You Asked, I Listened: The Under $100 Home Edit
Because you asked for beautiful and attainable, so that's exactly what this is.
Here's something nobody in the interior design world wants to say out loud right now: budgets are tight.
Like, genuinely tight. It feels like discretionary income is nonexistent.
For example, has anyone else’s home insurance gone through the roof (no pun intended) the last two years? And the cost of gas—don’t get me started. We have a hybrid vehicle, which helps, but this year, Minnesota decided to penalize us electric (and hybrid) vehicle owners by increasing our tab renewals. Funnnn stuff.
So, when last week's reader request poll closed and, "vetted home finds under $100" was the clear winner, it made complete sense. The last thing any of us need is another "affordable home roundup" that opens with a $340 throw pillow. And no, I’ve never spent $340 on a throw pillow nor have I ever sourced one for a client, because for $340, that pillow better come with French champagne.
So what do I have for you this week? Drum-roll please.
A 3-room breakdown of home finds that are all under $100.
Now, some of these are items I personally own, some are things I've put in my clients' homes, and some are some affordable goodies I’ve been eyeing.
The Bathroom
Last year was the first year I personally spent more than $59 on one bathroom towel (the organic cotton mosaic towel from Parachute, which yes, is worth it). Despite being a grown adult who appreciates the softness and absorbency of towels, I had been reluctant to spend a significant amount of money in them.
However, if we’re doing the cost-per-use (CPU) math, it makes complete sense. If I used that $59 bathroom towel only 300 times a year, that’s less than $.20 per use. And let’s be honest, how long do we keep our bathroom and hand towels around anyway?
Shown above is the best selling Heathered Terry Organic Cotton Towel from Rejuvenation, which not one but two of my clients ended up purchasing. Displayed is the charcoal color.
But for the kids, they’re still getting towels from Target. These oversized bath towels have been great. Both my sister and I own the black striped color. Also, if you’re looking for a waffle towel that is budget friendly, check out the Waffle Bath Towels by Casaluna. I personally own them in three different colors and Wirecutter recommends them, too.
As for accessories, we already know how much I (and my clients) love this Serena & Lily stool. It’s currently in our guest bathroom giving guests somewhere to put their clothes, clean towels, etc. while showering.
I just purchased this marble soap dish and give it a 10/10. I also own this bathroom wastebasket which is GREAT because it has a lid and this rubber-coated one is a client fave.
This freestanding TP holder is in the kiddos bathroom and available in multiple finishes. Speaking of TP holders, you know how I feel about TP holders that wobble (if not, see post below) and I’ve noticed several of you have been drawn to the Wall Mount TP Holder from Etsy as well as this option that comes with a little shelf.
Also, do not sleep on H&M home. How cute is this marble soap dispenser and matching toothbrush holder?
The Kitchen
If you know me, you know I’m not big into cooking. I LOVE good food (I mean, food is love, right) but I just don’t have the patience to bake, cook, or do all the other things. Thankfully, my husband does.
I am, however, great at purchasing items for the kitchen (or so I like to think I am).
We’ve been trying to replace all of our plastic cutting boards with wood ones and I just snagged this cute pinstripe one, shown above.
We have owned the Organic Porcelain Dinnerware (pictured above) collection from West Elm since we got married in 2017. As of today, they still look brand new and yes, I’ve also influenced my sister to purchase them!
Don’t question whether you really need a 31 oz. wine glass, because you do; even if you use it to drink water. And these ribbed tumblers (pictured above) have been great so far. I own the green color.
Last but not least, I never knew I could love a marble salt cellar (pictured above) so much. I just wish there was a matching pepper grinder…
The Living Room
I recently purchased this green marble side table (shown below, on the left) and let’s just say the quality and aesthetics are a 10/10; I seriously don’t know why it’s so affordable. On the right, this smoke glass bubble dish was gifted but I would indeed buy it. Use it as a candle holder, a jewelry dish, or as a catch-all on your coffee table, like I did.
We all know I’m all about the faux flowers, plants, and greenery, and these hydrangea stems look as real as ever.
Also, who doesn’t need more storage? These modern weave rattan baskets are great and this basket from IKEA has a 4.8/5 star rating.
These gold gallery frames are incredible. Not only do they come with a mat but they also come with a glass surface, not plastic!
Need to replace the boob lights in your home? Try these flush mounts. We installed the 10” round brass option in our bonus room. Also, this IKEA ceiling light made me stop my scroll.
FYI — I will be continuously updating those finds.
OK friends, that’s all she wrote.
As a reminder, good design isn’t about how much money you spent. It’s about how much thought you put in. A $40 lamp, styled well, will always beat a $400 one that doesn’t belong in the room.
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In the meantime, choose kindness, say “hi” to strangers, be goofy, and hug your loved ones. Cheers! — Alyssa
Any product mentioned and linked was chosen independently. If you purchase through one of the links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.