When I interviewed Jonathon Burford for our February cover story, how they choose items for their home shocked me: “I’m generally motivated by price.” Mic. Drop. You’d think that in the Domino world of aesthetes, we’d all rather go broke than miss out on, say, a viral vintage Togo. But I was raised a practical Midwesterner, and if the price isn’t right, I’m pretty okay with walking away from a stylish piece. Lately, though, I’ve learned that I don’t have to. Here’s my strategy—and all my alarmingly cool recent faves below $100. 

For an editor, I’m not much of a shopper, especially as the price of, well, everything has gone up. You’re responsible for selling out one of Domino’s best deal discoveries, so I know you get it. And since there’s no sign of inflation slowing down (says my local paper), I’ve come to learn how to shop for budget items with big impact. The trick: Stick to expensive-looking materials (such as ceramic, metal, and natural fibers), and skip out on plastics and fabrics with the word poly in them. 

Photography Courtesy of Inter IKEA Systems B.V. 2023

Even furniture and rugs can stay within a less-than-a-Benjamin budget, and I have proof: 

01. It’s not fair, but hiring an electrician will cost you more than this mid-century–leaning metal pendant lamp. (That said: Do not DIY!) 

02. These $5 Splatterware bowls are all my husband and I eat from these days. 

03. On a recent IKEA Brooklyn trip, I snagged this gingham duvet and pillowcase set—I love the neon spin on a traditional pattern—for a cool $40. Yes, I want you to be very jealous.

04. IKEA has always focused on democratically priced design, and therefore it’s my go-to for Scandi-cool everything, from color-blocked lampshades to stripe-on-stripe fabric that can act as a tablecloth.

05. I consider a set of four of my absolute favorite curvy drinking glasses—designed in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where my family lives!—a lifetime investment. Even water looks refined in them.

06. I constantly see this powder-coated iron dining chair at cafés in New York City, and—surprise—it’s CB2. I swiped two in light pink (a now sold-out shade) for my dining room at home. For their sturdiness and durability, I truly can’t believe they’re under $100 each. 

07. My secret source for inexpensive rugs? Rugs USA. (I guess it’s not a secret anymore, but I trust you!) This one is 100 percent wool, handmade, and would add a textural touch to a neutral living room. 

08. A Gaetano Pesce vase—in this economy? Instead, I honor the late designer’s resin work with his two-for-$30 translucent coasters. There’s one on my desk at all times.

09. This groovy set of bath and hand towels vibes well with rising interest rates, and I will always be Team Colorful Textiles.

10. This sunny hand-painted water pitcher, from a Brooklyn boutique that I wander into weekly, only looks like a million bucks.

Splatterware—also known as spatterware—has been around since the 1800s and, as far as I can tell, hasn’t gone out of style since. (I like to think Jackson Pollock would agree.) Thankfully, despite its enduring popularity, you’ve never needed to go dotty finding pieces within your budget—case in point, below.

PROS

• 100% stoneware

• Dishwasher- and microwave-safe

CONS

• Sold individually

• Shipping is only free if you’re a Plus member or spend $60+

PROS

• Lightweight and extremely durable, as in, you can take them camping

• Hand-painted

• Each holds a whopping 16 oz.

• Come in a set of 4

• Dishwasher-safe

CONS

• Hot drinks can make the steel too scalding to touch

• Not microwave-safe

• $10 shipping fee for orders less than $50

PROS

• Hand-painted in Italy

• Rare blue-on-blue colorway

• Dishwasher- and microwave-safe

CONS

• Sold individually

• Shipping fees vary depending on location

• Must return within 7 days for full refund

Watch as I take this idea even further—because you can actually make major design changes to your space with less than $100, too. Here are some of the impressive transformations I’ve bookmarked recently.  

• I’ll never not be impressed by my coworker Julia, who created an entire closet for herself and two roommates for—wait for it—$36. IKEA wins again! I’ve had cocktails more expensive than that. 

• I’ve been waiting for the right weekend to try this $40 backsplash hack. (My current situation is just-fine blue glass tile.) Shh, no one will know it’s not really zellige.  

• Don’t listen to financial experts who say to give up your coffee shop visits. After all, Leanne Ford gave the walls of her Pittsburgh cottage a one-of-a-kind treatment for the price of a cup of joe. No, really. 

• Your exterior deserves an inexpensive makeover, too, via swapping your house numbers. Shout-out to the reader who commented: “I love these! I’ve been wanting to get cool house numbers for years but never found ones I was willing to pay more than $100 total for.”

• Large-scale art, which can transform a whole room, doesn’t have to set you back—I promise! Brb while I go buy an XL canvas for my artist husband.

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