unpopular opinion: the case against dupes
Hey there! Yes, it's me! I’ve been MIA for a bit, but for a good reason—I’ve been deep in my work, focusing on growing my business, helping more local clients, and honestly, loving every minute of it. It’s been a bit of a balancing act, and something had to give, so I hit pause on the blog and Instagram for a while. But, let me tell you, I’ve never felt better, mentally or physically.
The shift? I’m no longer stuck in the cycle of constant criticism—whether it's coming from others or self-inflicted. There’s something incredibly freeing about living life without an audience. No matter how genuine you try to be online, there’s always an element of performance, right? Now, I’m really leaning into creating in my own little bubble, without worrying about what’s trending or trying to keep up with the latest aesthetic. We all feel that invisible tug to fit in, but stepping back has made me realize how much more fun creativity is when you’re not playing to the crowd.
Speaking of… we should discuss dupes. And I’m not talking Pottery Barn/Restoration Hardware dupes. I could really care less about those dupes since admittedly they are not artistic. They are not weird. And therefore, I don’t care about them.
I’m talking high-end classic design icons vs. their sweatshop manufactured doppelganger. I’m talking De Sede DS600 $42K vs. Eternity Modern DS600 for $6K. So often, I rely on dupes for my personal and professional projects, especially if I want to infuse lots of style with limited resources. $15K may sound like a lot to play with, but if you have to paint, wallpaper, buy furniture and art, there’s not a left over for that coup de’ grace chef’s kiss weird factor that often makes the room. I admit it — I will cut corners if the client is ok with it and wants something fun and playful but doesn’t want to break the bank. So I search Chairish for classics that are extremely rare and fun and search for their dupes. Lighting is typically the biggest victim.
Here’s the problem. Lighting dupes are often the cheapest, least durable and more prone to breaking. Case in point:
Known as the Snoopy FLOS table lamp, this little baby runs at $1600. It’s appeal is immediately noticeable - cantilever design, beautifully appointed color, refined yet playful. The price, not so much. I was immediately intrigued and thought I would never be able to attain it until my Pinterest feed deposited its perfectly matched dupe right into feed. You mean I could have the EXACT same light for only $500?? Still not a steal, but there was nothing else like it.
The first time I set it up, it immediately fell over. And over. And over. So much so, one couldn’t sneeze around it lest it clangingly collapse in a heap on the floor. The light would twitch and flicker if you left it on anything but the first setting. I even went so far as to rewire the lightbulb connection after the 100th catastrophe.
After a while, I felt like I had been duped.
The list of mistakes (on my part) continues. It’s like I never learn! So that being said, I will make the argument of WHY you — yes, you, the person who is interested in creating an art-filled weird and fantastic home — should not buy dupes.
1. Quality Isn’t Just a Buzzword
Sure, that knockoff Eames chair might look just like the real deal in photos, but sit in it for a couple of hours, and you might start feeling differently. Original designs aren’t just pretty; they’re crafted with superior materials and workmanship that last longer. When you opt for a dupe, you’re usually trading away durability for a lower price. Think of it like fast fashion—great in the moment, but it rarely stands the test of time. In the world of interior design, quality matters more because your furniture and décor are not just for show. They’re part of your daily life.
2. Supporting Original Design Means Supporting Creativity
When you purchase from a designer or brand that’s known for innovation, you’re not just paying for the product—you’re supporting the creative minds behind it. Designers pour their hearts into creating original, functional, and aesthetic pieces, and when dupes steal their ideas, it stifles creativity in the industry. By avoiding dupes, you’re helping keep the design world alive with new and fresh ideas.
3. Sustainability is Key
Believe it or not, buying a designer piece is often a more sustainable choice. While dupes might be cheaper upfront, they usually don’t last as long, leading to a cycle of replacing items more frequently. Higher-end pieces, on the other hand, are often made with better materials, eco-friendly processes, and can last for decades. A well-made piece can be passed down, repaired, or resold—keeping it out of the landfill for years to come. Dupes? Not so much.
Think of dupes like fast fashion. You might be tempted for that fast fix, but wait until the real thing becomes available and/or affordable.
