High or Low

High/low: Flirty and functional workstation

High/low: Flirty and functional workstation

Image: Michael Nangreaves / Produced: Andrea McCrindle

High or Low

High/low: Flirty and functional workstation

Both rooms are high class, but which one has a low budget?

This dreamy workstation is just as fashionable as it is functional – and we’ve tailored it to opposing budgets. Can you tell the difference?

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HIGH: $19,568

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1 Artwork, PI Fine Art, $3,000; 2 Pendant light, Universal Lamp, $1,670; 3 Drapery panel, Tonic Living, $197; 4 Armchair, Elte, $2,846; 5 Rug, Mellah, $1,865; 6 Stool, South Hill Home, $2,395; 7 Desk, Art Shoppe, $4,998; 8 Box, South Hill Home, $1,075; 9 Box, South Hill Home, $770; 10 Tray, Pilar Letter, CB2, $60, $28; 11 Decanter, Art Shoppe, $599; 12 Bowl, Pimlico Design Gallery, $65.



LOW: $3,046

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1 Print, PI Fine Art, $365; 2 Pendant light, Universal Lamp, $440; 3 Drapery panel, Tonic Living, $150; 4 Armchair, HomeSense, $929; 5 Rug, HomeSense, $500; 6 Stool, Urban Barn, $429; 7 Desk, IKEA, $169, Pulls, Richelieu Hardware, $46 each, Spray paint, Lowe's, $10 each; 8 Box, HomeSense, $40; 9 Box, HomeSense, $17; 10 Tray, Indigo, $56; 11 Vase, IKEA, $15; 12 Bowl, HomeSense, $4.
 

No matter your budget, there are a few design tips that will help you create an on-trend room like either of these. 

Don't underestimate the power of a glitzy light fixture. If light fixtures are the jewellery of a room, these mid-century-style beauties are head-turning statement necklaces. Though both pendants are equally radiant, with acrylic arms and gold features, the High option boasts eight lights and solid brass pieces, while the Low flaunts five bulbs and electroplated steel details. Consider us bedazzled.

Embrace IKEA hacks. Give IKEA’s classic Alex desk a low-cost makeover by adding stylish hardware to its drawers and spray-painting the legs gold. Whether you’re a DIY newbie or an accomplished crafter, this simple project is sure to suit you. The end result speaks for itself.

Fill your desk with essentials. It’s easy to be productive when your work area is stocked with organizing essentials as pretty as those featured in our High and Low vignettes. Whether you splurge on a Nero marble box with brass trim or save by opting for a painted pink and gold glass bowl, enviable style doesn’t rely on the price tag.

Lend your room a Victorian touch. Introduced in the mid-18th century, ornate ceiling medallions were a favoured flourish at a time when Neoclassical architecture was all the rage. Often crafted from plaster or papier mâché and used to lend architectural interest to a room, the intricate adornments became more prevalent during the Victorian era, when status reigned supreme. While highly regarded for aesthetic reasons alone, ceiling medallions also hold a more practical purpose: to conceal a light fixture’s unsightly hooks and electrical wires. Replicate the storied style with an easy-to-install version like this gorgeous plastic model.

Opt for black and white artwork. Once reserved for the glossy pages of high-fashion magazines, black and white couture illustrations are now having a moment in the art world. Taking after models strutting down a runway, these four works will incite a roaring round of applause.

Choose a rug that boasts a subtle print. Sink your toes into an authentic Berber-style rug and you’ll understand what divine comfort feels like. We've rounded up six options that are not only soft underfoot, but their creamy tones and graphic diamond patterns make them stylish additions to traditional and modern spaces alike.

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High/low: Flirty and functional workstation

Berber-style rug

Hand-knotted wool Beni 1316, 6' x 10', Elte, $4,195.

Image by: Elte

High/low: Flirty and functional workstation

Berber-style rug

Beni M’rirt hand- knotted wool BMR001, 5' x 8', Mellah, $1,575.

Image by: Mellah

High/low: Flirty and functional workstation

Berber-style rug

Hand-knotted wool Mourad, 5' x 8', EQ3, $1,000.

Image by: EQ3

High/low: Flirty and functional workstation

Berber-style rug

4 Surya Sherpa handwoven wool SHP8001, 5' x 8', RugsUSA.com, $654.

Image by: RugsUSA.com

High/low: Flirty and functional workstation

Berber-style rug

The Emily & Merritt Traveler Rug, 5' x 10', PBteen, US$499.

Image by: PBteen

High/low: Flirty and functional workstation

Berber-style rug

Souk wool rug in Natural, 5' x 10', West Elm, US$399.

Image by: West Elm


 

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High or Low

High/low: Flirty and functional workstation