8 Designers Walk Into Home Depot With $100—This Is What They Bought

We wax lyrical about our favorite affordable décor sites such as CB2, West Elm, IKEA, H&M Home, and Urban Outfitters but there's one store we often forget about and it's seriously underrated: Home Depot. We typically associate paint, hardware, tools, and plants with Home Depot but it's also an incredible untapped resource for cheap and stylish décor and furniture that looks more expensive than it is. You can really find some gems in the mix and who doesn't love a good old treasure hunt. Nothing beats that feeling when you discover a unique piece for next to nothing.

Besides, the cost is secondary because it's really all about how you style it at home and mix it in with your other vintage and high-end pieces. We're here to prove that quality can come in affordable packages. So we asked eight of our top designer friends to share what they would buy at Home Depot with just $100. You'll be amazed to learn how they'd spend it. First up, Emily Henderson creates an entire vanity for $100. 

"I love a good challenge so for this, I went full throttle and designed a custom looking vanity for $100. Yep, the whole darn thing for $100, well $104.21 to be exact."

"Making a vanity feel custom doesn’t take a lot, I promise. Here's how."

"A fresh coat of paint, like this gray-blue, would absolutely make this simple vanity pop." 

"Then switching out the hardware for these cool black handles would seriously elevate the whole design."

"Personally, I would most likely bite the bullet and spend a little more on a black faucet but this chrome one is great for the price."

TOTAL: $104.21

"If you gave me $100 to spend at Home Depot, I'd probably spend it on a power tool like a drill and then a good level, haha. Seriously though, there is a less glamorous side to interior design that not everyone realizes. I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty either and hop up a ladder to install something. I've even joked saying I now have a better toolkit than my dad. However, if we're exclusively talking about décor items, here are my top picks."

"Lighting is crucial when designing a space. Overhead recessed styles are helpful for lighting up a room, but table lamps are great for creating a cozy and relaxed ambiance. This lamp is simple and elegant in style with its arched brass stem and marble base. I was actually shocked when I saw the price. Great bargain."

"I'm in the process of moving into a new office so I'm looking for cute accessories. This trash bin is ideal for everyday rubbish but could also be used to store magazines."

"Gotta love me a good cheeseboard. Not only are they good for creating wonderful displays of cheese and charcuterie (which I'm working on mastering) they're also a great item to have in your stylist's toolkit as a kitchen prop."

TOTAL COST: $104

"Every place I've ever moved into had at least some dated or unattractive light fixtures. I love these Glomar flush mount lights because they can either replace a ceiling light or a vanity sconce for a clean, modern and affordable upgrade. Because they're so simple, the light bulb type can help direct the style. For a more modern home I would use a round G25 Globe type as pictured (could even do a metal-tipped) and if your house is more classic or rustic you can do a filament style bulb." 

"Aside from the obvious functional areas for mirrors like a bathroom vanity, mirrors are so helpful as a styling tool. They bounce natural light around, create more depth to a room and act as an alternate wall decor when you already have framed art on several other walls. When it's an interesting shape like this arch it can stand on its own or work well above a flat surface like a mantle or dresser."

TOTAL COST: $97.37

P.S. "If the budget was closer to $150, this 2'6"x6' Safavieh Natural Fiber Runner Rug would be my other pick because it is also a pretty great find at $46. Rugs are so helpful in grounding and defining a space as well as adding some interest through texture or pattern. A natural weave like this would be excellent and durable at an entryway or a kitchen sink."

"Right now I have three clients that are on the hunt for amazing lighting, so lighting is what seems to grab my attention first. It can really spruce up a room, fast. I found these Varus lights that have a similar vibe to the Muuto grain pendants but with a much better price tag."

"Also, the secrets out, but Home Depot has really affordable and great plants. Plants are a great way to make a room feel warm and full of life. This Ficus is perfect for a sunny corner to bring some of the outside in."

TOTAL COST: $95

"I think people always think of Home Depot as a place to get all your hardware needs, but they have really expanded and now offer incredible items for every aspect of the home. I would utilize them to make a 'cook's kitchen.'"

"Whether or not you're a coffee aficionado, this Chemex coffee maker not only brews the perfect cup of coffee but also adds some style to your countertop. The sculptural shape and the wood and leather accents add nice warmth and a touch of gourmet to any kitchen."

"I also love this marble and wood cutting board. The mix of materials adds warmth and elegance. I would lean it on a kitchen wall to add a bit of visual variety and then it's easily accessible to grab for a stylish cheese board when you're entertaining."

"I love the look of a few glass containers filled with flour, sugar, pasta, etc. to add that 'lived in' feeling in the kitchen. Getting uniform containers helps for this to look clean and intentional. I love these ones as they have a slightly retro silhouette that feels nostalgic for a childhood kitchen filled with fresh baking cookies."

TOTAL COST: $78

"These vases look way more expensive than they are. The price is great as it comes as a set, which means you can keep one and have two on hand for hostess gifts. If you keep all three, do a chic arrangement on your dining table with the vases in a row and simple white flowers. You could also pepper throughout your home on shelves or surfaces. Would look tres chic on a stack of books with a handful of Billy Balls."

"I am a huge fan of urns and potted plants. I always make a point to have a touch of traditional in each space I design, and an urn is a great way to do so. I would place this on a minimalist white pedestal table with moss and an orchid."

"Something I can't help myself from buying is cloth napkins. This linen set looks so much more expensive than it is. When eating at home, I always make a point to use our dishes and cloth napkins, even when we order take out. They really do instantly elevate any meal." 

"One of my specialties is styling shelves. People (including designers) always ask me where I find my objects. The answer is everywhere. I would display these birds next to books on a shelf. I am always drawn to objects that add personality and quirk."

TOTAL COST: $96

"I am sick to death of brass cutlery and getting there with black cutlery (it has to be pretty high end to make it chic enough that it won't go out of fashion in ten minutes) but I saw this and I thought what a fun set of cutlery for everyday use for a family." 

"I like this vase because it's classic in many ways and reminds me of my favorite art piece/sculpture. Again I think its fun and will liven up and living room styling situation."

"I have been seriously thinking that I need one of these. My father has one and I think I gave mine away when I was 12. These are just the most iconic and enchanting things and so affordable."

TOTAL COST: $100

"Flatware is one of the unsung heroes of the décor world. We use it three times a day (sometimes more), but many of us have those hand-me-down versions from our first apartments. I love this simple gold set with its modern lines and the simplicity of the design means that you can use it for years to come." 

TOTAL COST: $75

Up Next: 42 Seriously Chic IKEA Items That Look Expensive But Cost Less Than $100.