IKEA's 2013 catalog has arrived! This new edition further cements my theory that the true genius of IKEA is how they skillfully show us how to use their basic items in ways that are new, fresh and innovative, making you feel like you want to dig in and make the most of your home. Their stylists keep on coming up with new ways to stretch square footage while keeping things looking good - there is always an idea or two worth stealing! Jump through for 7 fresh decorating ideas from the pages of the 2013 catalog along with a link through to the whole thing online, so you can explore on your own…
1. Consider mixing shelving and bookcases: This mix of wall hung shelving and Billy bookcases creates a custom storage solution to suit an awkward space by simply extending the level of the shelves in the bookcase out across the stairwell. This would be a great solution to bridge spaces between bookshelves that span a desk, bed, window or any other object you'd like to incorporate into a storage wall, making the entire expanse feel more "built-in".
2 Run ultra narrow shelving the full length of the wall: This super skinny simple shelving creates a great space for what can be an ever-changing display of artwork and collections. The keys to making it look good? It runs from one end of the wall to the other and is painted the same color as the wall - these two touches makes it feel architectural, rather than "stuck on" the way that some picture rails and floating shelves can if they have lots of negative space around them.
3. "Upholster" an (inexpensive) chest of drawers: This great custom look was obtained very simply - according to the catalog text, the patterned fabric was just stretched and tacked in place with a staple gun. Not a project you'd do with a antique hardwood dresser, but it looks fantastic on a simple, low-cost chest.
4. Hide the clutter, not the storage: These wall hung cabinets are the antithesis of "hidden storage" on the surface, but actually provide tons of space to store things away. The bold blue doors make for an almost-artwork-like statement in the room and look striking, while being totally practical..
5. Get creative in the entryway: This classic plastic bag holder/storage solution breaks free of the interior of your under sink cabinet and works wonders in the landing strip area as a clever wall-hung umbrella holder - with the added benefit of not taking up floor space.
6. Ceiling hung panels are a great looking sound dampener: Kill two birds with one stone by adding an easy-to-diy accent piece in the bedroom (or wherever you'd like) which also absorbs sound. The panels also help to visually define a space, so it would work well in a studio or any type of open plan room that serves multiple purposes. Note how the gray paint on the ceiling is dropped down a foot or so onto the top of the walls, creating a backdrop for the panels that draws your eye up and helps to frame the panels.
7. Mix it up in the kitchen and anchor it with a strong center: This duo of textured-look wood grain upper cabinets (set on the horizontal) with the clean, flat finish white lower cabinets (vertically oriented, of course) add plenty of flair and push/pull visual energy to an otherwise simple, utilitarian space. The concept of matching the dark wall color to the countertop to make it a solid black "line" running between them is a great one - it adds strength and cohesiveness to the design.
Check Out the New Catalog: IKEA 2013
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Hillary & Michael's Refined Roost
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The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Nomade Express Slee...
10 Things to Pack That Make Cooking on Vacation Easier
My Staple Summer Cocktail Recipe: Campari & IPA Spritzer
I like this blog, I really do. But really now - are you funded by Ikea?
I imagine they are very good advertisers, but also, many of us here are IKEA-maniacs.
No - most definitely not an ad. This is just the latest version of a post we do every year, just for fun, because the new catalog is always an anticipated event!
I love Ikea.
I love Ikea and look forward to their new catalogue every year. Can't wait!
I heart Ikea!
I luurv Ikea
Ikea never disappoints in the clever design department!
I think your 2nd sentence is so true. They make really simple things exciting.
I loooove that armchair and got all excited that this was a new chair being released. Now I'm sad that I won't have that in my living room by this fall.
There are Ikea stuffs I like or find very cleverly designed and/or convenient and others I just don't like (question of design). Ikea is an important modern furnishing and popular interiors design actor. In my new apartment I got just a few Ikea things and others are coming from other chains (Maisons du Monde, La Redoute, etc.), flea markets/secondhand goods/antics. I manage myself to diversify my interior so that it is not an Ikea exhibition. Thanks to the Ikea As-Is space, I could transform and make some DIY projects such my headboard or some cabinets. I hope I'll show you everything once I'm done.
All ikea snobs please look away and let the rest of us enjoy. kthxbai
The new IKEA catalog is my grown-up version of the Sears Wishbook.
Umbrella holder is a brilliant use for the bag holder. It could be mounted inside a closet door or right on an entry wall. Living on the wet coast gives you an appreciation for creative umbrella storage. Ikea is handy for some items, others not so much, but overall provides a good source of decent basics for people on a budget. Some can afford a single $3,000 item from the higher end places but that would have to furnish my entire apartment.
