My Top 10 Places to Shop for the Home
by Amanda, Sunday, June 10, 2007
Amanda, 20, Writer/Student/Intern/Nanny, Home
Products/Organization/Interior Design Addict
<------ Some really great pillows by Jonathan Adler! Be sure to read about him below and check out his NYC sample sale!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: 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: 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.


5 Comments
bridgette said...
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.
June 13, 2007 7:33 PM
Amanda said...
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!
June 13, 2007 11:15 PM
Paolo said...
'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.
June 28, 2007 5:20 PM
Amanda said...
Thanks for mentioning Crate and Barrel, Paolo. They do have some great pieces and display ideas.
July 02, 2007 10:32 AM
Jonelle said...
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...
August 08, 2007 3:53 PM
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