Design and architecture inspiration for modern homes from Dwell.

At Home in the Modern World

Dwell › Products › Product Collections

Product Collection

Five Easy Pieces

Looking for a way to breathe a little new life into your living room, but don’t have the ducats? Sometimes the introduction of one new element—–be it in the realm of lighting, textiles, or accessories—–can make all the difference. We asked five designers: How would you give a space a new lease on life with only $100 to spend? See what they had to say and add your own ideas to the mix.
 

walnut wastebasket tortoise square

Walnut Paper Basket

I love that it's finished inside and out, and so very attractive whether empty or full. It has a good sturdy weight without being too flimsy—which paper bins have a tendency to be—or very plasticky. I know I waited a long time to buy one because I couldn't find one that I was happy to look at all the time, but finally came up on this one, and it was worth the wait. —Katerina Tana
jonathan adler letter pillow square

Letter Pillow

I always tell clients to personalize their space so they feel connected to it. If I only had $100 to perk up a space I'd choose one of Jonathan Adler's wool Letter Pillows in their coordinating initial. The clean and graphic nature of the black and white makes a bold statement and you can make it work with any decor if you move later on and the wool material adds a rich texture. —Kyle Schuneman
nice pants artwork square

Nice Pants Artwork

There are many affordable websites for art-the one we've used is 20x200. You can buy prints by up-and-coming artisits for $20 for 8x10s and $50 for 10x14s. You'll be supporting new talent, adding to (or starting) your art collection, and spending so little you'll have enough left over to buy a simple gallery frame from West Elm or Pottery Barn. —Betsy Burnham Stern
aalto vase iittala square

Clear Vase

I would select a clear vase designed by architect Alvar Aalto, an ageless classic that can be filled with any variety of things to add color and/or an accent to a room. —Cory Buckner
abstract art square

Sailboats Under Pearl Sky

Armed with a $100 budget to perk up a space and I'm heading for the art galleries. Give me an abstract landscape to hang on a wall and I'll be happy. It easily adds color (and sometimes texture) not to mention that it adds a vista for my eye to escape the room. —Kenneth Brown
 
Dwell Cover
Advertising
Advertising
Advertising
Subscribe Today Don't Miss a Word of Dwell
Dwell Cover

$19.95
10 Issues / a Year

Copyright ©2004-2012 Dwell Media LLC. All rights reserved. Dwell, the Dwell logo, Dwell Homes and At Home in the Modern World are registered trademarks of Dwell Media LLC