1. A $14.99 Hearth & Handtm Stoneware Serving Bowl A neutral ceramic bowl that could have easily been found in a higher-end kitchen catalog, this dish has a heavy and flat matte glaze with a handcrafted feel as if made in Williams Sonoma's own factory. Because it is made from durable stone ware and produced in volume, Target can sell this for a much lower price than what you would expect to pay at Williams Sonoma; however, it still has an elegant and minimalist style to it. Use this bowl to serve your salads, pasta or use it as a decorative piece on your counter top. 2. Threshold tm Acacia Wood Cutting Board - $12.00 Acacia wood is a great example of a wood product with a warm and rich grain that will immediately upgrade a kitchen. Threshold's cutting board mimics the look of a Williams Sonoma charcuterie board but at a fraction of the price. The simplicity of its shape allows the beauty of the acacia wood to be the focal point. Use it for all of your food prep needs, or hang it against your backsplash for a decorative touch.
I am a Target shopper and operator who has learned a lot about how great design doesn't need expensive prices. Retailers put money into finishes and materials, and Target is no exception in this regard. For example, one of my favorites is Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Stoneware Serving Bowl (about $14.99), which you would expect to find at Williams Sonoma if they sold stoneware. The reason this bowl performs well is because of its heavy stoneware, minimal ornamentation, and timeless shapes that photograph and style very well. Another favorite of mine would be the Hearth & Hand Acacia Wood Cutting Board (typically between $12 and $18). This board gives a warm, organic feel to a kitchen but at a fraction of the price. Acacia is naturally strong and beautiful, allowing Target to sell it at an affordable price without it looking cheap. The Threshold Fluted Glass Canister with Lid (approximately $10-$15) is another good purchase. Ribbed glass has become a popular trend this year in high end kitchenware, and Target has produced canisters with thicker glass and a simple wooden lid that create a premium look but can be produced efficiently. Finally, I feel that the Threshold Stoneware Mug Sets (usually under $20 for multiple mugs) are very highly elevated for their price point, and the weight, balance, and neutral glaze do an excellent job of conveying that.