Hey there, craft buddy! Over the years, I’ve completely fallen in love with DIYing my home decor instead of splurging on pricey designer pieces. I still have champagne taste, but now I mix it with a DIY budget. If that sounds like you, too, you’re in the right place! I’ve got a fresh batch of high-end home decor dupes to inspire your next craft session.
If you’re like me, you’re always looking for ways to refresh your home for the season—without draining your wallet. This summer, I took on a fun challenge: create high-end-looking home decor inspired by places like Pottery Barn, Target, and Studio McGee using affordable materials and DIY creativity.
The goal? Stylish, seasonal decor that looks expensive—but definitely isn’t. Whether you’re decorating for a patriotic porch moment, adding some charm to your front door, or styling your shelves for summer, this roundup has something you’ll love.
Whether you’re decorating for summer, Memorial Day, or just want to cozy up a corner, these easy and affordable ideas will help you get the luxe look for way less.
The Secret to High-End Looks on a Budget
So, how do we get that “I spent $$$ at Pottery Barn” look without actually doing it?
✅ Thrifted finds — benches, baskets, and vases that just need a little love
✅ Dollar Tree and Walmart hacks — you’d never guess they started that way
✅ Smart styling tricks — like using floral foam, layering textures, or elevating basic items with paint, stain, or trim
✅ Mixing old and new — reusing past DIYs and shopping your stash to cut costs and waste
It’s all about being resourceful and creative—not perfect.
Summer Decor with a Purpose
One of my favorite projects this time was a DIY noodle bench using pool noodles (yes, really!) and a $10 thrifted table. It’s such a fun conversation piece and adds function and style to your space. Another standout? A front door basket inspired by high-end florals I saw online—only this one didn’t cost $150+ to recreate.
And let’s not forget flower arranging. I teamed up with Craftsy again for this video to try out one of their floral design classes—and I loved the tips I picked up. If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to make faux or real flowers look good, you’ll definitely want to check them out.
🎥 Try a FREE class with Craftsy here: https://go.craftsy.com/whiskeyandwhit5/
You Don’t Have to Spend Big to Style Big
These projects are proof that you don’t need a designer budget to get a designer look. With a few supplies, some inspiration, and your own two hands, you can transform your home into something beautiful, cozy, and uniquely you.
If you missed the full video, check it out below and let me know which project was your favorite—or what you’d like to see next. And don’t forget to pin this post for later!
Happy crafting,
💛 Whitney
