I Gave a Designer $50 to Shop for Home Decor at Michaels — Here’s What She Bought

Nina Derwin
Nina Derwin
Nina Derwin is a Brooklyn-based writer with a passion for the art of storytelling. In addition to writing articles for various clients and publications, Nina has written several episodes of scripted television for networks including Starz and Fox.
published Sep 26, 2025
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Fort Myers, FL, / USA 3/11/20 : Michaels' store entrance to one of their locations in Cape Coral Florida; Michaels is a retail chain of stores specializing in arts and crafts
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Credit: Sadie Mantell/Shutterstock

My earliest memories of shopping at Michaels date back to elementary school, when I would peruse aisle after aisle in search of craft supplies for school projects and playtime alike. However I recently returned to Michaels as a fully fledged home-owning adult, and I realized the store actually has so much more than craft supplies. 

I was stunned to discover that Michaels is a treasure trove of affordable home decor pieces for every room (no assembly or crafting required!). With the sheer volume of options, I didn’t even know where to begin. So I turned to an expert. Brittny Button, an interior designer and founder of Button Atelier, made me a shopping list to take me step by step through how she would navigate the aisles of Michaels — and on a $50 budget! Check out what’s in her cart below. 

tan sofa on pink chair

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10-Inch Amber Ribbed Glass Vase by Ashland
$20$10

This versatile and elegant ribbed vase could also double as a candleholder. “I’d style it in the middle of our dining table, as the central focal point, with a pillar candle inside,” says Button. “I think the LED battery-operated pillar candles are best to make it look elevated and luxurious.”

$10 at Michaels
Natural Brown Gathering Basket by Ashland
$33$16

A woven basket is a great way to add texture and warmth to your space while also creating storage. “This is a must to capture clutter!” says Button. “I’d place these throughout the living room, family room, and kitchen as a catchall for toys, books, and magazines to keep the mess collected and out of sight. Plus, they give off a vintage vibe, which plays well in any interior!”

$16 at Michaels
Landscape Scenery Wall Décor by Ashland
$17$8

You don’t have to spend a fortune to decorate your walls with cozy, soothing artwork. And you don’t have to paint it yourself, either. Steer towards the home decor aisle instead and pick up this piece for just about $10. “How charming is this? Such a sweet and calming scene; it could be placed in a powder room, or styled on a bookshelf or mantel,” explains Button.

$8 at Michaels
Burgundy & Cream Floral Cracked Ceramic Planter by Ashland
$17$8

Little details often make the biggest impact, and this tiny ceramic planter is no exception. “This screams antique, and I’m obsessed with it! I’d place a couple of African Violet plants in this planter to complete the beauty,” says Button. “When placed in a kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom with indirect light it would just make me smile! Such a lovely hostess gift as well.”

$8 at Michaels
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