We finally got back over to Ikea to see all the new stuff this year (and to pick up a catalog in person since we waited and waited for one to come to our door with no avail). Let’s just say it didn’t disappoint! So we snapped a few photos of some of the things that inspired us most. Here’s an office that we really liked. Although having all that space in our current house to devote to an office is a pipe dream, maybe our next house will allow for it. And even if not it’s still fun to look at.
Speaking of dreams for our future house, we’ve always adored the idea of an island (even though we widened both doorways surrounding our kitchen, an island never made sense with our current house’s floor plan). So of course we stopped to drool over this sleek yet charming butcher block beauty.
And we had to snap a photo of this not-finished-yet kitchen because we were so amused by our reaction to it. We actually both stood there and reminisced about how exciting our own kitchen reno was back in the day. I guess most people would hate looking at this “mess” but we paused for a moment and soaked it up.
We also loved this warm and cozy arrangement of photos on the wall so we grabbed a shot for anyone out there who might be looking for a semi-balanced but not totally symmetrical plan to implement in their own home. Tip: use paper or even brown paper bags (cut into rectangles) to represent your frames. Then move them around on the wall until you like the arrangement and tape them in place with blue painter’s tape. You can even nail right through the paper to hang the frames in that formation.
We were also charmed by this bathroom since it’s just one wall but it’s packed with tons of storage and function. The bowl sinks keep things feeling less boxy thanks to the soft curves (since this set-up could look a bit too angular and grid-like without them) and the seeded glass on the middle cabinet was actually really pretty in person.
We couldn’t pass this mirror without grabbing a photo for you guys. Not only because it’s huge and modern (and sure to add polish and bounce around tons of light) but also because it was reflecting that fun white geometric chandelier. We like how the curves in each item play off of each other.
And I nearly took to the streets hooting and hollering when I came across one of Ikea’s new-this-year additions to their furnishings and accessories. Faux sheepskin rugs! So for anyone who doesn’t want to DIY them, now you don’t have to! And they’re just $12.99. Oh happy day. Needless to say we returned home with a few (just for good measure). I love tossing them on the backs of chairs, over the bench in our dining area, and even under the Christmas tree in lieu of a traditional tree skirt. Note: Clara’s not still that teeny, I borrowed this old pic from this post of yore.
This stately gray glass fronted cabinet was also spot on for us. The fact that it was up on elegant legs (which make it feel a lot less heavy) and that it had such nice top molding and chic hardware wooed us to no end.
This New York City map print was also cool and graphic thanks to the high contrast and detailed design.
Oh and this rug made us laugh because we both thought it said Petersik for a split second. And let’s face it, an Ikea product coincidentally bearing our last name would probably make me break out my dorky Elaine from Seinfeld dance.
We also noticed these plaques in a few of the showrooms, and really appreciated that they not only listed the size of the room, they also shared the color of the wall paint for anyone walking by who happened to like what they saw. Convenient, right?
And this larger than life chandelier was just that. Large and in charge. It would look unbelievably amazing in a lofted dining room or den (we definitely think it can be dressed up or down).
And just as I stopped to cuddle the faux sheepskin rugs, John made himself right at home in one of the amazing walk-in closets complete with a pair of shoes that had been cable tied to the shelf. Someday we’ll have a closet system like this… someday…
And last but not least are these gorgeous smoky acrylic chairs (which also come in clear). Paired with a chunky rustic wood table we think they would make for an amazing mixed & matched result full of texture and interest. Plus they’re impervious to jelly covered fingers and spit up (which is definitely something that I take note of these days).
So there you have our little virtual tour through Ikea. Have you guys been yet? Have your catalogs actually arrived? Are you loving anything in particular this year (and obsessing over old favorites that they brought back)? Let’s talk Ikea. No umlauts necessary.
Psst- Try as we might, we couldn’t locate links, prices, or names for all of the items that we photographed above, so feel free to consult ikea.com or breeze through the store in person for more info since we’re hardly experts when it comes to those details! And we weren’t paid or perk’d for this post, we just love us some Ikea and we wanted to take you window shopping with us. See more window shopping adventures here.
