| |
The Budget
Decorator
So, you've rented a studio and want to make the most
of the 400 square feet you now call home. You need lamps,
rugs, sheets, dishes, and bookcases. Here are ten places
to take your checklist when you want the best for a
lot less.
|
| |
|
| |
BY CARLA SPARTOS AND EMMA ROSENBLUM |
| |
|
 |
COVER
YOUR FLOORS AND WINDOWS WITH CHARACTER |
| |
 |
| |
Urban
Outfitters
Various locations; 800-282-2200; urbanoutfitters.com
The ubiquitous Urban Outfitters isn't
just for NYU students looking to get through college in
style. Sure, there's asymmetric '80s gear in various stages
of deconstructed ruche, not to mention beaded curtains
and other kitsch that should stay in the dorm room. But
there are plenty of affordable decorative items in the
"just funky enough" category, including airy, exotic tab
curtains and soft chenille rugs in an assortment of piles
and sizes.
We Found: Tab window panels in pink-willow patterns
or sparkly purple and sheer pink shades (one for $34;
two for $45); soft 5x7 chenille rugs in spring green and
chartreuse ($68; $49 sale); bright geometric-block 5x7
synthetic rug ($100). |
| |
|
| |
 |
| |
|
|
CELEBRATE
YOUR KITCHEN WITH COLORFUL DISHES |
| |
 |
| |
Pearl
River Mart
477 Broadway, between Grand and Broome Sts.;
212-431-4770; pearlriver.com
Let's face it: Bargain hunting can be
depressing. Not so at Pearl River Mart, where Chinese
pipa music, potted plants, and a wall of water provide
soothing counterpoints to the riot of colorful wares.
You'll find rows and rows of Japanese and Chinese ceramic
dishes in organic textures and shades; a swirled bowl
in aqua and teal evokes a roiling ocean tide. None of
it is dirt-cheap, but considering the craftsmanship, it's
still a deal. Bargain hunters should proceed to the lower
level, where tea sets and bowls, some starting below a
buck, are marked 20 percent off. Note: Not everything
is safe for the microwave and dishwasher so check labels
before buying.
We Found: Porcelain bowls, with a delicate apple
motif, perfect for cereal or lattes ($4.50 each, plus
20 percent off); carved wooden salad bowls ($12.50); smooth,
square plates in black or white ($6.95 each); elegantly
boxed colorful and crackled sushi sets including tea service
for two ($38.50).
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
BATHE IN A SEA
OF BARGAINS |
| |
 |
| |
National
Wholesale Liquidators
632 Broadway, between Houston and Bleecker
Sts; 212-979-2400; nationalwholesaleliquidators.com
Cleaner and better stocked than the Odd
Job at Union Square or Port Authority, National Wholesale
Liquidators has three floors full of discounted and discontinued
items, from Revlon makeup and Hanes underwear (top floor)
to DVD players and Chuck E. Cheese freeze pops (main floor)
to housewares for the kitchen and bath (bottom floor).
There, among aisles and aisles of vinyl-coated goods are
steals for the savvy shopper. After all, you're not in
the market for a designer plunger, right?
We Found: Whimsical aquatic-themed soap dispenser
($3.99); three-bin laundry organizer with machine-washable
mesh bags ($9.99); large dryer rack ($8.99); tropical-fish
shower curtain ($10.97); chrome over-the-door towel rack
($10.97); chrome tub-and-shower corner caddy, ($18.97);
sleek bathroom scale ($7.99); roller mop ($6.69); toilet
plunger ($2.97). |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
STOCK YOUR KITCHEN
LIKE A PROFESSIONAL |
| |
Bowery
Kitchen Supplies
Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Ave.; 212-376-4982;
bowerykitchens.com
In the bowels of the Chelsea Market,
hidden behind a Moroccan furniture dealer, you'll find
Bowery Kitchen Supplies, which features wire rack upon
wire rack of dusty kitchen goods, much of it professional
grade. It is lots of fun to browse (that $64.95 porcelain-enameled
cast-iron oven sure looks pretty�), but with items starting
in the penny range, impulse purchases don't have to hurt
your bottom line. Note: If you don't quickly spy whatever
it is you're looking for, ask. Otherwise you could be
here a while.
