These are the shopping sources designer Taylor Hill recommends for decorating a home without overspending—or sacrificing interesting pieces.
Designing a home you love doesn’t mean you have to have a big budget—or settle for big-box store pieces that feel generic. Some of the most inviting and personality-filled spaces are built over time by layering pieces that tell a story. Whether you’re furnishing an entire home or simply refreshing a room, decorating on a budget comes down to knowing where to look.
Charleston-based interior designer Taylor Hill is no stranger to the hunt and knows how to navigate creating thoughtfully designed and interesting spaces while avoiding the high-end price tags. While you might splurge on a larger piece of furniture or wallpaper for a special space, her two secrets when it comes to saving—shop local and source from Etsy.
Shop Local
The idea of shopping local might not be groundbreaking—supporting your community and the ability to see things in person—but the hidden reason why Hill emphasizes it for budget-friendly purposes makes a big difference. “When you source locally, you get to skip the shipping costs that typically incur, so that makes a huge difference when it comes to overall investment and affordability,” explains the designer.
While local antique and vintage stores might already come to mind, don’t forget about your neighborhood consignment shops, thrift stores, yard and estate sales, and flea markets as well. They’re good spots for stretching a budget, especially when it comes to finding smaller pieces like side tables, coffee tables, and accent pieces like lamps or frames. So while you’re finding one-of-a-kind pieces, you can also save hundreds of dollars in added shipping costs. And because inventory is constantly changing, she encourages rotating back through as you’ll likely come across new pieces each visit.
Source From Etsy
For pieces that feel distinctive without carrying designer price tags, Hill consistently turns to Etsy. “We shop a ton on Etsy!,” she says. “It’s really a great resource for interesting finds from all over the world—and when it comes to budget-friendly needs.” The online global marketplace gives you instant access to makers, vintage dealers, and independent sellers from around the world, making it easy to find items that add personality and texture to a space, while also directly supporting individual artisans. It also offers a wide range of price points, making it possible to find unique pieces without overspending.
For this Edisto Island beach house, Hill sourced a suzani textile for the entryway which informed the color palette for the rest of the home, a few drink tables, and various rugs from Etsy. Whether you’re looking for vintage textiles, rugs, handcrafted furniture, artwork, lighting, or small decorative accents, Etsy is a more affordable option for character-filled pieces that you just won’t find from a chain retailer.
Read the original article on Southern Living