Amid the aisles of Michaels, interior decorators find just as much delight as the average shopper! Packed with an array of traditional craft items, this store is a go-to destination for DIY enthusiasts, housing not only home decor but also practical organization tools and a wealth of other treasures. Dive into this article to uncover the must-have items that Southern design aficionados can’t resist at this renowned retail haven.
Based in Lafayette, Louisiana, Krysten Ledet of Krysten Ledet Interiors has a penchant for filling her cart with storage baskets during her visits to Michaels. “The store offers an extraordinary variety of woven baskets that I use in my projects all the time—whether it’s for arranging shelves, concealing children’s toys, or even crafting planters,” she explains. “They infuse a space with texture, warmth, and utility, and I’m always able to find the perfect sizes for those tricky nooks!”
Enthusiasts of the inviting Nancy Meyers style will recognize that glass hurricanes are currently a hot trend. If you’ve struggled to find them at home, you’re in luck—Michaels stocks an ample supply, as well as unscented candles to place within them, as Ledet does. “They are ideal for creating a lavish, immediate ambiance on a dining table or outdoors, all without the high-end price tag,” she remarks.
Picture framing doesn’t have to break the bank. Designers such as Ledet appreciate the convenience of Michaels’ pre-made frames for client projects. “They’re a simple way to enhance affordable prints, family photos, or a child’s artwork, giving it a purposeful and polished look,” Ledet notes. “They’re perfect for adding those final touches that make a home feel well-lived and layered.”
Elana Mendelson, the creative force behind Elana Designs in Potomac, Maryland, also turns to Michaels for its framing selection. “I frequently rely on these for crafting sophisticated gallery walls without the custom-framing expense,” she shares.
Don’t hesitate to personalize your Michaels frames to better match your style. “I sometimes mix and match frames and then give them all a uniform spray paint finish for a cohesive, uniform, and custom appearance,” Mendelson advises.
Paige Dick of Paige Designs in Charleston, South Carolina, is drawn to Michaels for its holiday decorations year-round. “For Halloween, I pick up some of their artificial pumpkins to blend with the real ones—they’re perfect for filling out displays without spoiling,” she says. “And for Christmas, I enjoy using their garlands and glass votives to add a touch of extra shimmer and coziness.”
Valerie Darden of Brexton Cole Interiors in Ashland, Virginia, also cherishes Michaels’ holiday offerings. “Michaels boasts a fantastic selection of child-friendly candlestick holders, glittery tea lights, pumpkin salt and pepper shakers, eerie ceramic plates, and black cat cake toppers,” she says, speaking to the store’s Halloween wares.
For creative children, Dick finds joy in DIY art projects. “I’ll pick up blank canvases and let kids craft their own artwork for their rooms,” she says. “When it’s framed, it becomes something truly personal and unique.”
Michaels’ faux floral collection is unparalleled, and Dick often buys stems to complement real flowers. “They make arrangements look lush and durable without the need for constant care,” she explains.
Maria Loveless, the head of The L&L Design Team in Manassas, Virginia, also extols the virtues of Michaels’ faux flowers. “As a designer, I source most of my greenery, stems, and fillers from Michaels to craft stunning, unique centerpieces for my clients, making them uniquely tailored to their style,” she says. “It’s a testament to a designer’s creativity and the understanding that true style is a blend of beautiful materials and imaginative vision!”
Once you’ve selected your flowers, don’t forget to pick up a vase or two! Kristen Proctor of Edge & Ethos Designs in Atlanta, Georgia, enjoys collecting vessels from Michaels. “The store offers a diverse range of shapes, finishes, and sizes, allowing me to create eye-catching arrangements that feel deliberate without being overly styled,” she says.
Michaels simplifies the process of adding decorative flair to elevate any home item instantly. “I purchase beads, rhinestones, and jewelry-making supplies because I love to infuse color and texture into everything,” Mendelson says. “I’ve used beads to embellish napkin rings, customized client gifts with them and rhinestones, and styled large wood beads in bowls or draped over books as perfect styling accessories!”
She is also a fan of the store’s ribbon selection, noting, “Michaels has a vast array of ribbons, including velvet, grosgrain, and wired varieties, which are perfect for styling—wrapping around napkins, tying onto baskets, adding a luxurious touch to simple decor, or perfecting client gifts.”
