This Old House 

My home was built in 1959. We bought it in 2000 with the intent of fixing it up, but due to sudden necessary improvements (replacing appliances, etc.) any and all cosmetic work was put on the back burner.

Gradually, we are starting to spruce things up, and with the help of IKEA's home furnishings and accessories, we can do so with style, and without breaking the bank.

my IKEA: living room 

Mmm, yes, there is a Kangaroo Climber in my living room. Why, you ask? Because there are two big dogs in the backyard who need a pen, but it's too hot to finish building their pen... and because the floor in the gameroom is too hard for toddler heads (and other parts.) I keep telling myself it's temporary. Hopefully, it's temporary.

There are other toys and junk there too. I guess I should have cleaned before taking a picture. Good thing I didn't show the whole room. Really, my living room isn't all that great, but I do love the pieces from IKEA, and the photo is simply to showcase them.

MARKÖR TV Storage Unit - $249

This cabinet is solid wood. We have the dark-stained cabinet, but the one shown is an antique stain, so I don't know if the darker one is still available.

Of all the IKEA furniture we've assembled, this one was probably the most challenging. I won't say it was "difficult" though, because IKEA products (so far) are always easy to assemble. This one was just a bit more time consuming.

EKTORP Leather Sofa - $699

My Ektorp leather sofa is "Mjuk light brown". It also comes in "Bas dark brown". Mine is more of a milk chocolate color. It is a quality sofa and has help up well with two adults and two very active toddlers.

I felt like it was a really good price for a leather sofa. It's easy to clean, and the cushions have retained their original shape, not getting lumpy or dimpled from regular use.

LACK Wall Shelf - 19.99

Lack wall shelves come in two different lengths - 43 1/4 or 74 3/4 (the small shelf is $12.99.) Mine is in the black/brown finish and longer length.

I love the Lack shelves because there are no brackets necessary and no visible hardware. They come in multiple colors and are easy to install, provided you or your handyperson has a drill and some wall anchors.

TRETTIO Spotlight - $14.99 (3-pack)

The Trettio spotlights are awesome. They come in 3-packs and 5-packs ($24.99) and can be used in many different scenarios. Mine are mounted under the Lack shelf detailed above.

my IKEA kitchen/dining room 

Not afraid of color, obviously.


My kitchen is in a state of what I call "painfully gradual" remodel. I've been looking at dingy, off-white walls, funky old cabinets and 1970's linoleum for six years now.

My stay-at-home mom salary isn't cutting it (HA!) so replacing the expensive stuff is going to take a while. I finally decided to give the room a makeover and just change what I could. And what a change it made!

Thanks to a weekend paint job and IKEA goodness (some old, some new), I now have a FUN place in which to grumble about funky old cabinets and 1970s linoleum.

BJÖRKUDDEN Dining Table - $99.99

We don't have a formal dining room, and that leaves me with what is basically a breakfast area, adjoined to my kitchen. The space isn't very big, but it's not tiny either. I could probably fit a larger table there, but then I couldn't fit any other pieces of furniture.

This table is just right for the space, my casual/modern theme, and the pocketbook.

BJÖRKUDDEN Occasional Table - $79.99

I'm using this cool occasional table as a buffet. It matches my BJÖRKUDDEN dining table and looks great against a dark green wall in my breakfast area.

I was reluctant to buy it at first, hesitating due to the fact that it was only 10 bucks less that what I'd spent on my dining table. But it's solid and looks so good with the dining stuff, so I splurged a little. It was worth it.

BEKVÄM Kitchen Cart - $49.99

I was quite excited to find this solid wood kitchen cart at IKEA. I had looked at several other very similar carts at other retails (even discount stores), and this was the best price I found. I assembled it myself in about 30 minutes, and it looks and works great.

This cart is made from untreated wood. It can be sanded, painted, stained, or lacqured.

REKTANGEL Vase - $2.49

MALMA Mirror - $1.99

GYLLEN Wall Lamp - $29.99

BRANÄS Basket - $5.99

LIBSET Table Runner - $6.99

KÄNDIS Wall Clock - $14.99

ANTILOP High chair with safety belt - $18.99

ANNO AMORF Curtain panel - $9.99

ADELE Curtain ring with hook - $4.99/10 pk.

MAGASIN Cutlery caddy - $2.99

my other IKEA lenses 

I Love IKEA

A guide to the IKEA store for newbies, shopping tips, helpful resources, and even a little fun-poking at the big blue & yellow.

My IKEA Makeovers: Kids' Rooms

Photos of my kids' room makeovers, with links to IKEA products used, IKEA links and other resources.

my IKEA: related links 

IKEA

the official site of IKEA

IKEA Catalog Request

Join IKEA's mailing list and request a 2007 catalog by mail

IKEA | Download Kitchen Planner Tool

PC/Windows users can download this handy kitchen planner tool. Drag and drop kitchen units and appliances, and see it all in 3D

IKEA Fans

An IKEA fan site devoted to kitchen remodels

IKEAhacker

A blog compiling Ikea hacks worldwide. Creative ideas with Ikea furniture. The Ikea you never knew.

Positive Fanatics

The Unofficial IKEA Web Journal

IKEA kitchen items on eBay 

Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by

Reader Feedback 

Arunima Nundy

Does Ikea plan to bring in its services to India?
As a family we were looking for such professional help -- but really hard to find quality and time met by local carpenters. Am looking at a revolution in this space in India soon, with the booming economy and awareness of living in good homes!

Posted August 17, 2007

michelle

Posted June 19, 2007

anndouglas YES! (That's the short answer.) I am redoing my new office with IKEA stuff. I was there last night buying fun things -- some "essentials" some frills. (The gigantic magnet board was definitely a frill but it was love at first sight.) I have added both your lenses to my guide to preg. Posted September 19, 2006