I Gave a Designer $100 to Spend at Anthropologie — Here’s What She Bought

Danielle BlundellExecutive Director of Home
Danielle BlundellExecutive Director of Home
As Apartment Therapy's Executive Home Director, I head up our decorating, trends, and designer coverage. I studied Media Studies at UVa and Journalism at Columbia and have worked in media for more than a decade. I love homes, heels, the history of art, and hockey — but not necessarily in that order.
published Sep 22, 2024
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Orlando, Florida, USA - January 28, 2022: An Anthropologie store in Orlando, Florida, USA. Anthropologie is an American clothing retailer.
See More Images
Credit: JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock

Known for its super-creative merchandise displays and highly curated, unique clothing and home decor, Anthropologie is one of those places I can’t help but get inspired in — right when I step foot through the door. And you know what? Many interior designers feel exactly the same way. That’s why this retailer constantly comes up as a shopping source in their personal homes and pro projects — not only for anchor pieces like sofas and dining tables, but also for smaller items like hardware and vases. 

Although the brand’s brick-and-mortar locations offer tons of visual inspiration and home design finds you can bring home right away, Anthro Living’s online offerings are maybe even more impressive, thanks to the expanded selection of furniture, textiles, lighting, and decorative accessories available. With so many items to choose from, I wanted to call in a pro for advice on how to stretch a tight budget there. That’s why I tapped Catherine Hooper, owner and lead designer of iSPY Home Design, to zero in on a bevy of fab finds for $100.

Here’s what she’d buy to make the most of her money (technically she went over by $3, but managed to get seven things total!). These fab finds might be just what your home needs, too. 

tan sofa on pink chair

Create your very own home design mood board with our new tool!

Colorful Glass Bud Vase
$13

“These are the cutest little vases that I could easily see holding herbs in a kitchen or some lavender in a bathroom,” says Hooper. “Delicate, colorful, and oh so pretty! You can never have enough vases, in my opinion.”

$13 at Anthropologie
Dried Yellow Eucalyptus Populus Bunch
$20

“Many of my clients tell me they’re afraid of killing houseplants or aren't disciplined enough to keep fresh flowers all the time,” says Hooper. “Totally understandable — and there’s a solution! Fake plants and flowers are having a real moment, mostly because the industry has so vastly improved the look and quality of them. Most of the time you can’t even tell they’re not real! I particularly like the look of understated, minimalist arrangements like this eucalyptus that’s so cheery and welcoming.”

$20 at Anthropologie
Bo Wine Glasses, Set of 4
$48

“I am absolutely in love with these glasses,” says Hooper. “They have a vintage Art Deco vibe but without the price point! So versatile, too — I could see a summer iced tea or mojito being served in these, and the variety of colors brings a nice splash of drama to your dinner table.”

$48 at Anthropologie
Chambliss Hook Rack
$22

“No more over-the-door hook racks!” says Hooper. “They can make doors harder to close and look really ugly. Instead, opt for a screw-in hook on the back of bedroom and bathroom doors for easy extra storage without the eyesore.”

$22 at Anthropologie
Filed in:
Decorating
shopping
decor & accessories
styles & trends

More to Love from Apartment Therapy