Katrina P says
I LOVE Ikea! I go there often and love the kids stuff there too, I can’t wait until my son is old enough for one of their cool toddler beds.
I must have missed the 12.99 faux sheepskin because when I was there I think they were $25. I was thinking of putting one over the back of a large wicker chair I just spray painted dark brown… can’t decide if that would look good or not. The seat cushion in tan… and I’m thinking maybe a fun pillow would pull it together.
Liz says
I have never been to an Ikea… but if I win the $350 gift card, you can bet your bottom dollar, I will make a special trip from Charleston, SC to Charlotte, NC to grace one with my presence!
As far as durability of their furniture: you mentioned their wooden (or partially wooden) items aren’t the best, but how do you feel about their couches and such?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Liz,
We have heard nothing but great things about their sectionals and sofas, in fact we’re considering one for our new house. Especially the Ektorp line gets lots of love (it’s a best-seller of theirs).
xo,
s
Allison says
Did you happen to see a smaller version of the Maskros pendant??
I went to Ikea about 2 weeks ago and they had one that was about 1/2 the size of the original for sale, for I think, 39.99 or so. I haven’t been able to find it online and I feel like maybe I was dreaming it because I’d love a smaller one for my apartment soooo much.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Allison,
We don’t recall seeing a smaller one but perhaps you can call and ask?
xo,
s
Sharon says
Sherry – Any suggestions on what to clean hardwood floors with? I have a mop and spray wood floor cleaner that I use but when I wipe up some water that hit the floor, the paper towel is dirty. I want to get on all fours to clean it, not just push the dirt around with a mop, which apparently I’m doing.
Thanks!!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Sharon,
I get on the floor with a microfiber cloths and some Mrs. Meyer’s soap (watered down in a bucket) and do it old school. But I only do it every season or so (and use the o-mop and the vacuum most of the time to tide us over between deep cleanings.
xo,
s
Ashley W says
My husband and I have those acrylic chairs in that smoky grey shade in our dining room. Our house is an eclectic mix of mostly vintage and wooden furniture, however, I went a bit more modern in the dining room. I have those chairs paired with wooden cabinets and my milk glass collection, and though it is an odd juxtaposition, we like it! Fun finds! thanks for sharing!
Elana says
Ikea has faux sheepskin rugs now?! HUZZAH!! The Ikea website only shows the real ones, though. Are you sure they have faux ones?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Elana,
Yes, we’re sure! We own a few. They just aren’t on the site.
xo,
s
maggie @ black and white {side by side} says
oooh! i’ve been drooling over the catalog for two months now. i’ve got to get in there! i love that first office set up.
Constance says
I wish I could hit Ikea every week! We put the chandellier in the first pic in our bedroom earlier this year. It’s excellent (and cheap!), but we had to do some trickery to shorten the length.
Also, a heads-up on the smokey gray acrylic chairs. We actually went to Ikea a couple months ago to buy those because I loved the design, but sadly figured out from the floor samples that while they would clean well, they are very easily scratched. I wouldn’t mind that so much, but the color actually makes it quite noticeable and the chairs are not the cheapest.
In random sharing, we went with the Linus chair, which was surprisingly comfortable and cleans better than we thought (we have an 18 month-old). Plus, it added nice texture to our dining area.
heyruthie says
i shop at IKEA Woodbridge too, and the last time I was there, I also snapped a pic of that 2-tiered island (while my kiddos watched Mary Poppins on the TV right next to it! LOL!)
We are planning to tear out a wall between the kitchen and LR, and I think this 2-tiered island will work to still keep the spaces delineated and not feeling “naked” and too open. So, while I was there, I actually researched how they “made” that island, since you can’t just buy it as-is. They told me that you have to separately purchase all the cabinet components. They, you purchase the butcher block counter, along with a SECOND counter top for the “upper level,” which you will need to rip down the middle to make it half as wide. There was a guy in the kitchen countertop department that explained how they did it. I just thought I’d share, in case anyone is looking to replicate it!
YoungHouseLove says
Heyruthie- So interesting! Good to know!
xo,
s
Elizabeth says
This post is re-igniting my desire for that light fixture…arrrgghhh. I had talked myself out of it and went with the more plain paper shade (which was also muuuuch cheaper), but now you all are making me want it again!
