The fundamental aim of almost all interior designers is to make a home feel both lasting and liveable. To accomplish this designers often incorporate bespoke pieces such as high-quality furniture, decor, and furnishings to make a home feel functional and luxurious.
Although luxury is a big part of design, you'll be pleased to hear that interior design trends can be achieved with smaller budgets too. In fact, we were surprised to learn that many designers shop at high-street stores when looking for lasting home pieces.
We asked a handful of design experts where they turn to for affordable yet reliable home decor and so many of them came back with one place– Target. From bathmats to shelving, the beloved retail outlet has been answering the needs of designers for years.
We've put together a list of their top choices which couldn't be more perfect for filling a space with thoughtful touches.
1. Lighting
Lighting is a crucial part of successful home design. It comes in all shapes and sizes, making it one of the best and easiest ways to transform a once-dreary space into a warm and cozy haven.
Leigh Jendrusina from SALTHOUSE collective has a list of things she heads to Target in search of and lighting is one of them. 'I love Target for a few of their home pieces that work well and look good for a more affordable price.' she says. 'Target has some great lighting and so many of them work to give you that layered modern look that I love.'
Designed by Studio McGee in collaboration with Target, this sage green metal floor lamp is classically shaped and the perfect living room nook piece.
We love the quirky base of this lamp paired with the textural rattan shade. It would make the perfect accompaniment to a rattan framed bed, creating a unison of organic textures.
Another Studio McGee example, this floor lamp blends luxurious gold accents with organic rattan, perfecting balancing organic with opulence.
2. Shelving accessories
'When styling shelves and surfaces before a shoot, Target is a great place to look for last-minute accents and accessories. Their decorative items by Threshold designed with w/Studio McGee get better and better with each release, offering beautiful pieces that are universal to any living space.' says Amber Guyton of Blessed Little Bungalow.
Mimi Meacham, Founder & Principal Designer, Marian Louise Design agrees Target is perfect for those finishing touches and goes for their picture frames. She says, 'Target offers a great selection of affordable picture frames that are both stylish and durable. Adding a punch of style to your artwork or photographs draws the eye and enhances your space with a hint of design.'
This frame finished in a carved light blue border is one of Mimi's favorites. It feels modern yet timeless, making it the perfect shelf accessory.
Amber always turns to Threshold x Studio McGee for little decor items that uplift a space. This twisted-handle ceramic vase is a great example of a characterful piece designed to sit on a coffee table or bookshelf.
Another one of Mimi's choices is this bobbin-style wood frame. It's effortlessly trendy and fun making it the perfect choice to elevate your favorite photograph.
3. Storage
No home is complete without some life-saving storage ideas. Whether that be a basket to fill with kids' toys or a set of functional shelves to house books or trinkets, there are many stylish ways to store miscellaneous items.
Leigh Jendrusina's modern organic style pairs well with Target's home choices. She's a fan of storage and says, 'Target has great baskets! I use them all the time to hold blankets, toys, or even plants in my client’s homes.'
Interior designer Nina Lichtenstein also knows how important storage is. 'Shelving brings style and practicality to your home'. Referring to her favorite Target piece (below) she says, 'Featuring adjustable shelves with pre-drilled holes, you can create a personalized storage solution that fits your needs, whether showcasing plants, books, or decor.'
We love the varied textures of this natural woven basket, featuring several widths and shades of rattan that are all neatly woven into a chic little storage vessel.
'With its rustic wood grain and black metal frame, this versatile piece blends charm and durability, making it ideal for any room from the living area to the kitchen or office,' says Nina.
Designed in collaboration with Target and Joanna Gaine's well known brand, Magnolia, this braided grass storage basket is hefty in size making it ideal for housing laundry or towels.
4. Throw pillows
Target's selection of throw pillows ensures that there's something for every taste and style. There's pretty much every size, color, and pattern you can think of, making it the go-to choice for designers looking to elevate their sofa or bed game.
Despite the variations of Nina's choices, she says these pieces, 'Add a modern touch to your home with these pillows. They create visual interest while maintaining a subtle elegance that complements any decor.'
Pillows are one of the easiest ways to introduce pattern and color into a space that needs it. Simply scatter along a sofa or position a family at the center of a bed to create an inviting and cozy display.
Nina says, 'Available in black or neutral tones, it pairs effortlessly with warm wood finishes for a cozy, inviting feel or metal accents for a sleek, contemporary vibe. Its oversized, cushioned design ensures both style and comfort, making it a versatile addition to any space.'
'Elevate your bed or sofa with the timeless charm of this Woven Floral Decorative Pillow from Threshold™,' says Nina. 'Featuring a classic floral pattern on one side and a solid backing on the other, it strikes the perfect balance of style and functionality. Available in brown, sky blue, and terracotta, this textured pillow adds comfort and elegance to any space.'
The Studio McGee x Threshold collaboration is filled with timeless pieces as we've already seen. This bolster is an example of timeless prints mixing with contemporary shapes to create an interesting soft accessory.
5. Bedding
Quite a few designers had only good things to say about Target's bedding. With high-quality compositions at such affordable price points, what else is there to say?
Mimi loves buying her home basics from Target. 'There's a wide selection of bed sheet sets in a variety of colors and thread counts.' When designing, Mimi says she opts for a 'crisp, fresh white linen set for my beds. Depending on who's using the bed, you can choose from 100% cotton, 100% linen, or a variety of blends to suit different preferences.'
'The bedding!' says Amber Guyton. 'The Casaluna brand is truly Target's best-kept secret. Amazing quality in linen, sateen, percale, silk, and bamboo that's responsibly made, layers together well, and rivals any other bedding as it's at a far lower price point.'
Mimi loves this sheet set designed with comfort and style in mind. Bordered with delicate stitching, Hearth and Hand and Magnolia have considered all the little details.
Amber swears by the Casaluna brand for her bedding. Prioritizing quality, many of their sets are made with organic fabrics, like this textured chambray duvet set.
We couldn't ignore this stripe linen duvet set from Casaluna. It's both durable, soft, and so on-trend.
Target's many collections are filled with one-of-a-kind, easy-to-integrate pieces that make creating your ideal home an easy and enjoyable task. Tried and tested by interior designers, they've sworn by these home staples due to their affordability and timelessness.
