I think there is a common misconception that you have to spend tons of money to make your house look extraordinary. That is simply not true. Furniture can be expensive, especially those big-name designer brands like Ethan Allen and Restoration Hardware (just to name a few). I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to make your house a home. Many of the expensive items you see on Pottery Barn, West Elm, Crate and Barrel, etc. can be found elsewhere at half to a fraction of the price. Who would want to spend full price on the same exact piece they can find cheaper elsewhere anyway? I have always known that you could find cheaper versions of furniture or even home decor but I didn’t know that the price differences for many items are mind-blowing. I discovered this when I was responding to a DM from a follower of mine asking if I could find her a cheaper version of a Serena and Lilly accent chair I have posted on one of my vision boards. The dupe I found was OVER $3,000 LESS than the price listed on Serena and Lilly for a chair that looks unbelievably similar.
That is how “Save or Splurge” was born. I posted two look-alike products side-by-side and have people vote on which one is the “splurge”. Some side-by-sides are so alike that you can not tell which is the more expensive piece. For example this table lamp:
I love showing people that you are not limited to making your house a home because of your financial standing or because you simply cannot justify spending over $4,000 for one chair. I get it, I am one of those people. I am here to say do not get discouraged if you find a piece you love but it doesn’t fit your budget. You will find a piece out there that looks similar and affordable to you; a win, win.
Disclaimer
Before you buy the “dupe” to a piece I would look at the measurements, especially but not limited to: vases, decorative bowls, rugs. Sometimes the dupe is smaller and “more affordable” than the larger “splurge”. I have found this is quite common especially with these three objects so keep a close eye on measurements.
Blog post coming soon on how I look for dupes.
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