We all have our favorite things to shop for. Some girls like to buy shoes, while others like to buy handbags. Some guys like to buy expensive toys, while others like to buy gifts for their girlfriends. (Okay, maybe wishful thinking.) Personally, I love shopping for home products. Living in New York City with some of the top home products stores and showrooms just blocks from me, creates the perfect recipe for financial disaster. My goal for this post is to introduce you to some really terrific stores and brands. A click on a store’s name will take you directly to their homepage. Happy shopping! Err… Happy reading!
In alphabetical order to prevent favoritism.
1. West Elm Contemporary Furniture: This amazing store, a Williams-Sonoma company, is known for their minimalist, loft-like look. They are pros at seasonal colors and the prices won’t break the bank.
2. Anthropologie: In the past two years, Anthropologie has really concentrated on it’s home decor. If you live near a store, be sure to check out their window displays as they are the best I’ve ever seen. Although their products are super expensive, and not your taste if you prefer a minimalist look, they are incredibly unique and full of character.
3. IKEA: I often wonder if anyone doesn’t like IKEA? Contrary to some rumors, their quality is decent and the prices are the best you’ll find for home products. The potential downside is that most products require assembly. If you’re strapped for cash and don’t want to compromise on style, IKEA is your answer.
4. Home Depot: I used to loathe the Saturdays that my dad would drag me to Home Depot. Who ever would have thought that I visit at least once a month now? If you haven’t already noticed, when you move into your first place, it is up to you to fix things. From broken lightbulbs to ugly paint, Home Depot has your best solutions.
5. Pottery Barn Home Furnishings: Another Williams-Sonoma company, Pottery Barn features amazing quality, although you do pay the price. I love their pillows, sheets and towels… some items that just aren’t worth compromising the extra money for.
6. Jonathan Adler: I have fallen in love with Jonathan Adler’s unique products over and over again. He has truly perfected the art of incorporating quirkiness and chic. To top it off, he is a super nice guy, too. And just when you thought things couldn’t get much better, they can! For any and all of you who live in New York City, he is having a huge warehouse sale with products on sale for 25-75% off! The sale takes place June 21st-24th (Th. 10-8, Fri. 10-7, Sat. 10-6 and Sun. 10-2) at 72 Greene Street between Broome and Spring. See you there!
7. The Container Store: If there is a heaven, I think The Container Store is the closest thing on Earth to it. With products to solve any organization dilemma, it is one of my top three favorite stores. The other two are top secret.
8. Bed, Bath and Beyond: I typically tend to stay away from huge stores, but Bed, Bath and Beyond has it all under one roof. The best part about it are their coupons which can be used after their expiration date (I believe up to three months.) and multiple coupons can be used per transaction. They have a great selection of most products and their prices aren’t bad at all.
9. ABC Carpet & Home: I apologize to those of you who don’t live in New York for picking a local store, but ABC is the most incredible store ever. It has six floors and each floor is packed with the most interesting and unique products one will ever see in the United States. Be sure to check out the sixth floor rug atelier which features handmade rugs from all over the world. Don’t be surprised if you see a celebrity in the store; however, do be surprised when you look at some of the price tags.
10. Stationery Stores: For New Yorkers, Paper Presentation and Kate’s Paperie are among the best, but for everyone else, your local stationery shops are just as charming, I’m sure. This is a great source to buy paper that can be put into inexpensive frames and voila… homemade, one-of-a-kind wall art.
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As a decorator, I love all of those stores. For those who want something completely custom or unique there are a ton of other websites to choose from that offer one of a kind, creative options for the home. These websites are privately owned, small businesses that feature items that you cannot get at Big Box stores. The proprietors have a passion for what they do and put their whole heart and soul into their work. If you are looking for something unique for your home http://www.Etsy.com is a great place to start. It is an online marketplace that offers handmade, upcycled and vintage items only. There are thousands of individuals selling their wares on there and the options are endless. I am an Etsy seller but also an avid shopper. Check it out!
I am moving to one-bedroom apartment in white plains, NY. I have a budget of 2500 or less. Is there someone who does furnish or decorate an apatmetn like model in apartment??? I seriously need help. This is so stressful. I do not have anything but books and clothes lol.. I live in a dorm.
Hah am I really the only reply to your incredible read?
Jonathan Adler’s products are really great but they’re kinda expensive for a first apartment…maybe if you saved up for each item it could work, but i don’t think i could buy a $65 pillow.
Urban Outfitters is another store that has really nice apartment decor/random cool things. Sometimes they can be expensive too though…
Thanks for mentioning Crate and Barrel, Paolo. They do have some great pieces and display ideas.
‘manda, as a guy, it is a little bit harder to style an apartment, but i must say that i love your ideas. i did happen to pass by jonathan adler and i must say that i found some interesting pieces of decor…so great tip! i wanted to say, too, that Crate&Barrel; is my FAVORITE store and they have awesome, contemporary pieces of not only furniture, but silverware and other decorations.
Hi Bridgette! The fabulous pillows pictured above are by Jonathan Adler. If you’re in NYC, be sure to check out his sample sale next week. Details are in my post under his name. Also, thank you very much for your amazingly kind words! I’m so glad to hear that people are picking up what I’m throwing out! Best wishes!
oh my, i need those pillows! where can i get them?! you have great taste, i’m totally loving your “blog.” you’re like carrie from sex and the city, but more into home products than fashion. super awesome. best wishes.