Those of you who have it…how is it for cleaning? I worry about all those paper flowers being dust magnets.
I have an Ikea right here in town, but am constantly frustrated by certain things only being available in other far away stores. Sigh.
Amy says
I never got my catalog in the mail either. I think I asked for it twice too. Maybe third time’s a charm? I’m ready to make my bi-annual trip soon. The closest is Chicago which is 5 hours away. The silly thing is they have 2 stores there. I sure wish they would’ve put one of them in St. Louis!
Lani @ Diapers and Divas says
I got my catalog awhile ago and immediatley picked out that chandelier for my dining room! Also love those smokey chairs for my kitchen. Wanted to go the upholstered route..but you’re right on with those sticky fingers! These might be a great inexpensive route until little people learn to use napkins! :)
Alina says
I actully spotted an “Alina” duvet the other day and I too got ridiculously excited. It also prompted some jokes about them getting the inspiration from seeing my credit card so much :D
Allison says
Aw just check our Canadian IKEA and the sheep skin rugs are still the same price … booo!
Barbara says
Yes, I have the catalog. Yes, I have purchased – I’m in the middle of an “update” of my kitchen (not a true remodel). I replaced the 1953 dirty tile with Varde wood counter tops, and a Bessa light fixture. Instead of new cabinets (which would require tearing out old ones), I installed an Expedit shelving system and put a Varde counter top on that! I gave myself 5 feet of new counter! All the counter work, sink, faucet and new light should be done today! I can’t wait to get home!! That’s why I’m hoping to win the IKEA card – I have more to buy!!!
Anna says
Oh my gosh! I just knew as soon as I saw this post title on my igoogle page, you two were in Ikea! I adore that photo arragement and that big poofy chandelier (alas no lofted anything for me). My husband won’t let me go into Ikea alone; he said he’d have to put out an APB to get me back!
Dharma says
I’ve had my eye on that EDLAND cabinet for a while…. thanks for the virtual shopping trip :)
Kristina says
Oh Ikea how I love thee. I’ve only been to the store once (2.5 hour) drive however, I plan on going once every 6 months or so. I want to get my 3.5 year old son that bed that starts as a low four poster and then flips to a loft bed. Plus it’s only 200!
Cassie says
I love the acrylic “ghost chairs.” I’ve seen them in person in clear and they look great. I’d love to see them make an appearance in your new house!
Kristen says
I’ve been dying to get to Ikea! I got my catalog awhile back and there were so many great looking things!
Snickrsnack Katie says
I have actually seen that NYC picture and had decided to buy it – I just haven’t been by IKEA to pick it up. I love it!
Inez says
It’s so refreshing to see another Ikea! My hubby and I have the one here in Frisco, TX memorized! They can’t switch up those display rooms enough to keep me on my toes! There’s also quite a few products that I don’t remember seeing at our location, such as those adorable bathroom hutch cabinets!
Andrea says
Thanks for sharing the news about faux sheepskin rugs @ Ikea! By the way, I love you idea about tossing them on chairs and benches. It’s like they’re inviting you to seat… I had to copy you! Thank you again! :)
linda says
i LOVE LOVE LOVE ikea! and i love the room set ups that they do…. we’ve gotten such great ideas from them!
we’re actually doing the majority of our house in ikea… we went the expensive furniture route before… but styles change and our tastes change and you never get back nearly what you paid for it when/if you sell it off…. so we decided we LOVE ikea’s modern/contempory style… and we could do the whole house… and in five years when we’re sick of the furniture… we can do it all over again! (and styles will have changed by then!)
and for anyone who loves ikea… visit: ikeafans.com it’s a nice little site… the owners are just as sweet and nice as john and sherry…
Kaitlyn C says
I want nothing more than to bump into you three in an IKEA!!
Nota Supermom says
Did you see the Elmo rug?
It was so funny we took pictures.
We were there last week. We bought a desk to attach to our 4×4 Expedit bookshelf and two of the acrylic bucket chairs like what you’ve shown, except one in pink and one in white.
