How to Shop Intentionally (Especially on a Budget)
Designing a space you love doesn’t have to break the bank—but it does require intention. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned (and preach to clients often) is that where you shop is just as important as what you buy. So let’s break it down: how to plan where and how to shop—especially when you’re on a budget.
Step 1: Establish Your Budget and Your Priorities
Start by being real about how much you’re willing (and able) to spend. But don’t stop there—ask yourself:
- What are you willing to splurge on?
-
Where are you saving?
Maybe a statement sofa is worth the investment for you, but you’re cool with a more affordable rug. Or maybe the bed frame is low-priority, but that accent chair has to be it. Being clear about your priorities helps you stretch your budget without sacrificing style or quality.
Step 2: Know Where to Shop
This is the part most people overlook. Not every store or site is created equal—some are great for price, some for quality, and others for style. Your job is to match the right source to your specific needs.
When I’m sourcing for clients, I already know based on their budget and preferences which stores I’ll pull from the most. But budget isn’t the only factor. If a client wants something more unique or custom, I have a completely different list of go-to places. You have to align the store with your vision—not just your wallet.
Step 3: Shop with Intention
If you’re going for a clean, modern look but keep browsing sites known for glam and sparkle, you’re going to feel frustrated and uninspired. It’s not that what you want doesn’t exist—it’s that you’re looking in the wrong places.
Same goes for price point. If your budget is moderate but you’re pulling all your inspiration from luxury sites, you’ll start feeling like your dream space is out of reach. It’s not—it just means it’s time to shift your sources.
The takeaway? Smart sourcing changes everything. Once you establish your budget, define your priorities, and align your shopping with your style and price point, you’re no longer just browsing—you’re designing with purpose.
My Guide:
Below is a list of some of my go-to stores for sourcing for clients. I’ve broken them down into 3 Tiers to give you a sense of the general price range you can expect. You’ll notice a few repeats—some stores offer a wide range of pricing depending on the item, so they show up in more than one tier. Use this as a guide to help you figure out where to shop based on what you’re looking for and how much you’re looking to spend.
Tier 1:$$
Hobby Lobby
Amazon
Etsy
HomeDepot
Wayfair
Tier 2:$$$
Wayfair
TOV Furniture
Urban Outfitters Home
ZGallerie
Tier 3:$$$$
CB2
Crate & Barrel
Anthropologie Home
West Elm
High Fashion Home