4. Investment Value
Here’s a little secret about well-made, iconic furniture—it holds its value. In some cases, it even appreciates over time! That designer chair or table might be pricey, but think of it as an investment. Not only will it add timeless elegance to your home, but it could also be worth something later on. Dupes, on the other hand, depreciate in value faster than you can say “Amazon Prime.”
5. Attention to Detail Matters
When you invest in the real deal, you’re not just getting a look—you’re getting thoughtful design. From the stitching on a leather chair to the balance and proportion of a table, the small details make all the difference in the overall aesthetic and feel of a space. Dupes often cut corners where it counts, which can result in pieces that look slightly off, feel awkward in your space, or lack that certain je ne sais quoi that makes a room come alive.
6. It's About Authenticity
Your home is an extension of your personality, style, and values. Filling it with knockoffs and cheap imitations can feel disingenuous in the long run. Investing in original, quality pieces allows you to curate a space that’s true to who you are. It tells a story, creates ambiance, and reflects your appreciation for craftsmanship and artistry. Let your home be filled with pieces that you can proudly say are authentically yours.
But, melanie… my budget?
Okay, okay I get it. You can’t imagine your room without that painting you saw on that Instagram influencers wall or that cool rug. But that kind of investment means you will have to forgo your well-deserved Costa Rica getaway. You simply must have it. Well, there are two ways around it.
PRINTS
Let’s break it down: prints are the unsung heroes of the art world. They give you access to gorgeous, high-quality artwork without the price tag that comes with an original piece. Want that dreamy landscape photo or iconic movie poster but don’t feel like dropping $$$? Prints to the rescue! They let you curate a space that feels chic, personal, and unique, all without putting a dent in your budget.
Also, who said art has to be one-of-a-kind to be meaningful? It’s all about how it makes you feel, not how exclusive it is. Prints let you surround yourself with pieces you love, without the pressure of “investment art” hovering over your head. And hey, let’s be real—most people aren’t out here buying originals straight from galleries anyway. We’ve got rent to pay!
Plus, prints give you the flexibility to switch things up. Tired of that abstract piece in your living room? Swap it out for something new! No guilt, no huge financial commitment. It’s a fun, low-risk way to experiment with your space and keep things fresh.
THRIFT SOMETHING ORIGINAL
Influencer spaces are undeniably beautiful, but at the end of the day, they’re designed for them. Their style, their life, their story. When you thrift something unexpected, you’re creating a space that’s personal, unique, and tells your story. It’s like finding little treasures that reflect who you are, your taste, and your experiences—not just recreating what someone else did.
A vintage vase or quirky chair from your local thrift store isn’t just decor—it’s a conversation starter, a memory, a reflection of your eye for the one-of-a-kind. These little gems give your home character and make it feel like yours, not a carbon copy of someone else’s.
2. Thrifting Sparks Creativity
When you’re not locked into copying a specific influencer look, you get to stretch those creative muscles! Thrifting is like going on a design treasure hunt, where you never know what you’ll find. Maybe you stumble upon a retro lamp or a funky piece of art you never thought you’d want but suddenly need. It pushes you to think outside the box, mix and match styles, and create a space that’s unexpected and full of delightful surprises.
Plus, when you’re not trying to find exactly what someone else has, you get to experiment with how pieces work together in fresh ways, which is where the magic happens.
So there you have it. I’m not totally against dupes for anyone else, but I will never buy them for myself ever again. Also — and this is very important — these companies that sell sub-standard dupes often have very strict return policies. Meaning, if your piece breaks good luck returning it. So in the end, you might spend as much as you might have on the orginal. And you can’t put a price on peace of mind. I know I can’t!
Authentically yours,
In my seven-year stint of meticulously revamping homes for the sole purpose of resale, I immersed myself in a monotonous world of beige, grey, black, and white. However, a pivotal moment in 2020 propelled me towards a universe bursting with vivid colors and delightful peculiarities. Explore the depths of my transformation here. 🌈🤹♂️🏡
My unconventional journey has garnered recognition in esteemed publications like Architectural Digest, Better Homes and Gardens, The Zoe Report, Real Homes, and Homes & Gardens. I understand that my avant-garde approach may not appeal to everyone, but then again, neither do you…
