August 30, 2016

Favorites from Ikea’s 2017 Catalog

Hi all!  The  new Ikea catalog hit my front step a few weeks ago and there are a few new noteworthy items.  You can definitely find design gems at Ikea, you just have to know what to look for.  My mother is the type who goes in to a place like Ikea and gets so overwhelmed she wanders aimlessly and then leaves. I get it!  Let me be your guide.  Here are my top 8 affordable picks!

OB-Ikea 2017 Chaise / Pendant /  Bamboo Pendant / Basket / Chair / Side Table / Cloche /  Rocking Chair

What do you think?  Are you a fan of the Swedish retailer?  A ton of their stuff is too modern for my taste, but every once in a while they surprise me!

I have been busy with back to school shenanigans, sick kids, and decorating for my fall home tour, which will be on the blog soon.  Stay tuned!

xoxo,

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Ikea PIcks 2017

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November 1, 2013

If Money Were No Object …

Since I am wrapping up “Ikea Week,”  I am going to feature a beautiful Ikea kitchen in this episode of “If Money Were No Object.”

I have always lived in homes where the kitchens were somewhat outdated and I have lived with them (1st world problem, I know).  However, I have always dreamed of creating my dream kitchen from scratch.

So, if money were no object this simple, clean, white kitchen featuring Ikea cabinets and hardware would be mine.

 

I love how open and airy it feels.  White kitchens are all the rage right now, so I might as well jump on the bandwagon!
Ikea cabinets get excellent reviews for durability and style.  You can see a list of pros and cons from real homeowners here.
What would your dream kitchen be if you could design it from scratch?  Please do tell in the comments!
I hope you have enjoyed “Ikea Week” and that you have learned something new!
In case you missed it, I discussed my all time Ikea favorites here.  You can discover all kinds of Ikea Hacks here and here. Finally, you can get the scoop on the Ikea Family Rewards Program here.
Have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo
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October 31, 2013

All Time Prettiest Ikea Hacks

I feel giddy every time I see this beautiful mongolian fur stool from Preciously Me.  It is made from the Ikea Marius stool which is only $5.99!

DIY-mongolian-stool-6

Isn’t it just gorgeous?  I think these would be so elegant in a little girl’s bedroom.  My little Audrey is only 2 and still in her crib, but I am tucking this one away for when she upgrades to a “big girl room.”

Pam, over at Simple Details, made this basic Vittsjo table look like a knock-out by adding bracket details and painting it gold.

ikea vittsjo table hack simple details

Linda from Calling it Home transformed this basic birch Malm dresser into a minty treasure with a high-end look.

mint-dresser-e1382377749493

Doesn’t it just make you want to go home right now and paint something mint or coral?

Over at Style Me Pretty, a little copper paint and marble contact paper creates a sophisticated end table out of the Ikea PS Side Table.

ikea end table

Finally, Brenda from From Me With Love glammed up these Ikea Stig bar stools.  What a way to add a luxe feel to the kitchen!

ikea stools

These amazing transformations inspire me to try new DIY’s.  Every time I go to Ikea now . . .the possibilities are endless!!

What do you think?  Have you ever transformed or embellished a piece of Ikea furniture?

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October 30, 2013

Ikea Family Rewards Program

Now that I have told you about all of the goodies at Ikea, did you know that they have a rewards program?

ikea family

It is called Ikea Family and it is chock full of amazing perks:

  • Discounts:  Every month, there is a list of new products that Ikea Family Members can save big on.  The rotate monthly so you never know what you are going to get.

For example, the Bravur wall clock is regularly $49 but this month it is $34.99 for Ikea Family members.

bravur-wall-clock__29234_PE116289_S4

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Currently, there are 43 discounted products.  A few from each department.

  • Beverages:  You an enjoy free coffee or tea in their restaurants while you shop. Make a day of it!
  • Smaland:  Have you ever used the free daycare called “Smaland” at Ikea?  If not, you should try it out.  It is totally safe and full of fun activities for your kids.  My daughter loves going there.

Ikea shoppers get 60 minutes of free time at Smaland.  However, Ikea Family members get an additional 30 minutes at no cost.

I have seriously considered bringing my kids there and going to the restaurant to read a book (don’t tell anyone)!!

  •  Price Protection:  Ikea Family members will receive 90 Day price protection on purchases

It comes with a fancy member card and you are entered to win a $100 Ikea gift card every time you scan it in the store.

To sign up, click here.

Happy Shopping!

xoxo

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October 29, 2013

Top 5 Favorite Ikea Hacks

If you follow any home decor boards on Pinterest, you have likely seen a boring piece of Ikea furniture recreated or transformed into a much more expensive high-end looking piece.

This is called an “Ikea Hack.”  Some are as simple as adding a simple embellishment.  While some involve busting out the power tools.  In fact, there is an entire website called Ikea Hackers dedicated to such hacks.