We Found: Flatware ($.25/piece); cocktail shaker
($4.50); large red-wine goblet ($3.95); demitasse cup
and saucer ($2); mortar and pestle ($6.50); salad spinner
($20); pro-grade wok ($42); bamboo wok brush ($4); manual
deli-meat slicer ($95); fish poacher ($30); plastic BBQ
sauce dispenser with basting brush ($1). |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
LINE YOUR BED AND
BATH WITH LUXURIOUS LINENS |
| |
Century
21
22 Cortlandt St., between Church St. and Broadway;
212-227-9092; c21stores.com
Much of the lower level of this designer
discount department store is dedicated to "Linens and
Domestics," so the odds of a fabulous find are high. There
are two sizable sections crammed with fluffy down comforters
in all manner of fills, soft sheets made from silk to
sateen, and enough embroidered duvets, shams, and neck
rolls to sleep like a sultan. Not to mention less glamorous
accoutrements like mattress pads and covers. An adjacent
area tackles towels and bath accessories, including armloads
of giant fluffy bath sheets to fit just about every color
scheme.
We Found: 200-thread-count Calvin Klein sheets
in neutral shades like plum and khaki ($6.97-$17.97);
500-thread-count sheet sets ($77.97-$99.97); Melange silk
coverlets in chocolate, copper, and cream ($119.97-$179.97);
Egyptian cotton bath sheets ($7.49); plus more from labels
like Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, Wamsutta, Charisma, and
Nautica. |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
More
Decorating Deals>> |
| |
|
|
|
| (Page 1of
2) |
| |
| |
 |
|
|
The Checklist |
|
|
 |
Cover
Floors and Windows |
|
|
Get Colorful Dishes |
|
|
Bathe In a Sea
of Bargains |
|
|
Stock Your Kitchen
Like a Pro |
|
|
Line Bed with Luxurious Linens |
|
|
Add a Futon to the Mix |
|
|
Let There Be (Colored) Light |
|
|
Take A Seat |
|
|
Fill with Furniture Basics |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
 |
|
Hot Home Sales
ABC
Carpet & Home
The winter clearance sale is not to be missed if you’re
in the market for top-quality linens, lamps, furniture,
and more. This time of year, you can usually find them
for up to 75 percent off. 888 Broadway, 212-473-3000,
January.
Broadway Panhandler
The lovably chaotic downtown pots-and-pans store takes
about half off when it puts some of its top-end lines
on sale. A lot of chefs shop here. You should, too. 477
Broome St. , 212-966-3434, February and April.
Triple Pier Antiques Show
There are deals and there’s some serious dealing
to contend with at this massive annual furniture market.
Bargain hard! March.
Property
The ultra-hip swear by the contemporary home furnishings.
The sale brings loads of glasses, plates, and trays for
that last minute barbeque. 14 Wooster St., 917-237-0123,
September and April.
Cassina
Reproductions of iconic styles from Le Corbusier and new
contemporary designs are up to 70 percent off. Those that
love Frank Lloyd Wright and Philippe Starck put this one
high on the priority list. 155 E. 56th St., 212-245-2121,
October.
Cellar at Macy's
The block-long department store sets the standard for
kitchen tools and gizmos, high-end and low. At the semi-annual
sales, prices are unbeatable (choppers, grinders, and
knife sharpeners go for as little as $19 each). The return
policy: whatever, whenever. And store-brand pots and pans
(called Tools of the Trade) are well made and almost always
on sale. 151 W. 34th St., 212-695-4400, November and
May.
|
|
| |
More
Furniture Deals
One
Day in DUMBO
Shopping under the bridge, plus picks for a cheap lunch
and drinks.
Redecorating
List
Stores that carry everything from classic pullout couches
and funky lampshades to colorful linens and vintage-looking
d�cor. |
|
