I don't hate
Throw a dog a bone they said
This feels a tad criminal coming from an advocate for quality-made artisan pieces that’ll last a lifetime, but who has the budget? Okay, lots of people aka many clients, but not me. We’re all about the mix. Highs and lows, baby. Let’s call these mass produced pieces placeholders (till we make our millions). The key being to find products that look as though you paid 10x what you did. Those are the keepers in my opinion (and a point of pride for frugality).
That means avoiding sofas with armrests so narrow you can’t properly rest your… arm (the irony), owning multiple mid-century pieces with angled legs (looking at you, West Elm), or industrial and glam light fixtures that resemble a metallic starburst with globes or exposed bulbs at each end - they seem to be everywhere, both commercial and residential, because they’re easy to manufacture and markup.
Sifting through it all with an eye that can detect significant details, honest materials, and forms that mimic higher quality products is a skill developed through experience in the high-end world of interior design. At least that’s how I’ve learned thus far. It comes with time and engrossing yourself in this industry. So if you’re interested, I’m here to shed light on how to decipher the difference between products that seem high-end vs. low-end. Maybe I’ll write another post on what to avoid and why, but for now I’ve linked pieces I approve of with little notes on why I like them.
I’ll persist in saying “you get what you pay for” which is where reviews come in handy. Bless the good people that take the time of day to write three paragraphs on a table lamp purchase (with video!).
When there’s a million variations sold of the same product, always read the reviews to help hone in on the best bang for your buck.
Note: I didn’t dive into the abyss of Target or Wayfair because, well, time. And I thought about West Elm…. but then took a look and felt that their style is heavily outdated mid-century mod for the most part - something I usually advise against. But I don’t hate their kid pieces. We love a whimsy moment.
Okay, let’s get into it! I get a thrill off a good find, so comment if you’ve purchased anything worthwhile at a price point you’re proud of :) This is a brag friendly space.
CB2
Pill High Gloss Olive Green Iron Table Lamp, $399 | leaning towards trendy but I don’t think it’s over done (and I’m a sucker for this color).
Neat Double Old-Fashioned Glass, $2.95/each | love the silhouette and thickness of glass. Why do thinner drinking glasses make everything taste better? Gotta look into that.
Faible 100" Wheat Performance Velvet Sofa, $2,499 | This is a sofa I would have drawn for a room where friends will gather. The arms are easily wide enough to rest your arm and drink or have a friend sit upon to chat with (if it’s a larger crowd). Only thing I would change is raising the height of the back, but that’s personal preference.
Ciccio Green Marble Side Table, $399 | Marble will never be a bad choice. Classic. And the pedestal here has an interesting cutout… tres chic.
Truman Acacia Wood And Glass Door Tall Cabinet, $1,599 | If you need cabinets these look great. Love the darker shade of wood and that the legs aren’t metal.
Zara Home
Striped Linen Kitchen Towel, $22.90 | A classic! Though I did find similar ones from Ikea (scroll below) that are a fraction of the price and also linen.
Sideboard 01, $8,000 | Okay, the entire Zara x Vincent Van Duysen collection is IT. The shape of this sideboard is so pretty I can’t.
Chaise Lounge 01, $4,000 | “Another one”. I don’t believe it’s the most comfortable chaise lounge on the market but if you’re curating a corner of your home this would look great with the CB2 marble side table and a vintage floor lamp… stack of books nearby… a nice moment.
Tumblers, $59.90/set of two | Again, some glasses make water taste better and Zara Home offers a great option (though I’m obsessed with Hawkins New York glass tumblers if you’re interested).
Rattan Chair, $299 | You can’t go wrong with a touch of rattan.
Rug 03, $949 - $2,500 | Love the natural fibers, rich color, and classic stripe.
Crate & Barrel
Angolare 4-Piece Reversible Sectional Sofa by Athena Calderone, $5,096 | If you’re into Mario Bellini’s Camaleonda Sofa and it being modular then this is a cool more affordable option. it’s polyester and polyfoam, but again, you get what you pay for. And if you’re curious about this qualm of mine, I wrote more on fabrics in this Substack.
Crawford 90" Slipcovered Sofa with Box-Pleated Skirt by Jake Arnold, $1,379 | I love a little traditional moment. The skirt is so pretty here and the arms aren’t too too narrow. Good lumbar pillows for support AND an 85% cotton machine-washable cover?? Approved!
Papillon 88" Oak Wood Dining Table by Laura Kim, $1,999 | I’ve put similar dining tables in homes where everything else in the room felt fancy. It brings balance (and everyone down to Earth) with it’s honest materials and simple form. This one is special for the mortise-and-tenon, hand-cut butterfly joinery on the legs. Gorgeous.
L'Union Black Metal Arc Floor Lamp w/ Rattan Shade by Athena Calderone, $399 | Double the price for a cooler piece like this, but I don’t hate Athena’s in the right space. I think it’s the legs and cord location that are bothering me most.
Tyler Square Basket With Rope Handle Low, $119 | Pretty
2-Piece Brushed Silver 11x11 Gallery Wall Frame Set, $120 | I have these and love how they elevate a collage wall. The finish is great.
Rodin Brown Velvet Bench by Athena Calderone, $899 | Gallery-esque. Approved!
Anthropologie
Galloway Hutch, $1,748.60 | How fun! All of these would be great in a kid’s room, but I could see this hutch in a soft white space that’s seeking approachable style and a little neutral pattern.
Eloise Semi-Flush Mount, $348 | Would love this in a mudroom.
Liz Rattan Sconce, $98 | Texture + up-lighting for a hallway to create dimension. Simple rather than trendy in form with a natural material. Good in my book.
Tibetan Tiger Bath Hook, $28 | Okay, not a big item but cute! Someone please snag for a kids’ bedroom or bath.
Ikea
HOVET Mirror, $129.99 | I don’t care that everyone has one - I have one! This particular mirror is large enough that you’re not worried about it seeming dinky. The frame is thin and minimal. Lean it against a wall between windows or on a wall in a smaller room to expand the space.
BESTÅ Wall-mounted cabinet combination, $279 | Sleek, simple, functional, and affordable.
AGEN Armchair, $99.99 | Looks similar in form to popular (higher priced) rattan chairs like Serena and Lily. Love the little detail on the back too.
HILDEGUN Dish towel, 0.79/each | Look at the price. And 100% cotton? Need I say more? #ThrowItInTheBag
