Jack's Love List #31: Style Steals

Back to all things high end look on a high street budget.

Jul 19, 2025

This week we’re throwing it back to one of my original favourite formats: Splurge or Save. Whether you're in full treat-yourself mode or riding the budget train post-renovation (we’ve all been there), the goal is the same—great design, whatever your price point. I've pulled together a round-up of stylish finds that prove you can get the look whether you're ready to invest in a forever piece or need a savvy swap that still brings all the vibes. Because good style doesn’t have to mean big spend—unless, of course, you want it to. Lets dive in.

Bobbins for Both Budgets:

Kicking off this week with a classic with a twist—the bobbin-style wall light. If you’ve been following along for a while, you’ll know I have a soft spot for the bobbin technique, which—did you know?—actually dates back to the 17th century. So while it might be having a moment right now, it’s definitely not just a passing fad.

The splurge option is the Bibury Wooden Wall Light from Tiffany Lighting Direct—an elegant piece with a vintage white shade and beautiful wood detailing. It’s got a soft, heritage feel that would sit perfectly in a cosy reading nook, guest room, or layered alongside panelling. It definitely feels classic and considered.

Now, onto the save. The Bobby Plug-In Wall Light from Dunelm is a bit of a star in my eyes—not just because it nails the bobbin form, but because it’s plug-in, which makes it renter-friendly or great for anyone avoiding the chaos (and cost) of hiring an electrician to add wall lights to a new space. That said, I’ve taken things one step further in my own home and removed the cable entirely, using rechargeable bulbs instead. I did this in my shower room, and it’s been a total game changer—less mess, more flexibility, and still all the style (I even painted them pink).

Both lights come with a neutral pleated shade too. The winner for me is Dunelm, I actually prefer the shape and proportions of their version. It feels a little more sculptural and modern twist, and at a nearly half of the price, it’s a brilliant example of how you can get the look without the bigger spend.

Loving Lattice for Less:

This one came straight from my own garden makeover search—and my budgeting reality post-bathroom-renovation life. I’ve always loved the look of classic lattice weave rattan—it’s timeless, elegant, and works just as well in a country garden as it does in a city courtyard or tucked-away townhouse terrace. There’s something about the shape and texture that just feels quietly luxurious, without being too try-hard.

Let’s start with the splurge: the Harrington 6-Seater Garden Set from Neptune. It’s beautiful. The craftsmanship, the soft grey tones, the curved edges, and squared structured backs—it’s every bit the dream. This is the kind of set you can imagine lasting for decades and being the setting for many long lunches in the sun. But, after a few months of major renovation work and a courtyard extension, I knew I needed something that didn’t come with such a heavy price tag.

Enter the Willowbrook Set from DAALS—a serious save option that honestly impressed me beyond expectation. I was lucky to grab it before it temporarily went out of stock, but it’s coming back soon (so hit that “notify me” button if you’re interested—I’ve been told it’s not far off). The style is so similar to the Neptune one: same timeless style, that lovely lattice texture, but a slightly softer neutral palette that works with pretty much anything. Delivery was quick, customer service was great, and I couldn’t be happier with how it looks in the space.

Also worth a mention is the Serena set from GardenStoresDirect on eBay—an amazing price for this style, and it even includes a parasol, which is rare at this level. I love the oval table shape, which is brilliant for styling and seating flexibility. Sadly, it was just a bit too big for my space, otherwise I’d have snapped it up in a heartbeat. If you’ve got the room, it’s a total bargain and looks far more expensive than it is.

Stripes to Splurge or Save on:

We all know by now that I love a stripe. There’s something about them that adds instant fun and a little bit of frivolity to a space, especially this red and white candy stripe. Stripes an easy win when it comes to introducing print—especially if you’re not quite ready to commit to wallpaper or a bold sofa.

This splurge is the absolutely gorgeous Raie Table Lamp from Heal’s. It’s sculptural, bold, and such a statement piece. I love the contrast of vertical and horizontal stripes—it gives the piece real movement and visual interest. But at £149, it’s definitely a treat-yourself moment as I like my lamps in pairs.

The Lucia Lamp from DUSK is a brilliant save option—and honestly, it’s so close in style to the Heal’s version. It’s even the same height, just 4.5cm slimmer (which I think we can all agree is very forgivable). It has that same graphic red and white punch, and at over £100 less, it’s a fantastic way to get the look without the spend.

Dunelm’s Suzie Lamp offers a slightly softer take on the trend. The shape is more conical, with a consistent vertical stripe rather than the mix of directions, which gives it a lovely sense of calm. It’s made from woven paper string, which adds an organic, natural texture—perfect if you’re leaning into a more relaxed, earthy palette but still want that bit of pattern.

