We all know that the DIY Gods & Goddesses of the world work some crazy awesome magic on any number of Ikea home products. And if you’re trying to decorate your home on a budget, DIY-ing can often be your best friend. But what if (GASP!): You’re just not that crafty? What if you’d rather NOT spend your Saturday under a pile of plywood and paint?
As an affordable web-based interior design firm, Havenly attracts clients with a wide range of budgets. We need to be able to source more affordable products without sacrificing style. Ikea is one of the very best sources for DIY projects, but don’t worry, many of their home products require no alteration of any kind. In fact, you can elevate these chic on-the-cheap items simply by pairing them with the right cast of characters. Shelby Girard, Havenly’s Director of Design, gives us her tips on how to use some Ikea favorites in a polished-looking room that doesn’t break the bank!
IKEA DESIGN TIP #1
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The Ikea KOLDBY Cowhide is a perfect way to add dimension to a room. Layering it on top of an oversized jute rug works perfect in a masculine or rustic room while layering it over a black and white striped (like the Ikea STOCKHOLM Rug) would create more of a bold, contemporary look.
IKEA DESIGN TIP #2
The LOVBACKEN Side Table is so versatile. It would be useful as a traditional side table in a living room or as nightstands in a guest room where storage isn’t needed, but our favorite use is to pair two or three of the tables together to use as a coffee table. These tables would be great in a small apartment since they’re easy to move around and reconfigure for entertaining or more casual dinners in front of the TV (while watching Real Housewives marathons).
IKEA DESIGN TIP #3
The Ikea ALMSTA Rattan Chair works great in an indoor/outdoor space paired with a more modern table and light fixture. The classic George Nelson bubble lamp and a brass indoor/outdoor dining table compliments the bohemian look of the chairs while keeping them modern. You could even mix and match these with the ikea HOLMSEL chairs in black for a more varied/casual look.
IKEA DESIGN TIP #4
The STOCKHOLM rug is another one of those super versatile Ikea finds. We already mentioned the rug’s potential as a backdrop for a dark cowhide. The durable, soil-resistent wool makes this rug ideal for high traffic areas, kids rooms, or indoor/outdoor spaces as well. We love it on a porch or in a covered outdoor space.
IKEA DESIGN TIP #5
Another piece that works seamlessly in modern, bohemian, or rustic settings is a good plant basket. The Ikea MAFFENS Basket has a hip/modern neutral palette that would work well as table decor (holding white orchids, or course) or next to a grouping of modern lanterns like West Elm’s Simple Metal Lanterns.
IKEA DESIGN TIP #6
Fig trees are one of our absolute favorite indoor plants. They are such an easy way to add color and life (literally) to a space without going overboard, and they are one of the more sophisticated looking indoor plants that are affordable and accessible. Place this fruit-bearing fig tree in a planter basket in an outdoor area or a more contemporary metal planter in living rooms or dining rooms.
Who would ever guess how Ikea-heavy the room above truly is? It always helps to see products in action (and perhaps paired with products from other sources) to really understand how they would be used in our homes.
Think you’ve seen everything that can be done with Ikea products? Let one of our online interior designers show you what Ikea Chic really means!
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