The Trend of the Dupe: Splurge vs. Steal

Showing expensive taste at a reasonable cost is something that we’ve seen in design and decor for a while. However, reasonable cost is something that has been heavily pushed over the last few years due to the pandemic. People have been stuck at home, realizing their homes are needing a refresh. With many people not having funds at their disposal, how can they refresh a space but at a budget?

Whether it’s fashion or home style, someone can see something they like and do what they can to replicate that item. There’s an entire niche in social media on how to replicate high-end design and decor at a fraction of the cost (with a little bit of grit and elbow grease!). Over $1,000 for a gorgeous mirror from a name-brand? Nope, more like a few hundred for some plywood, stain, and smaller mirrors. Plus the sweat equity put into the piece.

Today, we see name brands offering popular and desirable items for pleasure and style. Homeowners are seeing these pieces and saying “wow!” People are wanting these high-end furniture pieces, but just don’t have the ability to cover the cost. That is where the “dupe” comes in. The term “dupe” means to deceive or to trick. The intent of the dupe is, when viewing the design or decor, one will think the piece is more expensive than it truly is. 

Stay Stylish in the Conversation

The first place for a refresh tends to be the homeowner’s most popular area. The focus usually falls on the place where you entertain the most. For many people, this is the living or family room! It’s all about the common area. Stay focused on the Conversation Set Up! Setting a space for conversation can quickly take a room from being there to being a statement. And it’s always a bonus when style makes the area stand out!

If you’re looking to “wow!” anyone and everyone, look no further than the Chesterfield Roll Arm Upholstered Chair. Offering comfort and style, this piece will be the conversation piece of any conversation area! Wayfair offers a Chesterfield Chair that is comparable to the Chesterfield Upholstered Chair at OfficeSource. Provide style and comfort to any visitor with a piece that will match your home or office’s decor.

Close, But Not Quite

While the goal is to find a comparable piece to complete your refresh, sometimes you can’t always find an exact match. That’s ok! Style and design will still be there. It’s not quite comparing apples to oranges, but you can definitely notice the differences. For example, take the Epitome Collection Conference Table by OfficeSource. This gorgeous piece can be compared to a similar table from Perigold - the BOHME 1812 Dining Table. Both pieces provide that “wow”-factor for refreshing any dining or conference space. However, there are a few differences between the pieces. The most notable being that one is rectangular and one is square. Perigold’s table is one tone of wood, vs the piece by OfficeSource which uses the two-tone effect. While both pieces are different, they are similar enough in the look they are trying to portray to compliment any rustic decor. 

There's Design in the Details

As gorgeous as a statement piece can be, sometimes you find beauty in the supportive pieces. Or are you finding yourself with a simple couch or chair, but still wanting to zhuzh up the area? Think of something like an ottoman. Portable, yet stylish. Stay simple or really play up the design of the space. An ottoman is a very quick and simple refresh that a space may need. Take the Cube Seat from the Shapes Collection at OfficeSource. Gorgeous, portable, simple. This piece can still make a statement! Compare the Cube Seat to the Tapered Pouf at Williams Sonoma. Both are footstool height, provide style, provide comfort - and provide additional seating while saving space!

Be sure to check out these other great options from the Shapes Collection!

Quad Seat | List Price: $633.00

Cylinder Seat | List Price: $339.00

Contact us if you’d like to learn more about our Conversation Area Furniture and Accessories. Interested in another space? Reach out to us on any other needs you may have that COE Distributing can help with. As more offices are transitioning to a hybrid setting, now is the time to focus on the Conversation Space!

“One good conversation can shift the direction of change forever.”

- Linda Lam