Creating a beautifully curated space doesn’t have to mean emptying your bank account or splurging on luxury items. With some creativity and strategic shopping, you can transform your house into a high-end looking home that feels elegant and expensive. Stores like HomeGoods offer a wide array of budget-friendly items that, when chosen wisely, can make your home look anything but ordinary. Here’s how to curate your space on a HomeGoods budget without compromising on style.

1. Define Your Style with a Personal Touch

Before hitting the aisles, take a moment to reflect on what styles resonate with you. Are you drawn to the clean lines of modern design, the cozy charm of rustic decor, or the eclectic vibes of bohemian aesthetics? Defining your style helps you focus on purchasing items that truly resonate with you, preventing impulse buys that don’t fit your aesthetic. Remember, the goal is to create a space that feels authentically you.

Designer Tip: 

Create a mood board using Pinterest. This visual guide will keep you aligned with your desired theme as you shop.

What to Avoid:

Avoid falling into the trap of chasing fleeting trends. Items that are “hot” right now might quickly feel dated. Instead, invest in timeless pieces that can grow with you and adapt to different design preferences over time.

2. Prioritize Key Pieces with a Mix of Styles

Even on a budget, investing in key furniture pieces is wise. Look for durable items that anchor the room. Believe it or not, with a keen eye you can find sturdy and good quality pieces at HomeGoods. My go-to for one-of-a-kind pieces to mix in is at thrift stores and vintage markets. This is where you can find some hidden treasures. If you’re into a more traditional vibe, it’s easy to mix different styles of antiques to get a striking look. If something a bit more contemporary is your style, consider mixing one odd-ball piece for an unexpected statement. Who said you can’t have a vintage lamp or sideboard in a contemporary space?!

Budget Hack: 

HomeGoods’ stock varies frequently, visiting often to find those unique, standout pieces that appear much more expensive than they are. I’ve personally seen some quality brands like Bernhardt at a major discount. Look for one-of-a-kind statement pieces that can become the focal points of your room, like a beautifully upholstered accent chair or an intricately carved wooden coffee table. And trust me, you need to act fast! If you see it and like it, you better grab it before the person behind you does. 

What to Avoid:

Avoid purchasing all furniture and decor items from a single collection or set. This can make your space look too matchy-matchy and impersonal. Instead, choose a color palette or material theme, like wood tones or metal accents, to tie everything together while allowing for diversity in design.

3. Embrace Highs and Lows

If you’ve worked with me you hear me say this all the time - There will be highs and there will be lows. That’s what adds character. You can’t turn Walmart into Neiman Marcus, but you can definitely take a white tee from Walmart paired with a pair of jeans and heels from Neiman Marcus and make a casually elegant look. It’s the same with furniture and accessories. By adding a few expensive key pieces, it elevates the look of the lesser expensive pieces and allows you to maximize your budget. 

Budget Hack: 

Splurge on your sofa, after all it’s where you’re spending most of your time. It needs to be comfortable and durable. But then, consider opting for “lows” in side tables and accent chairs. You can absolutely find funky cool pieces from stores like HomeGoods that become elevated when paired with your “highs”.  

What to Avoid:

The thought that the expensive things are too expensive. Trust me, you need at least one or two of these things. They totally bring up the vibe. Remember, if you didn’t have those killer designer heels, that Walmart outfit wouldn’t look so hot. 

4. Embrace DIY Projects for a Personalized Touch

One of the main concerns when shopping at HomeGoods is ending up with decor that feels mass-produced or easily recognizable. While these stores offer fantastic bargains and a wide variety of products, their items are often popular choices, which means you might find similar pieces in many homes. However, this doesn't mean you have to sacrifice uniqueness. Think outside the box and consider customizing items.

Creative Ideas: 

Here's how you can take simple HomeGoods items and transform them into bespoke pieces that add charm and character to your space:

• Revamp a Vase: Purchase a simple ceramic vase and use textured spray paint to give it a high-end, designer finish. Adding a touch of gold or silver leaf can elevate it to a luxurious focal point.

