10 Costco Steals Interior Designers ALWAYS Buy at the Superstore
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It's their favorite source for everything from mattresses to mirrors.
Oh, Costco! You are beloved for your gigantic chunks of gouda, supersized lawn chairs, and all those samples. And while interior designers are happy to stock up on wine in bulk (Houston-based Courtnay Tartt Elias of Creative Tonic Design loves the Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio, which is a Costco fan favorite), they also scour the warehouse aisles for home accessories.
Their overall advice: as you peruse the perimeter for lunch snacks and party platters, don’t ignore the middle of the store. It's often filled with deeply discounted housewares and appliances; they've spotted seen Solo Stoves, Kohler faucets, and Dyson air purifiers. And while designers agree that Costco's linen selection can't rival that of Target (it's hard to compete with Jungalow or Magnolia), the wholesaler offers plush towels and quality bedding you won't want to share with guests.
On top of that, much like HomeGoods, Costco has an array of seasonal offerings, such as outdoor furnishings, at a fraction of the price. Just you wait until they start stocking up for the holidays–decorations galore! Year-round, designers return to the store to pick up specific staples they love. To follow their lead, empty out your trunk and head on over for these nine designer-approved Costco finds.
Outfitting a guest bedroom? Head on over to Costco for mattresses and pillows. "We've had great feedback from guests after they stay over," says Elias. "Costco has a lovely return policy on mattresses, if one doesn't happen to work out."
New York interior designer Alvin Wayne discovered this budget-friendly outdoor furniture at Costco. "Compared to other retailers, this four-piece seating area gets you more bang for your buck," he says. "This set is powder-coated aluminum, which means it would stand up against all of the elements. Another plus? It has Sunbrella material which is a big win-win. Most higher-end retailers don’t even carry Sunbrella material on their outdoor furniture, which could mean if you don’t cover them, you’d be replacing the set within the next year, or so!"
"Kirkland Signature 680 thread count sheets that are about $80 for a queen set are comparable to a $300 set at Macys,” says Jessica Dorling, principal at Dorling Design Studio in Seattle. "They're very classic hotel sheets and the more you wash them, the softer they get."
Ashleigh Clark, an interior designer in Strongsville, Ohio, often sources the Trento bowl planters for her projects. "These are large enough to place on the kitchen island or dining table, and we often fill them with succulents or grasses," she says. "The size of the planters has a major impact on the space with little investment."
Doring is also a fan of Costco's Turkish towels. "They are super absorbent and high-end looking," she says. The entire six-piece set of bath, hand towels, and washcloths is just $50. Plus it is Oeko-Tex certified for those with sustainability in mind.
To add enchantment to an outdoor area, Sarah Storms, principal designer of Styled by Storms in Maplewood, New Jersey, looks for string lights. "These are commercial grade, which means the bulbs aren’t going to break nearly as easily," she says.
For classic outdoor seating, you can go to Design Within Reach, or you can get lucky at Costco. Tiffani Baumgart, principal designer at Tiffany Baumgart Interiors in San Diego recommends this Adirondack chair with a contemporary twist on the traditional style. "It is made out of recycled plastic lumber, which makes it look like real wood but much more weather-resistant," she says, "Easy, low maintenance and comfy."
Costco is much more than a hub for the utilitarian. New York-based design expert Mikel Welch goes there for the Kai mirror, which has rattan framing. "It's perfect for an entryway or placed over a bathroom sink," he says.
Welch also loves Nautica's Windsor Indoor/Outdoor rug. He raves, "it's durable and easy to clean—perfect for high traffic areas. With UV resistant and color fading properties, it can be used indoors or outdoors without having to be replaced any time soon. The rug is also mold and mildew resistant, making it a great option for more humid climates."
"If I can manage to get to Costco on a day when they've had a plant delivery, I will clean them out," says Louisville, Kentucky, interior designer Bethany Adams. "They have the best prices on large size indoor plants of anywhere, but they go fast, so don't go home and think about it–just buy." Adams has scored Fiddle Leaf Figs for $30, noting that they might cost up to $150 at a nursery.
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