The collections, which launch May 3, are part of Lowe’s “House of Curators” initiative, through which various tastemakers will have the opportunity to partner with the brand—stay tuned for additional product lines to be revealed in the coming months. All curations will be inclusive of style, price point, and seasonality, Lowe’s SVP & General Merchandising Manager, Home Décor Margi Vagell said, and each will “bring in style icons and trendsetters that come from all different backgrounds with different perspectives.”
Who Is Iris Apfel?
It’s only fitting that Apfel is the first person to partner with Lowe’s as part of this series: Both she and the brand are celebrating their one hundredth birthdays in 2021. And who exactly is the 99-year-old icon? Following a long career in the textile industry, Apfel has launched products including a jewelry line and coloring book and even had a Barbie doll created in her likeness. You may also know her from her 2018 autobiography, Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon, or viewed her documentary, Iris. The businesswoman has 1.6 million followers on Instagram, where she frequently posts photos that reflect her maximalist fashion aesthetic. “She takes what to most of us feel like big, big risks when it comes to patterns, but then the way that she curates it together looks amazing,” Vagell explained.
Themes in Apfel’s Curation for Lowes
Apfel’s curations with Lowe’s fall within four different, colorful themes: Palm Beach in Your Backyard, Modern Maximalism, Statement Making Style, and Centennial Color Palette (a collection which celebrates color trends from the 1920s through today). Noted Vagell, “What is old is new again!” And each curation is a maximalist’s dream. You’ll find bold pops of color, eye-catching patterns, and funky shapes and textures throughout. Eager to pair a pink velvet sofa with a macrame ottoman in front of a palm leaf folding screen? Bring it on!
Our Top Picks From the Apfel Curation
Items in the curation range from tufted furnishings to vibrant wallpapers. “A splash of wallpaper in a room completely changes the dynamic of it and enables people to take some risks when it comes to pattern,” Vagell stated. And prices begin at just $10—with the bulk of pieces falling between $50 and $150—making it easy to stock up on a variety of pieces without breaking the bank. “Highly affordable style is so important to us,” Vagell added. Now, let’s take a look at the goodies within the collection! Below are a few finds that particularly stood out to us and can be used in a number of rooms throughout the home.
Fun Pillows
Who says funky throw pillows are solely an indoor accessory? Make a statement on the screened porch or back patio with one (or several!) colorful outdoor-friendly pillows. Our fave is this fierce leopard design—we’re all about pieces like this that are functional and majorly aesthetically pleasing. It’s the best $23 you’ll spend all season! When the weather cools down, you can bring the textile inside and display it on your living room sofa. We also really loved the sequined parrot pillow.
Planters
What kind of maximalist home isn’t full of a plant or 10? Give your green friends the love they deserve by popping them in these stunning gold planters that look super luxe (but in reality cost just $60 for the set). Pro tip: Stock up on a few sets and place one on the patio and one in the living room; you’ll thank us later when all of your plant babies have a new, stylish home. Or split up a set and gift one of the planters to a friend as a special hostess or housewarming gift; a piece that’s both pretty and practical is always a winner.
Lighting
Why settle for a generic looking floor lamp when a piece like this exposed bulb beauty exists? After all, floor lamps can double as eye-catching art pieces! This tall fixture will make any space shine, literally. Place it next to the sofa or incorporate one into your home office; you can’t go wrong either way. Upgrading the lighting in your apartment will make a major difference and you’ll appreciate the results every single day. Say goodbye to ugly builder-grade fixtures or blah ceiling fans and install a pretty pendant instead. We can’t get enough of anything rattan or wicker these days, and this coastal-inspired piece is majorly on trend. It would look stunning hanging in any entryway, above a bistro table in the dining nook, or even in a bathroom.
Wall Accents
Make your walls pop with peel and stick wallpaper that’s a renter’s BFF. The chic black and white hue will add major sophistication to any space and is easy to remove prior to move-out. Don’t be shy about incorporating a bold print like this one into your home: Life is too short for plain white walls!