• Personalized Throw Pillows: Buy plain throw pillows and add decorative trims to jazz them up. This simple touch adds a personal flair and ties the room together beautifully.

• Customized Side Tables: Transform a basic side table into a statement piece with a unique paint job or by adding a marble top. This quick upgrade creates an upscale look without breaking the bank.

• Lamp Makeover: Take a plain lamp and switch out the shade or add a coat of metallic spray paint to match your room’s color scheme. This small change can make a big impact on your room’s ambiance.

• Do an Art Project: Purchase art and embellish it with more paint or a new frame. I recently had a client's daughter paint over a cool printed canvas to add her own flair to the art and make it a custom piece. 
  

What to Avoid:

Avoid overly ambitious DIY projects that might not turn out as expected, especially if they require specialized skills. Stick to manageable projects that you can confidently complete, such as painting, reupholstering, or simple crafting. Also, avoid using too many bold and contrasting DIY projects in one space, as it can create a disjointed look. Aim for cohesion in your personalized touches.

5. Accessorize with Intention for a Polished Look

Stepping into HomeGoods can make you feel like a kid entering a toy store. With so many choices, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and want to take home everything you see. However, this impulse to buy on the spot can sometimes lead to a space that feels a bit chaotic or mismatched, rather than the thoughtfully curated haven you’re aiming for.

To keep your home looking polished and cohesive, it’s helpful to approach your shopping with a clear vision. While it’s wonderful to explore new decor possibilities, being mindful of your overall design plan can help you avoid the trap of filling your space with pieces that don’t quite fit together. This way, you can create a beautifully harmonious look that truly reflects your unique style.

Designer Tip: 

Visualize before you buy. Before making a purchase, visualize how the item will fit with the rest of your decor. Something I like to do is gather all the accessories I’m considering for a particular space. For example, the other day I was shopping for a client's shelves. I took all the accessories I liked and that were aligned with the style, and placed them on the floor. This way, I could play with them, mix and match, and get a better idea of how the colors, styles, shapes, etc., would work together.

What to Avoid:

Avoid buying too many accessories at once, especially if they don’t fit within your established color scheme or design plan. Overaccumulation of items can lead to a cluttered look and detract from the polished appearance you’re aiming for. Also, steer clear of purchasing items just because they’re on sale or seem like a good deal. Focus instead on finding pieces that truly enhance your space and fit your design goals.

6. Add Faux Plants for Lush, Low-Maintenance Decor

Faux plants can be a fantastic way to add greenery to your space without the hassle of maintenance. Since HomeGoods typically offers a variety of artificial plants, it’s essential to choose ones that look as lifelike as possible to enhance your home’s decor effectively.

Designer Tip:

Check real plants for reference. Before shopping, take a look at real plants to understand their natural shape, color variations, and textures. This reference can help you choose faux plants that best replicate the look of their living counterparts.

What to Avoid:

Avoid opting for faux plants that come in overly gimmicky or childish planters, such as those shaped like elves or cartoon characters. These can detract from the sophisticated look you're aiming for. Instead, choose planters that have a clean, classic design to keep the focus on the plant itself.

7. Be Patient and Persistent in Your Search

Curating a space you love takes time. Don’t rush to fill every corner immediately. Allow your style to evolve as you find pieces that speak to you and reflect your personality.

Designer Tip:

Keep an eye on sales and clearance sections at HomeGoods and other budget-friendly stores. Patience often leads to finding that perfect piece at a great price.

What to Avoid:

Avoid making rushed purchases just to fill space. Impulse buys often result in items that don't truly fit your style or needs. Be selective and let your space grow naturally over time with pieces you genuinely love.

Ready for a Ride to HomeGoods?

Curating your space on a budget doesn’t mean compromising on style or quality. With these tips, you can create a home that’s not only beautiful and functional but also uniquely yours. Embrace creativity, enjoy the process, and remember: great design is all about making your space feel like a true reflection of you, regardless of the price tag.