Eryn Chandler says
WE have the clear chairs (last item you listed) with a chunky, light wood table. We have two of the clear chairs and four funky kidney bean shaped chairs in lime green and orange.
LOVES IT!
kelly says
I love that chandelier…I wanted it so badly I drove 2 hours to my nearest IKEA to get it and was shocked at how HUGE it was! Still love it, but came home without it!
Tiffany S. says
It’s like this post was written just for me! We’re fantasy-decorating a Portland loft we haven’t even visited yet and that kitchen island is EXACTLY what we were dreaming up in our heads. I really really want that chandelier too, but I didn’t think it was still available. Good to know!
(PS the acrylic set is perfect too but we are trying to mix in some vintage pieces to avoid the IKEA showroom look. Not that there’s anything wrong with it!)
Kim says
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for going to Ikea and posting pictures! We are in the middle of an entire house remodel, and have been thinking about options for the kitchen and new bathroom. We have been to Ikea before, but the closest one is 3 hours away, so we can’t just drop-by and see what’s new. Thanks to you, we have an idea now! Ever grateful!!
Kate says
I only went for the first time ever the other week, we came back with an expedit 4×4 and a small cabinet. Total cost £100!
One question I have for you is what do you think the quality is like? People sort of scoffed when we excitedly said our new things were from Ikea. We don’t expect them to last a lifetime, nor do we want them to, but I felt like a poor man the way some people reacted? What makes you shop in Ikea? The prices? or just the fact you want a quick fix for a couple of years without shelling out loads of money? or something else?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Kate,
Every single item that we have purchased from Ikea has been durable and completely lived up to our expectations over the past four and a half years. Like you mentioned, we don’t expect things to last a lifetime, but Ikea uses great designers and materials in the hopes of creating great value in their pieces, and we appreciate that. No complaints here!
xo,
s
Jen says
Oh, we are totally on the same page, even some of the same things caught our eye!
http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2010/08/iheart-2011-ikea-catalog.html
Love this post, gives me the urge to return to my happy place!!
xoxo,
Jen
Kyle says
OMG I saw that huge flower like chandelier in a restaurant down here in the DR and fell in love. Not knowing where it came from I began imagining ways to DIY it up…not that it would fit in our current matchbox of an apartment but a girl can dream….
mike @ the lil house that could says
we LOVE having an island. Definitely go with an island in the new place.
Jessica says
I just checked the website, and I don’t see the faux sheepskin! I was SO excited when you posted that…maybe it’s only in the store? I will have to go to mine and check!
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, it’s in store only. A lot of things sadly aren’t on their site.
xo,
s
J'Anns Boutique says
I love the idea of using the rug under the xmas tree!! thanks for that…would not have crossed my mind.
Did I mention that I ooohhh and awww over pictures of your baby? she has the funniest facial expressions. The boyfriend said he is going to look you guys up and send you my contact information, so you can file a formal stalker complaint against me towards Clara. Oh silly boyfriend…
http://jannsboutique.blogspot.com/
Ami @ beyondpeasandcarrots says
I STILL haven’t made it to Ikea since the new stuff came out! I need to plan a trip, for real. I love that modern circle mirror, so cool!
Katy says
I love IKEA! I am lucky enough to live right outside of philadelphia and I have 2 IKEAs within 25 minutes. My husband and I recently bought a townhouse and bought almost all IKEA furniture.. we get nothing but compliments on how everything flows together and the quality is awesome!
Sherry – I ordered my catalogue right after I got the email saying they were available (sometime in July I think) and it took almost 2 months to come. Maybe yours will come soon? I waited to bring one home because I wanted my name on it. lol
Michelle says
Oh IKEA, I love you so. =)
I love going to IKEA and wandering around their mock home floor plans (where they block off a certain square footage and decorate it from there, showing things can flow together in a small space). I always plop down on the couch and fantasize about it being my real home. =)
Lauren Ashley says
I actually received my catalogue quiet a while ago! I was so surprised and excited. Unfortunately my cramped apartment and limited budget aren’t going to allow me any major ikea shopping trips any time soon!
Audrey says
Oh how I love Ikea! I’m planning a trip in a month or so (sadly the closest one is 2 hours away!) and will definitely be on the lookout for the faux sheepskin. Love it!