Ikea dressers are a great staple to have in your home, but they can be kind of dull.  The Ikea Koppang dresser is plain white, but looks amazing when dressed up with gold trim and hardware.

ikea koppang dresser EmilyClark.com

The Tarva dresser is transformed into an ombre wonder.  This would be so amazing in a girl’s room!

ikea ombre Decor8

Finally, the Rast dresser is given a makeover to look similar to a very expensive Dorothy Draper dresser.

ikea rast

ikea draper Roost-Home

The options are endless for transforming Ikea dressers.  From changing out the hardware to adding detailed paneling, let your imagination soar!

The Vittsjo shelving unit is basic black with glass.  It looks like a million bucks when painted gold.

ikea visjito shelf Home-Styling

Ikea’s Billy bookcases are beyond plain and ordinary, but when molding and overhead lighting is included, they look like expensive built-ins.

ikea-besta-billy-bookcase-combo cg Centsational Girl

Aren’t these transformations amazing?

Stay tuned as I will be posting this week about the most “beautiful” Ikea hacks and the Ikea Family Program!

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October 28, 2013

Ikea Favorites

Happy Monday everyone!!   I am going to call this “Ikea Week” on the blog because I am going to do a series of posts about Swedish retailer Ikea.  I promise not to bore you to death!!

Today, I am going to detail some of my favorite finds.  There is so much at the stores, it is easy to get lost and overwhelmed.  I have done the work for you!

I have to admit that I used to think of Ikea furnishings as something you “outgrow” or “upgrade from.”  However, these days, there are a few staples that are an interior designer’s best friend. Don’t get me wrong, I still think some of it is total crap, but here is a list of my favorite things, some of which I have in my own home!

First up is the Stockholm flatweave black and white rug.  A 5’7″ x 7’10” starts at only $299.  It is very bold and can work with both casual and sophisticated interiors.

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ikea stockholm 1  ikeaspotting.tumblr.com

ikea stockholm 2

 houseatheart.blogspot.com

The Rens Sheepskin rug at Ikea is a steal at only $29.00.  A similar one sells for $80.00 at Pottery Barn.  They are such an amazing way to add texture and a layer of “cozy” to your home.  I have seen them in bedrooms, offices and nurseries. I currently have one draped over my dark ottoman coffee table (in an attempt to lighted it up and hide it!)

ikea rens sheepskin

rens example

 

Up next is the Tobias chair and it is only $79.00.  It is a nice way to add a modern touch to your furnishings.  Also, if you have a small space, they are light physically and visually.

ikea tobias chair 1

decor pad tobias chair Decorpad 

 

The Songe Mirror is a take on a French Louis Phillippe style mirror.  It is classic and timeless and a steal at only $99.00! It is quite large, so it is an inexpensive way to make a major statement in your home.
ikea songe Ikea.com
Ikea also has a wonderful black and white pillow collection.  These pillows make such a great impact and are so affordable, starting at just $10.  I like to pair them with higher end pillows for a luxe feel.  A girl can never have too many pillows, right?
Mix and Chic Susan Eason
ikea pillows 2 Newswire.ca
The Ribba Frame Collection is a sure-fire way to get an expensive gallery wall look for less.  They start at $14.99 for a medium size and come in a variety of sizes and come in white, black, brown and aluminum.  You could always paint them gold too, like you see below.

ribba frame general danelle oakey ribba fame Danielle Oakey Interiors

The Almsta Rattan Chair from Ikea is also a keeper.  It is $99 and is so versatile.  You could even use it outdoors!

 

Houzz

Well that’s it for now.  Not to worry, I may find new treasures at my next Ikea outing.  I used to drive to the Bay Area to shop at Ikea. Now I have one about 10 minutes away.  It is a good and bad thing!

Stay tuned tomorrow, as I am going to show you amazing hacks of Ikea furniture.

Do you have a favorite Ikea find you can’t live without?  If so, please let us know in the comments!

xoxo

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October 23, 2013

DIY Greek Key Drapes

I have always loved Greek Key pattern and was inspired by the lovely images below to create my own DIY version of these curtains.  I love the endless color combinations!

greek key curtains House beautiful greek key curtain blue greek key curtain

 

Custom made designer drapes were not in my budget, so I got creative and took some ready made curtains from Ikea and added some Greek Key trim from M&J Trimming to get the designer look for less!Here is my final result:

IMG_0282 IMG_0273

M&J Trimming has more than 50 styles of Greek Key Trim available. It comes in both 33 millimeter and 60 millimeter. The 33MM starts at just $9.99 per yard!!

I chose the 60 millimeter in Optical White/Gold.

MJ Trim Gold

 

I sewed it on myself and I am beyond proud of myself that I can sew a straight line!  However, you can also use fabric glue to adhere the trim.

The curtains are the Vivian curtains from Ikea and they are only $9.99 for a pair!  At that price, I used four so that they looked very full.  You could also use ready made curtains from Pottery Barn, World Market, Target, or go big and make your own!

Here are some of my other favorite trim colors from M&J Trim.  The possibilities are endless!

 

mj 6 mj 5 mj 8 mj 2 mj 7

 

I loved the way these turned out and they perfectly finish off our breakfast room!  I am seriously considering ordering a different color and making drapes for my bedroom!  Heaven help me . . .

xoxo

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