16 Stores Interior Designers Say Are Their Best Kept Secrets For Furniture And Decor
Originally seen on forbes.com
A home in Bridgehampton, New York designed by Jennifer Beek Hunter
There’s nothing quite like walking into a professionally designed home. Everything looks fresh and beautiful—with every item thoughtfully curated. If you’re not a designer, you might be wondering, “Where did they buy that?”
While many designers stick to shopping trade-only stores—those aren't their only sources for furniture and decor. It's possible to get the designer look if you know where to go and what to look for. Here are 16 stores where interior designers love to shop.
Lulu And Georgia
Interior designer and HGTV star Shay Holland is a big fan of Lulu and Georgia. “If you want a timeless, luxe look for your space, Lulu and Georgia is the place to look over and over again.”
While Holland generally prefers brick-and-mortar stores, she tells me Lulu And Georgia is one of the few places she truly trusts for online shopping. “I’m a huge fan of their stylish kitchenware and you can find very reasonably priced decorative accents of exceptional quality. Known for its wide range of rugs, the company also has a great sale section.”
But Holland isn’t the only designer touting this retailer. Designers Erin Loscialpo and Meredith Gough of Darby Wallis Design highly laud the brand’s collaboration with Sarah Sherman Samuel, which features everything from furniture to lighting and rugs.
TJX Stores
While many are under the impression that designers only shop at expensive or obscure stores—this simply isn’t true according to interior designer Kate Dawson, calling big box stores including HomeGoods, HomeSense, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls(all of which have the same parent company (TJX) her absolute favorite places to source decor.
“They have a huge, ever-changing inventory that gets replenished pretty much every day. These stores never disappoint! You can find fabulous pillows, beautiful pairs of picture frames, stunning and large pieces of art, contemporary pairs of lamps, and fantastic faux plants all at a great price point! Which always pleases my clients.”
While many of Dawson’s projects are accessibly priced, she reveals that end designers also hit up the discounters as well. “These stores are every designer's secret (not-so-secret) weapon when it comes to finishing off a space.”
Tumbleweed and Dandelion
Tumbleweed and Dandelion has a brick-and-mortar location on Abbot Kinney in Venice, California but also sells online. Holland tells me this store is always at the top of her list for creating homes with a coastal, cottage, or California vibe. “I met the owner, Lizzie McGraw when I walked into the store while while sourcing furnishings for our HGTV families. The location in Venice Beach is actually where Lizzie once lived and now the rooms are filled with her touches, from signature scented soy wax candles infused with essential oils to custom home furnishings.”
McGraw is best known for designing celebrity homes including those of Josh Brolin, Sharon Osbourne, and Brooke Burke. “Despite its star ties, Tumbleweed and Dandelion pieces definitely invoke that laid-back coastal ease my clients crave,” explains the designer.
Ballard Designs
Interior designer Jennifer Hunter loves Ballard designs. With something for every room in the home, it’s an excellent source for traditional and contemporary pieces. However, what sets Ballard apart is that they upholster pieces with fabrics provided by the customer. “It is a wonderful way to go custom without the price tag,” she explains.
West Elm
Looking for a big-ticket item like a desk or bed? You can’t go wrong at West Elm. Many designers love this store, including the founders of Darby Wallis Design.
The tabletop offerings are also worth exploring according to designer Andrea DeRosa of Avenue Interior Design. “We adore a great fashion collaboration and especially love the West Elm X Rhode collaboration. We want everything from this collab.”
McGee And Company
McGee and Company has a huge following among interior designers including Audrey Scheck. “Renowned interior designer, Shea McGee, expertly curates a wide selection of products spanning pillows, decor, furniture, rugs, art, kitchen accessories, and lighting. Their products are trendy yet timeless, and they are suitable for a wide range of design aesthetics.”
So even if you can’t have Shea McGee personally design your home, this shop is the next best thing.
Target
While many will argue that buying socks, sunscreen, and home furnishings from the same place isn’t necessarily a good thing—Target is the exception to this rule. Loscialpo and Gough are fans of Target, specifically the Studio McGee line. A fantastic value, it has a similar vibe to McGee and Company for so much less. For example, while a McGee And Company burl wood side table costs $900, the Target version is just $140. It’s ideal for mixing and matching to complete the look at an attainable cost.
Minted
Finding affordable artwork can be a challenge, but according to Loscialpo and Gough, with Minted, it doesn’t have to be. “Minted is a great source for artwork, as they curate from local artists all over the world to give a home a unique, personal feel.”
While Minted is probably best known for its stationery, the decor also scores points with interior designers. With a variety of prints and framing options, there’s something for everyone.
Rejuvenation
Hardware can make or break a kitchen or bathroom. One of the best places to source unique hardware is Rejuvenation. “Specializing in premium kitchen and bathroom products, Rejuvenation is known for its excellent selection of hardware. Most of their pieces are available in an array of beautiful finishes that add a luxe touch to any space,” says Scheck.
Dinosaur Designs
Dinosaur Designs isn’t exactly a household name in the States just yet, but for those looking for interesting pieces unavailable anywhere else DeRosa suggests checking it out. “Dinosaur Designs is an Australian-based company specializing in resin and no two vessels are the same.”
This shop’s serveware and drinkware are the epitome of chic whimsical. Best of all, it’s the perfect place to scour for housewarming gifts.
Oka
Oka is a ideal store for those who want something unique, but don’t want to hunt for it.
“Oka has wonderful ceramic lamps with custom-looking lamp shades in beautiful block prints. Everyone is always asking where we purchased the lamps,” says Hunter.
Anthropologie
Once considered just a clothing retailer, Anthropologie has leveled up its furniture game in recent years, delivering a vintage aesthetic without the stress or price tag. “Anthropologie has great collaborations with designers like Amber Lewis where the pieces look one of a kind or vintage. No one ever believes that it came from Anthropologie,” says Hunter.
The brand’s collaboration with House of Hackney is also a true winner with gorgeous pieces that look like nothing else.
Estate Sales
It’s not just bargain hunters who like to hit up estate sales every weekend, it’s also interior designers according to Dawson. “I love to go to estate sales—mainly for glassware. I have found the most beautiful wine glasses, decanters, martini glasses, and even cordials at these sales, and with the popularity of home bars continuing to be a trend, there is no better place to find unique and beautiful glassware to fill your open shelves. Adding unique pieces like this always elevates a design.”
