Want proof that a little price tag can still pack a big punch? Quality doesn’t always mean big names – whether its towels, tiles, sheets or ceramics, here are the chainstores we’re hitting for budget-friendly this season.
SPOTLIGHT
Quick, head straight to your local Spotlight chain, and seek out its heavy white and off-white linen, cotton-linen, lightweight voile and muslin to use for curtains. You’ll be amazed at how good it can look. Check out its big range of plain-colored cottons and linens that you can use it to create your own tablecloths, napkins and table runners, from its big range of cottons and linens in endless colours and weaves that look more expensive than they are. New designs are added constantly. 1300 305 405, www.spotlight.com.au
KMART
Want to make every dollar work? Whizz over to Kmart’s latest online catalogue, which is a must-visit for contemporary everyday basics that look like designer originals for a fraction of the price. There’s everything from grey felt storage boxes with lids, $6, reindeer faux fur throws, $25, Delphi jersey denim quilt cover sets, $29, white fringe cushions with a handcrafted artisanal vibe, $8, cotton quilts queen size, $25, fabulous plates, and so much more. www.kmart.com.au
IKEA
Happy hunting ground for affordable tea towels, practical elegant drinking glasses that cost a few dollars, sets of low maintenance dinner plates that will make food look delicious, cutlery that is a pleasure to hold, and wonderful quilt covers that you would never be able to tell was from a chainstore. Our house is full of dead plain Ikea bedding, glasses and white ceramic ware. www.ikea.com.au
AMBER TILES
Want great tiles for your kitchen or patio? Hardly a secret, but Amber Tiles is an essential stop for renovators who are short on time, and cash. They have a big selection of stones in a natural palette that come in fantastic honed finishes that you can use to great effect. Plus good porcelain tiles that are bargain dead ringers for cross-cut travertine. Affordable, but don’t look it. Stores statewide. Inquiries 1300 362 241, www.ambertiles.com.au
