Perusing Through Target with Interior Designers

The experts walk us through a few hidden gems at the chain retailer

While interior style often comes with a hefty price tag, the savviest designers aren’t afraid to pepper their spaces with affordable elements as well.

From crisp bedding to carved side tables, Target’s aisles might have those unexpected accents that round up your home.

Interior designers Juliana Ghani (@julianaghani) and Maggie Williams (@maggiexwilliams) walked their TikTok followers through their dos and don’ts of chain store shopping.

BEDDING

Ghani called Target’s Casaluna linen blend quilts her “best kept secret.”

“This is such a good alternative to very high-end bedding. The quality is amazing, and clients love it,” she raved. While a Serena & Lily linen quilt will set you back $378, Target’s version is only $99. The designer also praised Hearth & Hand’s sheet set, saying it was comparable to pricier linens.

ACCENT PIECES

Both Ghani and Williams approve of the faux marble trays and canisters. An easy way to dress up a powder bath, a $40 tray can refine itself with high-end creams, hand soap, and a candle, while a $15 canister can hide your cotton pads.

DINNERWARE

When it comes to setting your table for a casual get together, you can ditch the fine China and opt for something sleek and simple. Target’s Stella line is just that – and it’s pro approved. “It’s extremely contemporary… I would buy all of this,” Ghani said.

CANDLES

As nothing welcomes in guests like an enticing aroma, candles are a must in any space. And if you don’t want to break the bank on Jo Malone or Dyptique, fill your cart with those from Target’s Threshold line.

Ghani said the Santal and Ginger scent is reminiscent of Le Labo’s Santal 33.

FURNITURE

Furnishing your home with larger pieces on a budget can be dicey, as you’ll need to clock the elements to look out for. Both Ghani and Williams said scale is a major factor they consider when browsing through Target’s furniture section.

Pointing at a side chair, Williams called it “abnormally small” and noted that it was too low to the ground for most people, while Ghani said the same about another.

As for what they would buy, both sets of eyes were drawn to a Threshold x Studio McGee $180 bench. Ghani highlighted the “dry linen” fabric of the cushion – a plus as opposed to cheaper materials that come with a sort of sheen – and the attractive “dry wood” that makes up the base.

Williams has first-hand experience with the piece, as it sits in her master bedroom, and attested to its lasting quality and high-end appeal. A carved side table, too, caught Williams’ gaze, as she noted its heavy weight and intricate design.

STAY AWAY FROM…

As for what to avoid, the designers shared a few sentiments.

Any artwork from a chain store will downgrade your walls. Pointing at a Threshold x Studio McGee framed impressionistic painting, Williams said upon inspection, its low-quality comes to light. Instead, opt for an antique painting from a thrift store that will make your space feel more authentic and singular.

And while some rooms in a home crave greenery but don’t have the natural light to keep it alive, Target’s faux plants aren’t the answer. Ghani noted that the store’s silk flowers look “fake and cheap,” while Williams didn’t even give the aisle a second look, saying the “plastic” appearance is an immediate no.

You’ll need to drop a bit more cash on your faux flora if you want it to work. For example, while green thumb Vanessa Chaverri-Gratz has authentic indoor, in-ground garden beds within her dreamy Michigan sunroom, as she showcased in a Homeworthy house tour, she also praised her faux willow tree from Nearly Natural.