Guest Picks: Looking Rich on a Budget
This is a product roundup of some classic things often seen in my mind's eye of rich people's homes. Of course, these items come at real prices that you and I might be able to afford. I have chosen things that you might be able to use together.
— Valorie from The Visual Vamp
I have been in so many fancy houses where rare, ginormous tortoise shells hang on the wall. This fun one is made of papier-mache, and we can all afford it!
A Chinese screen in a rich person's house is like you and me having a storage ottoman. Seriously. This site has so many well-priced screens to choose from, and I think this one looks pretty and fancy.
You need a Warhol portrait, duh. Everybody rich seems to have at least one, or even a matched set. And who is better than Jackie O to hang on your wall for some instant glam and élan? This is a big piece of art for a little bit of cash.
Have you ever seen hand-painted wallpaper in a rich person's dining room? Well let me tell you that it is just gorgeous. This peel-and-stick mural would look fantastic in any room, and it would truly look rich. Truly.
A huge silver bowl is standard issue for the wealthy. They call it a wine cooler, or maybe a punch bowl. You can also plop orchid plants in them on the entry hall table. This one is so good looking, and it's way less money than a rich person's everyday cereal bowl.
Fancy china is a must. I love this pattern (and it also comes in coral). It reminds me of Versace or Hermes.
What is this? Well it's not a hat. It's a tailored table skirt. Rich folks love to have custom-made tablecloths, and this one could look very custom because of the tailored look. Add a square topper of your favorite fabric.
The rich have inherited antiques. This gorgeous mirror looks antique and is truly impressive. You can put it on your wall.
Drinks tables — you need lots of drinks tables. This little French number is adorable, and it comes at the best price out there.
The rich love to travel. Instead of buying souvenir T-shirts, they buy furniture and art that they can show off in their houses. They really love Chinese stuff, and this little Chinese table is so cute. It also comes in many other colors.
Oushak not Love Shack. Wealthy folks love Oriental rugs, and the modern Oushak is trending now. It's modern because there is no center medallion and it's in a pale colorway. This one may not be the most expensive, but it will do nicely.
Silk drapes are a must. These faux silk drapes come at the best price ever. They are so nice because they are not pole tops but pinch pleated — rich folks don't do pole tops. These come in several colors and extra long lengths, too.
Midcentury pieces with a pedigree seem to be affordable only if you are rich. This wall lamp looks like a fancy midcentury piece. Just don't say anything when you get jealous looks.
This is a true story. I was in a rich person's house and saw a killer industrial lamp on a French chest in the entry hall. I asked the interior designer about it. "Only $1,200," he gushed. I think this looks almost the same as that one.
Custom furniture looks rich. The tufted back and unique arms on this chair make it look like it could be custom.
Rich girls here in the South love deep-ruffled bedspreads. The best price I have found up until now hovers around $300. This one is a bargain, starting at $69.99.
This antique-style glassware looks rich. It's from the pricey Horchow catalog but, surprisingly, it is affordable. You get 12 glasses for the price.
I love this classic settee, which is described as a dining table bench. Classic equals rich. I would use it anywhere. I've seen it in person, and it is comfy and looks nicer than it does in the photo. Plus, sometimes it goes on sale.
Custom lamp shades can cost a fortune. These look custom and are so well priced. World Market has a wonderful selection of lamps and lamp shades. I love the color on the one shown, and the double ribbon trim is so rich!
Blue and white Chinese pottery is something rich people collect and love. This little collection is so good looking and so affordable. Get a couple of sets to display, because regular working-class folks who love to decorate love blue and white pottery, too.
Every photo you see of a rich person's home seems to have a Hermes throw casually flung about. One of those costs over one thousand dollars. This great-quality throw from DwellStudio is so beautiful, and if you fold it just so and squint, you see an "H."
The rich love monograms, and so does everybody else.Hotel-style sheet sets with monograms can cost more than the bed you own, but this bedding is a pretty good deal. I love the simplicity and the nice big monogram.Next: So Your Style Is: Traditional
This is a classic old book that you can still get. Even though it's not trendy, there are still many good ideas to be had.
Q