Monica says
Ikea always has amazing ideas/inspiration!
I’ve always wanted an island in my future kitchen, so I always end up drooling over those in Ikea haha
Also, I LOVE that office!
Stacey says
Thanks for the virtual shopping trip! I’m itching to pop over to my Ikea (Philly) to do some “recon”. I’m planning to redo my boys’ bedroom and I need a new lighting fixture for my bedroom redo. Thanks for pointing out the showroom plaques. I’m definitely going to keep an eye out for those when I go!
Kristin says
I love Ikea.
We even can reach two Ikea stores within ~20 minutes from home – one east, one west – so we were able to select the store we liked better :)
The higher-priced Ikea stuff is definitely quite durable, we also have most of our kitchen (cabinets, countertop, sink, appliances – we onky kept fridge and dishwasher from the old one) from them and have not regretted the choice (hello, oven with handles matching the cabinets!).
We also plan to use Ikea furniture in our bedroom renovation which we plan to tackle in a few weeks.
Barbara says
Here’s the mirror, it’s called ANES.
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40100521
The cabinet is EDLAND
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40100521
The light is Maskros and it’s made of paper and wire.
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90147465
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for sharing those links for everyone Barbara!
xo,
s
Meghan says
Hi –
I was wondering if you have ever heard of people repainting IKEA fixtrues (i.e. my husband and I have kitchen cabinets from IKEA that I would love to paint white?) Any suggestions? Have you ever seen any information on it?
Meghan
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Meghan,
It really depends on the material. It can be tricky to paint laminate (as opposed to solid wood) but ask at your local home improvement center to see what they recommend (you can bring a door or a drawer with you to show them). Good luck!
xo,
s
AmandaT says
We have to drive about 3 hours to get to the nearest IKEA, but it’s totally worth it! (It doesn’t hurt that the IKEA is right next to Z Gallerie.) On our last trip, one of my biggest priorities was finding a bunch of white frames to make a picture wall sort of like the one in your nursery. We found some great frames, some of which are the same ones pictured above, and the wall turned out great! We arranged the frames on the floor until we liked the way they looked then used paper and painter’s tape to map the arrangement out on the wall. It took some work to get it just right, but we love it!
Maky says
Oh IKEA… thank the furniture Gods for IKEA!!!
When I decided that I’d had enough of living in a furnished flat I spent 6 hours at IKEA just soaking up the inspiration of their layouts, trying to get ideas – so, of course my work colleagues laughed their heads off at me when I actually took a day off during the week to do this (IKEA on the weekend? I don’t think so!) but I came home $1000 poorer and 10000% happier.
Two EXPEDITS, a HEIMDAL bed and the new amaaaaaaazing KIVIK two-seater sofa were the most expensive purchases. Nevermind all the little things like curtains (fell in love with the VIVAN in your mood boards), lamps, etc…
I have to say, out of all these purchases though, the best decision ever was the KIVIK. It’s incredibly comfortable, much wider and longer than the usual IKEA sofas, has low armrests (so if you wanna take a nap, your neck doesn’t get a crick in it after 2 minutes!) and it’s easily customizable (you can add on all kinds of sofa bits). Oh and the armrests are wide enough to easily balance a large plate, a magazine, books or whatever you might fancy placing there.
After actually sleeping on it for two weeks, I’m even more bowled over – without even removing the back cushions, I slept better than I had slept in any bed for months!
I swear, I will never live in a country that doesn’t have IKEA. Or in a place where getting to IKEA takes more than 2 hours! This is my solemn pledge ;-)
Julie says
Oh my gosh!!! I was DROOLING over the Holiday with Matthew Mead bookazine Christmas dining room yesterday…(I wanted to sit and look through the “book” with my coffee) and LOOK at the chadelier!!!!!!
http://www.holidaywithmatthewmead.com/2010/10/holiday-decor8-ing.html
Megean says
I love using paper to arrange pictures on the wall. My current favorite trick is to take out the insert that comes with the frame and using that to determine how it will look on the wall. If you peek behind some of my frames, you’ll see the paper is still there!