Design Happens

I remember when I was a child, flipping through the pages of my mom’s fashion magazines and seeing the models and celebrities dressed head-to-toe in these stunning designer outfits. It didn’t take long until I was in my own closet trying to replicate the look. Years later, I still see how close I can get to that Marc Jacobs silk blouse on the cheap, but I’m even more fascinated with pulling off a budget-friendly look in my home. How can I nab that golden-yellow, tufted linen chair from Anthropologie without paying almost two grand?

At first I was purely concerned with convenience. You know, “I’ll just grab this lamp, even though it’s slightly more expensive, because it’s right here.” But now, I’m on the prowl for a better price and refuse to settle until I know it’s the absolute lowest I can get. With all the money I save by sticking to a budget, I can eventually splurge on my dream area rug or that midcentury modern table I’ve had my eyes on for months. So, imagine my joy when I flipped open this month’s issue of HGTV Magazine (on newsstands now!) and saw the article on chic look alikes with drastically different price tags. I was instantly dying to find my own budget-friendly look-alike like these. Check out my favorite high-low finds – you won’t believe the prices! (Do you think you can spot the steal? Give it a shot before reading the caption.)

Currey and Company :: Z Gallerie

The turquoise glass chandelier on the left costs $840, while the similar aquamarine beauty on the right is a steal for $399. The budget-friendly option features more exposed bulbs and a greener hue, but portrays many of the same shapes as the other.

Bungalow 5 :: Target

For $338 you can choose from one of eight glossy hues for this curvy stool/side table (left). With a similar shape and style, Target offers a green, metal accent table for an incredible steal — $70!

LL Bean :: Ace Hardware

The heavy-duty, all-weather Adirondack chair on the left can be used all-year-round for $299. But for just $26, you can buy several of these lightweight summertime chairs (right) to dress up the patio.

Fun 1TM :: PBteen

The luxurious table lamp on the left features three tiers of mother-of-pearl disks for a price tag of $1,500. You can get a similar beach-chic look for a much lower price with this capiz-shell lamp on the right that costs just $99.

We’ve shared some of our high-low finds, so now it’s your turn. Have you found the budget-friendly twin to your high-end dream buy? Share your shopping tips and tricks in the comments below!