Interior designers are masters at transforming spaces and creating an environment that reflects your unique personality and taste. They are also experts in making your home look expensive. But looks can be deceiving, because while designers know when to splurge, they also know when to save – and make those savings still look stylish. That means they are no strangers to your local dollar store.
Anaïs Chaumien, interior designer and owner of Design by Anaïs, shares some of her Dollar Tree craftsman style tricks. “There’s no need to break the bank to decorate your home,” she says. She operates under one rule when shopping at Dollar Tree: “Always check the reviews before you buy, because quality can vary a lot. Don’t buy anything under four stars, and you should be good to go!”
Before you drop a ton of money into remodeling your home, check out these interior designer-approved items at your local Dollar Tree.
Not only do candles make your home smell amazing, they instantly make your space cozier. “Candles are the perfect addition to your shelves, coffee table or dining table when you want to add something,” says Chaumien. Candles can be expensive, but they don’t have to be. Dollar Tree offers a wide range of scents and styles, from tea lights to larger scented varieties. Chaumien’s one piece of advice? “Double check they’re not toxic and you’re good to go!”
Believe it or not, dollar stores can be a great source for affordable pillows and blankets. “Cushions and throws are an easy way to add texture and color to your space,” says Chaumien. “This might be my favorite item to buy on a budget,” she adds. “This way, whenever you want to change the mood, you can easily swap them out for something that better suits your current aesthetic.” Dollar Tree even carries on-trend items, like these fluffy pillows and this Sherpa blanket.
Don’t underestimate the power of carefully selected treats, or the power of the Dollar Tree to deliver them on a budget. “Having beautifully shaped bookshelves and shelves is a great way to add a designer touch to your space,” says Chaumien. Opt for glass candlesticks, fun vases or wicker baskets to bring personality and character to your home.
Serving trays and decorative trays are some of the staples for the Chaumien Dollar Tree. “I like to use trays to ground decorative accents, candles and plants on my countertops,” she says. “Whether it’s on your coffee table, kitchen counter or a beautiful console, trays are the perfect finishing touch!” You can usually find a variety of options that include wood, plastic, and metal, among other materials.
If you’re creating a gallery wall, you may need a few extra pieces of art or some frames to fill in the gaps between your personal photos and artwork. Dollar Tree to the rescue! “I like to get small pieces to use as accents,” says Chaumien. “I love finding cute little frames at a super affordable price to mix with more meaningful ones.”
Holiday and seasonal decorations
Holiday and seasonal decorations can be expensive – especially when you consider that you will only use them for a short time each year. Dollar Tree carries a wide variety of cute decorations that you can integrate with your existing home decor style. Items like these lovely Easter table runners are fun ways to add a festive touch to your home all year round.
“Plants are an amazing way to add life and personality to a space,” says Chaumien. “But sometimes, planters cost hundreds and you absolutely don’t need to spend that much on it.” Instead, focus on the plant and choose a cute planter from Dollar Tree. You can even paint the planter to match the rest of your decor if you can’t find the exact color you want. “The same goes for the vases!”
“Dinnerware can be a great accent in your home, but you might want to switch it up every once in a while to add more color or a nice pattern,” says Chaumien. “If that’s the case, you shouldn’t spend too much on this. You can definitely find amazing options at a very low price and style your table like a designer, but on a budget!” Dishes might be one of the areas where Dollar Tree shines brightest. The store features bold prints, classic solid colors and modern patterns that look far more expensive than they are.