Life/high & low: Vintage Modern. West Elm. CB2. You may not know the brands but you know the names behind them.

Taking a cue from the fashion industry's well-received "secondary lines" (Marc by Marc Jacobs, DKNY, D&G), home furnishings is the latest arena to spin off low-priced brands created by high-end designers.

Beginning with their ubiquitous Michael Graves accessories, Target was one of the first to jump on the bandwagon, offering high style to the masses. In October the mass merchandiser did it again, rolling out its biggest launch yet. The Thomas O'Brien Vintage Modern collection is comprised of 500 pieces all under $500 but backed by one of the most well-known names in New York design.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Also jumping on the bandwagon are two major retail corporations. Crate & Barrel Inc. launched its CB2 line in 2001 as an option for those looking for funky modern over sedate and traditional. And Williams-Sonoma Inc. (parent of mall monsters Pottery Barn, Hold Everything and Williams-Sonoma) launched West Elm in 2002. Initially catalog-based, West Elm now boasts 11 stores nationwide in addition to Internet sales.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Zoe Goldfine of Sarasota-based Goldfine Interiors Inc. works with clients in both South Florida and New York. She admits that even her most discriminating clients look at price tags, and says mixing high with low is a trend that appeals across the board.

"These retailers and designers get that everyone wants a deal," Goldfine says. "Because the styles and lines are fashionable, they make sense. It's all about what you put it with."