The Magic of High and Low Design

Most of the inspirational images you see—ones where you say, “I want my home to look like that,”—cost thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of dollars. They are stunning, covetable, and (forgive me for being the parade rain) completely unachievable for the average individual.

I say this not to be a complete downer, but to set expectations. We can’t all be Chrissy Tiegan, hiring Jake Arnold, and soaking in Italian marble. For most of us in the camp of mighty but average, life is about compromises and making decisions. When it comes to designing our homes it’s no different. 

But that reality doesn’t mean you can’t create a space that’s compelling, beautiful, and tailored to you. It just means you have to be intentional.

We are all equipped with the magic of high and low design—an approach that mingles investment pieces with more affordable products to achieve the ideal look. 

I love this approach for three reasons: 

1. It is contagious. You are always elevated by your company, and this is true for furnishings too. If you have a foundation of well-made, statement pieces, more affordable products can easily mix, mingle, and belong.
2. It provides clarity. The best homes are often cultivated over time, so you have to choose what to invest in first. Knowing what matters most allows you to scale thoughtfully. 
3. It allows you to evolve. When everything is precious, it’s hard to change your style and try new things. By incorporating more affordable pieces, you can shake up the setting more freely.

Not sure where to start? I’ve put a quick reference guide below to help you get your bearings. Pieces to “Go High” on are your investment products. Pieces to “Go Low” on are those areas where you can scale back and try something more affordable. 

When in doubt, be patient, be mindful, and be creative. In the landscape of design, those tools will never fail you.

GO HIGH

Upholstery 

Always invest most in your upholstered pieces. These are your foundational items. They tend to get an immense amount of day-to-day traffic and should perform well. From your sofa to your chairs, you can tell a difference not only in the fabric, but in the cushion construction. Well-made pieces optimize for comfort and longevity. Budget pieces optimize for style.

Case Goods

Sideboards, cabinets, bookcases. Your furnishing fixtures are often your statement pieces in a room, and it's easy to discern a quality piece from a copy. Invest in “case goods” that are functional, distinct, and key moments in your room composition.

Mattress

The average person spends 26 years of their life sleeping. I know it can be hard to spend a lot on products you don’t see, but it’s really sensible to invest in the products you experience the most.

Desk and Desk Chair

If you’re a work-from-homer, the desk and accompanying chair saunter right up there in import status next to your mattress. Day-in and day-out, you’re building business (and potentially back problems) in your home office. Invest in creating a space that sets you up to do your best work. Get comfortable. Get supported. Get functional. And, of course, get inspired.

Artwork

If you haven’t noticed, artwork is always in your eyeline. It’s the most natural landing spot for your gaze and, with its bouts of character and color, has the capacity to lead a room. While investing in great upholstery insures you comfort, investing in great art secures your originality. So skip the stock art, and invest in authentic pieces that stir something in you.

GO LOW

Lighting

Lighting fixtures change the aesthetic landscape of your home dramatically. And while there are some stunners in the higher echelon (Apparatus Studio being a favorite), there are really striking, affordable options available now for everything from chandeliers and pendants to sconces and lamps. Most lighting—especially the hanging and mounted fixtures—are pieces you don’t interact with so you can prioritize appearance over material.

Rugs

While I, too, am completely smitten with vintage rugs, the reality is that floor coverings are the elements that get the most wear and tear in a home. From muddy shoes and wet pet paws to spilled coffee, they see the worst of us. So instead of betting the farm on pristine existence, scale back here. Opt for a more affordable rug and pair it with a plush rug pad to give it some extra stature. 

Window Treatments

While custom window treatments can make a room, they can also cost a small fortune. Bypass the tailor-made touches, and order stock. Primary retailers (think: Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, etc.) have leveled up and diversified the options, and shops like TwoPages offer more of that custom look without the second-mortgage-your-home price tag. Keep in mind: semi-custom is always an option. if stock length isn’t quite right, you can work with a seamstress to hem to the appropriate length. 

Dining Table

If I had my druthers, every dining room would be outfitted with a handcrafted table from a local artisan. The sentimentalist in me loves the idea that bread is broken over an heirloom family piece. But the reality is that a large part of the table’s glory (it’s base) is hidden by the dining chairs. If investing in one or the other, I’d focus first on sourcing high quality seating—chairs that are memorable, comfortable, and made to last. Remember: the best homes are designed over time. You can always build your heritage piece in your second act.

Throw Pillow Covers

Compelling textiles are a fundamental decor element, and designer throw pillows are certainly proud of this posture. While plush, distinct, and oh-so-comfortable, they also cost more than a Michelin dinner. But sadly, this isn’t a place you can fake it. Cheap throw pillows are the design world’s cotton candy: bouncy, paper-thin, and completely unsatisfying. Pillows aren't just here for show, they’re here for comfort, and you want them to do your job well. So what’s the best option? Split the baby. Instead of going all-in on designer pillows, invest in high quality inserts and pair those with more affordable covers that you can swap seasonally.