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I'm an interior designer. Here are 6 things I'd buy at Target and 5 I'd skip.

I'm an interior designer. Here are 6 things I'd buy at Target and 5 I'd skip.
I'm an interior designer and I think Target has some amazing and not-so-great home items.Paynter Rhed
  • I'm an interior designer and there are things I would and would not buy at Target.
  • I love Target's affordable selection of accent pillows, lamps, and office supplies.

Curtains can be tricky to get right, but Target has some great light-filtering options.

Curtains can be tricky to get right, but Target has some great light-filtering options.
Light-filtering curtains can elevate a space.      Paynter Rhed

I prefer light-filtering curtains over blackout ones, which can look heavy and add weight to a space.

This pair from Threshold stood out to me because they filter out light but still have an airy feel. Light curtains add texture and depth to a space without bringing heaviness.

A vanity set can make a bathroom look cohesive.

A vanity set can make a bathroom look cohesive.
Sets enhance the look of the bathroom and help establish a theme.      Paynter Rhed

One easy way to elevate your bathroom is to have matching fixtures, like toothbrush holders, soap dispensers, and tissue-box covers.

Target has a bunch of these sets, but the natural-looking ones stand out to me for their organic lines and warmth.

Target's accent lamps are a great deal.

Target
Lamps can add texture or color to a space.      Paynter Rhed

I'm always surprised by how expensive lamps can be. Fortunately, Target has affordable options that I think are pleasing to the eyes and the wallet.

Many people think ceiling fixtures offer enough lighting for the entirety of the space but having scattered lamps in high-use areas is ideal. They offer task lighting and can add texture or color to the room depending on the lamp you choose.

Target has such a great selection of accent pillows for a great price.

Target has such a great selection of accent pillows for a great price.
Accent pillows can be expensive.      Paynter Rhed

I like to occasionally change out my accent pillows, so having a go-to place for affordable options is a must.

Target has plenty of pillows that won't break the bank, from faux fur to cozy prints.

There are also tons of great frame options at Target.

There are also tons of great frame options at Target.
Use frames to make a gallery wall.      Paynter Rhed

People commonly ask me what they should do with a big, blank wall. I usually suggest creating a gallery wall, which can fill space in a completely customizable way.

Whether you want a dramatic black-and-white wall of family photos or a bright, colorful collection with shots from your travels, head to Target. You can achieve a gallery wall with the retailer's simple, classic frames.

I like that Target sells frames at a low price point that also include matting.

Stylish office supplies is a must if you work from home.

Stylish office supplies is a must if you work from home.
I like the gold and wood office supplies at Target.      Paynter Rhed

Elevating your home office with matching supplies is easy.

I've always shopped at Target for office supplies as I think the chain has a unique-looking selection that's also practical. The prices are also pretty great.

On the other hand, I'd skip the fake plants.

On the other hand, I
I don't buy fake plants from anywhere.      Paynter Rhed

Target has a decent selection of fake plants, but I'm never a fan of putting them in a space. Real plants give the space a much more natural aesthetic.

If you're worried about caring for plants, invest in a hard-to-kill snake plant. I forgot to water one of those for three months and it still looked as good as it did on the day I bought it.

Cubed storage makes any space look like a college dorm.

Cubed storage makes any space look like a college dorm.
Cubed storage is functional but not very pretty.      Paynter Rhed

Nothing screams college dorm like cubed storage units, which Target sells tons of.

I think these storage options are a lazy design decision that make a space look basic. I shy away from furniture pieces that everyone has so my space remains unique to me.

Instead of using one of these cubed units as a TV stand or extra storage, try a dresser. It's stylish and will still give you plenty of space to hide your items.

Plastic hangers look cheap and they aren't very functional.

Plastic hangers look cheap and they aren
Garments can slide right off of the plastic.      Paynter Rhed

I've never liked plastic hangers — they aren't very functional and they look cheap. I also find they tend to break easily.

Instead, use velvet hangers. They have a sleeker look and save room because they're thinner than plastic ones.

If you can, try to invest in really nice towels.

If you can, try to invest in really nice towels.
Target's towels are fine, but I prefer to splurge on something else.      Paynter Rhed

I always tell my clients they should invest in towels. After all, you use them every day, they can impact your skin, and there's nothing better than offering a guest a nice towel while they're staying in your home.

Although Target has tons of affordable towels, I'm not super impressed by its selection. I think the perfect towel is not too soft nor too rough, and none of the ones I felt during my recent visit fit the bill.

The Loring collection is stylish but, in my opinion, it's not a great value.

The Loring collection is stylish but, in my opinion, it
The Project 62 Loring pieces look great, but I would skip them.      Paynter Rhed

This Project 62 collection looks stylish from afar, but I'm not a fan of its look up close.

The warm, wood-grain texture that looked nice at a glance seemed inauthentic to me up close. Turns out, some of the pieces are wood with a paper veneer instead of actual finished wood.

Some of these items are a little pricey at over $200, so if I was going to buy a substantial furniture piece I'd look for something made out of actual finished wood that has a similar look.


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