Happy May everyone!! It's an absolutely beautiful day in Georgia.
I'm going to make May the month of.... IKEA.... yes you've heard me correctly. IKEA, the decorating super-affordable super-store!
There is definitely a love hate relationship with IKEA in the design industry. Some complain they've had quality issues with the product and I've even heard their product labeled as "throw away" furniture... yet when done right, it's so incredibly affordable and stylish. I own several accessories from IKEA and even a platform bed that's used in my guest room. Now, I'll admit it's not solid hardwood but it's cute, clean, and has lasted 6 years, three moves, and it's still going strong! This alone got me thinking about why I haven't visited there more often...especially when clients opt-out of accessorizing because it's not "in the budget". (No excuses since there is one just around the corner from me.)
More & more designers and consumers alike are trying out their accessories & furniture to help create a stylish room with little dollars. I do believe that our two worlds designer vs. affordable can coexist. I have found some amazing inspiration from Maria Killam's blog Colour Me Happy and as always I'm eager to share.
There is definitely a love hate relationship with IKEA in the design industry. Some complain they've had quality issues with the product and I've even heard their product labeled as "throw away" furniture... yet when done right, it's so incredibly affordable and stylish. I own several accessories from IKEA and even a platform bed that's used in my guest room. Now, I'll admit it's not solid hardwood but it's cute, clean, and has lasted 6 years, three moves, and it's still going strong! This alone got me thinking about why I haven't visited there more often...especially when clients opt-out of accessorizing because it's not "in the budget". (No excuses since there is one just around the corner from me.)
More & more designers and consumers alike are trying out their accessories & furniture to help create a stylish room with little dollars. I do believe that our two worlds designer vs. affordable can coexist. I have found some amazing inspiration from Maria Killam's blog Colour Me Happy and as always I'm eager to share.
Part One: Inspiration using real IKEA product
RIBBA frames creating the gallery. $9.99 each
These can be painted any color to match your decor,
you can also change out the matting to create a customizable look.
These two are Jonas desks from IKEA. I no longer see that one listed but I do see the BESTA which is similar for $99.00
Great choice for this happy office!
Sideboard BESTA BURS piece featured in 2nd photo. $399
The chrome table lamp compliments this piece perfectly.
A good example of how designer items can be used together with lesser expensive items.
This home owner splurged on very expensive designer pillows and got these awesome Karlstad chairs from IKEA! $349 each...and it looks so expensive.
A room that was to be featured in a design magazine... guess where this dining table is from? You guessed it, IKEA's BJURSTA dining table for $199 that even has two leaves that extend the table to seat up to 8. The chairs are from Pier One. This proves you don't have to break the bank to create a beautiful room.
Close up of the dining table and chairs. I would suggest a glass top be cut for this table if it was for every day use. Our local craft store, Hobby Lobby, cuts glass for very inexpensive (usually $100 or less).
Four BILLY Bookcases $79.99 each.
In the photo above this designer painted the back panels blue and added molding pieces on top and between each to create a large bookcase instead of four individual ones.
Boys room featuring IKEA window treatments, lighting, and rug.
The bottom line is that there are a lot of us out there that do not have the money or connections to spend $1000's on updating our homes. That absolutely does not mean we shouldn't live in creative, beautiful spaces!
The bottom line is that there are a lot of us out there that do not have the money or connections to spend $1000's on updating our homes. That absolutely does not mean we shouldn't live in creative, beautiful spaces!
Stay Tuned for...
Part Two - Creating a fresh & stylish room using IKEA.
and
Part Three - My trip to IKEA where I'll be your virtual shopping assistant :)
And of course for more advice on how to create a room on a budget, see this post.
Happy Designing!
Heather
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