Stool or Side Table Saving:

We’re sticking with stripes (naturally) and leaning into one of my all-time favourite colours—green. Ceramic stools and side tables are such versatile pieces—they can be styled indoors or out, used as a plant stand, side table, or even a spot to pop your cuppa (Yorkshire Tea of course). And when they come in a beautiful stripe? Even better.

The splurge this time is the Rander Ceramic Stool from OKA. It’s a true design moment—clean, crisp spruce green and white stripes, with that glossy glazed finish that just feels luxe. It’s sculptural and stylish in a way that would elevate any corner, and would look especially chic in a garden room, bathroom or even as a statement piece in a hallway. I particularly love how they stripes are carried on to the top of the stool/ table to create rings.

But if your budget doesn’t quite stretch to OKA right now, Dunelm have swooped in with a brilliant save option. The Beatrice Striped Ceramic Side Table comes in a similarly gorgeous green and white colourway, with a slightly more playful vibe thanks to the slightly more tapered silhouette, and brighter jade green colour. It still gives that same fresh, eye-catching look, but at a far friendlier price point—and it’s just as versatile. Garden? Living room? Bathroom? Beatrice works everywhere.

Ribbed for the Right Prices:

Links:

Splurge - John Lewis Boston Ribbed Glass Bathroom Wall £130.00 - Click Here

Save - Dunelm Ripon Bathroom Wall Light £38.00 - Click Here

Ahh is Artichoke:

The artichoke has long been a muse in the design world. From grand architectural detailing to statement lighting (who could forget Poul Henningsen’s iconic Artichoke Lamp from the 1950s?), it’s a motif that never really goes out of style. Today, though, we’re not lighting the room—we’re styling the table or kitchen island.

The splurge is the Marielle Pot by Olsson & Jensen, available via The Hambledon. It’s a beautifully made, sculptural piece—perfect as a centrepiece or even a fruit bowl. That said, the ceramicist in me can’t help but notice the visible bowl structure underneath the detailing. It looks to have been made using a hand-building technique, with each artichoke ‘leaf’ applied onto a thrown or cast base—hence the inner lip you see inside. It’s a beautifully tactile piece, but the construction detail is very much there if you look closely, which for me kind of ruins it.

Now, the save option— Stacey Solomon for George at Asda—is, in my opinion, the real winner this time. At just £14.00, it’s a total hero piece, not just for the price but for the composition. The proportions feel softer and more resolved, and the cast resin material gives you that textural depth in the leaves, but with a smooth inner bowl—no lip, no groove. It’s more fluid, more seamless, and honestly just sits better as an object. It may not have the same height or presence as the Olsson & Jensen version, but for this style, I think its subtler form works in its favour.

Bench for Both Budgets:

Last but not least, let’s talk about a true multi-tasker: the upholstered bench. Perfect for the hallway, the end of a bed, or tucked under a window, it’s one of those pieces that quietly adds style and function to a space.

The splurge is this stunning linen and ash bench from Graham & Green. I’m completely in love with the sculptural legs (yes, they’re bobbin—what can I say, I have a type), and the cane rattan shelf underneath adds both texture and practicality. It looks like the cushion may be removable, which is always a win when it comes to keeping things clean and fresh. It’s the kind of piece that brings both elegance and craftsmanship into a room a quiet unsung hero to a space.

The save option from HOMCOM on Amazon is a total gem. It’s a clean, neutral piece with a soft upholstered top and sturdy wooden legs—no bells and whistles, but incredibly versatile and well-priced, while still keeping a timeless style that looks more expensive that it is. If you’re after a chic and simple bench that ticks the box for both style and practicality, this one’s a brilliant option that won’t stretch the budget.

Links:

Splurge - Graham & Green Bobbin Linen and Ash Bench £695.00 - Click Here
Save - HomCom 2 tier Bench £99.99 - Click Here

And there we have it—this week’s Love List wrapped up in a very stylish, very budget-flexible bow. Whether you’re in a "go on, treat yourself" mood or firmly in the post-renovation "absolutely not" camp, I hope you’ve found something to love—be it bobbin legs, bold stripes, or a cheeky artichoke bowl.

I’d love to know your favourite pick this week—drop me a comment and let me know which one you’re splurging on (or saving with). And if you’re ever hunting for a dupe or trying to track down a look-for-less version of something specific, I’m always happy to help—think of me as your personal interiors detective with a shopping obsession.

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Jack's Love List #31: Style Steals

Back to all things high end look on a high street budget.

Bobbins for Both Budgets:

Links:

Loving Lattice for Less:

Links:

Stripes to Splurge or Save on:

Links:

Stool or Side Table Saving:

Links:

Ribbed for the Right Prices:

Links:

Links:

Bench for Both Budgets:

Links:

P.s. Please note that this love list does contain some affiliate links, this helps to keep my content free for you all to enjoy.

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