We all love shopping for our homes and making them beautiful. But, we don't always know who's who, what's what and where's the best of the best. BHI KNOWS! And we're not going to keep our secrets. As experts in the industry, we know all about the good, the bad and the in between, and we're here to tell you all about them.
When we are shopping, having an organized inventory to shop from is the easiest and best method. We like to know what department, what aisle, what link to click, to find what we’re looking for. And so, we’ll approach our review much the same. Organized and categorized. This can become your master list to reference for public retailers for whenever you’re ready to add to your home. However, keep in mind that there’s so many more suppliers and vendors that only sell to trade accounts, and only your local Interior Designer, like Bella Home Interiors, has access to them. So when you’re ready to take your home to the next level, make an appointment with BHI for your design consultation!
Category #1 - Best Quality
Ethan Allen - with more than nine decades of craftsmanship, Ethan Allen has maintained their dedication to quality while continuously evolving and introducing new designs, materials and sustainable practices. With over 300 locations worldwide, the company remains true to their American style and commitment to American workers.
Crate and Barrel - an industry-leading home furnishings specialty retailer, known for its exclusive designs, excellent value and superb customer service. Their unique pieces are sourced from international artisan shops. From the first day that Crate and Barrel opened its doors in that small abandoned elevator factory, it's been true to its original mission. It's a simple goal and that is to sell high quality and authentic European housewares at reasonable prices. They import items that are unique and not readily available at other vendors in the United States.
Pottery Barn - "I ask my designers, 'Will you take it home or give it as a present to your best friend?'" CeliaTejada, Pottery Barn's senior vice president for design and product development, told Fast Company. "If they hesitate, I say, 'Throw it in the garbage. Don't even bother.' Emotionally, it has to feel right." That's why shoppers are only introduced to the softest, most timeless, and most aesthetically pleasing decor and home pieces on the market. If that doesn’t tell you exactly how and why BHI recommends them as one of the best in quality, then we don’t know how else to convince you. Pottery Barn had humble beginnings and doesn’t allow their success to get in the way of always putting their customers first.
Category #2 - Best Variety
Uttermost - good design means nothing without quality manufacturing. And Uttermost holds the top spot for not only providing quality but variety! More than just furniture, you can find art, mirrors, lighting, rugs, accessories, mirrors, wall decor and clocks. Elegant and modern design with a timeless twist makes this company the go to for everything.
Ikea - they have it all! And a seemingly endless supply of it, plus a never-ending store to wander in for hours. Ikea may not fall into the “top quality” ideal, but you can build, furnish, accessorize, decorate, light, and finish any type of room or area you need to and in a million different ways. Their designs are versatile and seldom go out of style. It doesn’t matter if you need a whole new bedroom set or simply a new set of utensils and spice racks, you will always find exactly what you need and more in this iconic store
HomeGoods - you didn’t think we’d leave them out, did you? How could we not include one of the best known, most widely shopped household names for all your home’s needs? Variety is their middle name! There’s something for every area of your home inside and out PLUS any seasonal decor you might need. The best part of HomeGoods is that it’s ever changing, their products and styles are always updating. Give yourself plenty of time to browse here, because there’s more than enough to choose from!
Category #3 - Best Cost Effective Options
Target - you’re not looking for the cheapest option, but you’re also not looking for the most expensive option. Oh, and you want some quality, right? That’s exactly why Target’s home section has made the list. This middle ground doesn't disappoint. The core four Target brands within the home section—Threshold, Opalhouse, Hearth & Hand, and Project 62—all bring something different to the table. And the prices won’t break the bank, but the lifespan and look are sure to please.
At Home - found in 40 states across the U.S., At Home has been a quick up and comer in the home goods game. With diverse collections and seasonal decor, they run a close match with HomeGoods, BUT they offer their Unbeatable Price Promise. They regularly compare their products’ prices to products at other retailers. They’re so confident that they have unbeatable prices, that if you find what you purchased for a lower price, just bring it back and they’ll refund you for your purchase. Additionally, they often run great sales. Everyone loves when their home looks great, and shopping At Home they’ll know they got it at the best price!
West Elm - with 95% of their products designed in-house and ethical production practices, West Elm is an industry leader in design and cost. While they teeter on the higher end of cost effectiveness, it’s important to know where your money is going (besides inside your home) when you purchase from West Elm. Here’s a few facts about where your investment ends up. They champion the maker movement in your own backyard to help strengthen local economies and boost burgeoning artists and designers, especially in underrepresented areas ($13.2M invested in small American‑made businesses). They collaborate with artisan collectives around the world to help preserve their handcraft traditions and create opportunities for sustainable employment, especially in rural areas($200M invested in artisan communities and local craftspeople). And they were the first-ever home retailer to join Fair Trade USA, ensuring workers fair wages, healthy working conditions and community development ($7.2M paid in Fair Trade community development funds).
There you have it, The BHI Review! We love letting you in on our secrets, but we love designing your homes for you even more! Anyone can spend a day in Pottery Barn, HomeGoods or West Elm, but not everyone has trade access to some of the really incredible brands such as:
Alder and Tweed
Hekman
Paragon
AD Decor
Mercana
Eastern Accents
Anne Selke Rugs
Vahallen
Schonbeck Lighting
Bella Home Interiors specializes in all those brands and more and can bring them into your home. Our BHI Review master list will make your house a home, but Bella Home Interiors can elevate your home into an oasis! Visit our website to schedule your appointment!