5 finds under $50

Cult Finnish design, a playful platter and affordable art picks.

Ready for another round of affordable inspiration? In this series, I’m rounding up five of my top new discoveries from across the globe – each for less than AU$50-ish (around £24). Consider it your weekly cheat sheet to stylish, budget-friendly living, courtesy of a former interiors editor with a nose for the good stuff.

(You might also like to read my round-up of the 25 clever Ikea finds that look more expensive than they are.)

Marimekko’s dinnerware

The Marimekko sale is the perfect time to pick up something special – like the Oiva / Puutarhakutsut dinnerware collection (pictured top). The beautifully illustrated plates, mugs, coffee cups and bowls are all reduced by 30 per cent.

Or if you prefer something more restrained, the Oiva Kukat Puhkeavat bowl and mug, both featuring Maija Louekari’s line-drawn florals, are also on sale (pictured above). These practical beauties are dishwasher, oven, microwave and freezer safe, so you can add a little Finnish style to your daily rituals without waiting for a special occasion.

See everything in Marimekko’s sale here.

Bonnie and Neil checkers green door mat

Give your entryway a playful touch with Bonnie and Neil’s ‘Checkers Green’ door mat. The Australian independent homewares brand is currently offering a selection of “almost perfect” seconds at a whopping 60 per cent off. Welcome guests (and muddy boots) in style without breaking the bank, but be quick: these cheerful finds are limited and won’t last long.

Vulture print by Blanca Gomez

This is affordable art for those who like their walls to tell a story. A Giclée print on fine art paper by Spanish artist Blanca Gomez, it showcases her signature playful, colourful and quietly whimsical style.

Meadow Grass tea towel by Angie Lewin

This tea towel by British artist Angie Lewin for St Jude’s is the sort of affordable art that’s almost too nice to use (but you absolutely should). Screen-printed in the UK on proper linen and generously sized, it brings a bit of wild meadow charm to even the most mundane kitchen jobs. I can vouch for the quality: my two Angie Lewin screen-printed cushions are 14 years old and still as gorgeous as the day I got them, so this tea towel is a very safe bet.

Habitat 60 Jackson stoneware platter

Serve up your next gathering with the Habitat 60 Jackson stoneware platter. Hand-decorated in Portugal, each one’s got its own wonky personality and none of that mass-produced sameness. Dishwasher and microwave friendly, it’s one of those bits that actually makes everyday meals feel a bit more of an event, without you having to try too hard.

*Please note that these are not commercial affiliate products and I don’t get paid in any way for this story.

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