It’s surprising we haven’t mentioned Target yet in our blog — it’s practically our second home (alongside Lowe’s). Many of our favorite pieces of furniture came from there: our Thomas O’Brien media console, two leather storage ottomans, our dining table, a Magnavox flat-panel TV, and beautifully designed Victoria Hagan end tables. Yes, we affectionately call it “Tarjay” for a touch of French flair.
Last night’s trip was another success. We brought home a sleek leather Parsons chair for my desk ($99), a stainless-steel floor lamp ($29) to brighten our otherwise dim den, and a charming ironstone serving platter ($9) plus two small dishes ($2 each) that we repurposed as a food and water station for our little dog.

The new Parsons chair motivated me to tidy my desk area. I moved the seldom-used printer/fax out from beneath my white lacquered desk — one of our favorite wedding gifts — and into a closet. The padded leather chair is dramatically more comfortable than the old $20 Ikea chair; the improvement feels almost comical. Below are the “before and after” photos that show how much more comfortable and joyful my workspace has become with the new chair.

Small, affordable upgrades like these make a real difference in everyday life. A well-chosen chair and a good light source can transform a room’s function and comfort, and modest decorative pieces give practical items — like pet bowls — a touch of style. Target continues to be a reliable source for pieces that blend design, value, and practicality, which is why we keep coming back.