We Gave an Interior Designer $25 — This Is Her Haul from Dollar Tree
If someone handed me $25 and told me to decorate my home, I would probably burst out laughing at the seemingly impossible task. After all, $25 won’t get you very far at most — if any — home stores.
However, professional interior designers have a secret source that makes $25 go a lot further, making what once felt like an impossible task not only possible, but fun. No, it’s not a trade program — all you have to do is head down to your local Dollar Tree. We gave Carissa Henderson, owner and interior designer at A Bold New Hue, $25 to spend, and her haul is bound to both surprise you and inspire your next home decor shopping spree.
Gold Woven Geometric Removable Wallpaper Gold Woven Geometric Removable Wallpaper
When in doubt, start with wallpaper. Henderson went straight for the removable wallpaper, which at only $1.25 per 16x11-inch sheet, is remarkably affordable. “Wallpaper can make a huge impact in a space,” she says. “I love that this is a modern and elegant print that can mix with a variety of decor styles. This comes in small pieces, so I would use this creatively to either cover a piece of furniture or fridge, line a bookcase back, or wallpaper a small accent wall.” Alternatively, you can cover a small accent wall and add some artwork as the cherry on top.
Woven Straw Round Basket Woven Straw Round Basket
It’s safe to say you can never have too many baskets — they’re great for storage and double as decor. “Baskets are a great accent and honestly just handy to have in general,” Henderson says. “I love using baskets at the bottom of bookshelves as extra storage, or placed on top of a stack of books on a table. I also love that this size is more substantial so you are really getting more bang for your buck.”
Gold Matte Frame Gold Matte Frame
Gold frames work with so many different home decor styles and color palettes, but they can be surprisingly expensive! “I would add some colorful art and use this in a gallery wall, or paired in multiples of the same size in a small wall area,” Henderson suggests. “Place two or three of these stacked vertically on a skinny bare wall, fill them with eclectic or colorful art, and you’ve got yourself a statement piece!” You could also opt for something a little bit simpler and use the frame to feature a family portrait on a buffet, dresser, or nightstand.
Gray Marble Printed Stoneware Bowl Gray Marble Printed Stoneware Bowl
Marble always feels effortlessly chic, and it can contribute to a quiet luxury aesthetic. “I love the simplicity of this bowl’s shape,” Henderson explains. “Instead of using this as a regular food bowl in the kitchen, I would use this on a shelf or coffee table stacked on some books, or mixed in with two other pieces such as a taller vase and varying candlesticks to create a balanced cluster of three for a coffee table.”
Clear Jardin Glass Vase Clear Jardin Glass Vase
Vases are beautiful decor pieces, but they’re also incredibly handy when you receive an unexpected flower delivery or spot a gorgeous bouquet at the grocery store. “You can keep this as just a glass vase with an arrangement on a table, or you can use some DIY skills and spray this with a plaster effect paint to make this a trendy plaster style vase,” Henderson recommends. If you decide to paint it, don’t be afraid to play with color — at $1.25 a piece, they’re the perfect way to try incorporating new hues into your space.
Gold Metal Taper Candle Holders Gold Metal Taper Candle Holders
Candlesticks are equal parts elegant and dramatic, and for $2.50 for a pair, these are the perfect to add some to a space. “Candlesticks are great for an entryway table or sideboard,” says Henderson. “I would personally spray paint these a more vibrant gold and then maybe put some modern or interesting candlesticks in them, like a soft lilac tapered candle or a twisted candle!”
Pink Glass Candle Holders Pink Glass Candle Holders
Craving some dopamine decor? Grab a pair of pink glass candle holders. “This style is just so current and cute,” says Henderson. “I would use this as filler on a bookcase or table, and maybe buy a couple and place one on a book or some sort of raised surface to create dimension in the heights.” They’re also a great complement to a pair of Dollar Tree’s taper candle holders!
Gold Rim Glass Vase Gold Rim Glass Vase
Dollar Tree’s vases give luxury retailers a serious run for their money, and this gold rim vase is no exception. “Small bud vases can be a great and easy accent on a bookcase or sideboard,” says Henderson. “Place this next to something taller and insert a small piece of greenery or [something] floral. I would probably have some sort of bust sculpture as the tallest item, then a mid size vase or candle stick, and then this bud vase.”
Floral Garden Plastic High Cloche Dome Floral Garden Plastic High Cloche Dome
If you have sentimental items or special tchotchkes that you’d like to show off, Dollar Tree’s plastic high cloche dome has got you covered — pun intended. “This is a great filler piece for a bookshelf,” Henderson says. “Put a fun trinket inside or place moss on the bottom and a succulent. You can also spray-paint the bottom different colors. I personally am a gold girly, so I would spray-paint it gold.”
Assorted Stackable Stool Assorted Stackable Stool
Ready to take on a fun, new DIY project? As far as Henderson is concerned, this stackable stool is the perfect DIY piece. “Spray-paint the legs black or gold, and cover the wood with a marble contact paper,” she says. “Or do a two tone with gold legs and a black top. You could also go super fun and paint it a vibrant color for a modern pop of color in your decor.” To take it one step further, she suggests upholstering the seat to make a cozy footstool.
Artificial Greenery Artificial Greenery
Keeping plants alive isn’t everybody’s strong suit, so faux plants to the rescue! “Plants bring so much warmth to a space and you can never have too many,” Henderson says. Look for pieces that have a more natural appearance, and don’t be afraid to keep it simple when styling them. A single piece of artificial greenery in a small vase can go a long way.