Laetitiae- While the chair on the cover is one that is from the early days of IKEA, there is a new version that will be available soon. I believe in August. The new version is nearly identical, and will be available in two colors.
Even if you don't like ikea products, I mean let's face it - Not all of their stuff is top quality... They still have an amazing show room and beautiful catalog... Great for ideas and inspirations!
Oh IKEA, you cheap hooker, how I adore you.
I just Luv IKEA!
I, too, love the armchair on the cover and I really hope it will be available in more than 2 colors. It looks so comfortable and cozy and the perfect seating for winter evenings. I think my cat wants it, too.
I like that IKEA is starting to adopt the 'hack' mentality that's become so popular! (ie the umbrella holder, 'upholstered' drawers).
None of this is particularly exciting, I feel like I've seen it all before. Bright Bazaar, however, recently featured a new/coming range from Ikea that was seriously gorgeous!!
@RAVEN1025, that's the best news I've heard this week! Hurrah! Thanks for the info. :)
Raven1025, thank you so much for the info on the chair! I was also feeling sad about not being able to buy that chair.
I really like the narrow shelving idea in photo 2.
@NGNERD "The new IKEA catalog is my grown-up version of the Sears Wishbook."
You are so right! I feel the same way I did when I was a kid. Look and dream...and sometimes those dreams came true.
NGnerd you got that right,
LOL@ Parnassus
Is this why their site's been crashing for days? haha
Huh. I thought everyone on AT was supposed to scorn IKEA.
(Not me, but I'm poor.)
I actually love that plastic bag holder for plastic bags, lol! Had one for years now, it's better than anything for keeping them corralled. Never thought to use it for brollies - good idea!
Love the items that are clever and affordable. Don't love buying things that aren't locally made.
Am I the only one seeing the Seahorse in a vase? Don't they need an aquarium with a pump?
I too love Ikea. But I have a question for everyone. Every year I order the catalog and some years it comes and some years it does not. Has anyone else had this problem?
I LOVE the way that narrow shelving looks architectural, almost like a modern version of panelling. Now if only I had wall space that big....
@EEKNS I've had the same problem ordering the catalog. In my case, it never arrives.
I don't bother trying anymore and just get them from eBay. With shipping, costs about $7-$8--less than an issue of Dwell magazine. Otherwise, it's a 3 1/2 hr trip to Schaumberg Illinois ...
I just went to Ikea for the first time this week (the closest one is a few hours away). I was amazed. Folks, please don't take your nearby Ikea for granted. <shaking your cheeks in a (poorly done) Billy Madison impersonation> CHERISH IT!
I have the benefit of living 5 minutes from one Ikea and 35 minutes from another. I think it may be the only area of the country where there are two so close to each other. So if something is not in stock, it's not really a hassle to go to the other one.
I love love love Ikea and I also love the creative hacks that ATers and others come up with. Great, affordable inspiration!
I live literally 5 minutes from a honking great IKEA. And they always send me a free catalogue.
Umm...so there. Or something.
The IKEA catalog was delivered to the front porches of the houses in my neighorhood! Whoa. That's the first time that has happened. There are lots of things IKEA I don't like, namely quality and the throw-away mentality/society it encourages (which I'm totally guilty of engaging in) but I have to be honest, when I walk into an IKEA store, I'm excited about decorating on my own place. Kudos on them for being able to do that. I love how put together the displays all looks. They have clever design at affordable prices.
I know it's not quite the same, but you can look at the catalog online, too.
http://info.ikea-usa.com/Catalog/
And if you want to still request a catalog be sent to you, you can request the paper version or the digital version. If you have trouble receiving the paper copy, I bet a digital edition would reach your inbox just fine.
@Charlie26, I've got you beat. There was one day I had to make three trips to my IKEA.
I love Ikea.
I call it the mothership whenever we make a trip out there.
You said it @ngnerd
All they need is those little "I WANT" stickers that come with the Toys R Us catalog right around Christmas.
The chair on the front cover is actually a 60 year old IKEA chair from the founder Ingvars own home!!! It shows us all how something old can be made new again simply by just adding some textiles! Love it!! (And the story behind it!!)
P.S. A number of IKEA's best selling furniture is actually made in the USA
one of my favorite sites is www.ikeafans.com . I have had amazing results and done a lot with thier product by mixing it up and thus it does not "look like Ikea" I redid 2 properties at the same time and I could have workd there, I knew stuff by the Swedish names, the shortcuts through the store and often found myself helping other people with dazed looks on thier faces. Glad I got the projects completed but for about a year after that a lot of the sitcom TV shows has sets with a lot of recognizeable Ikea product. Now, I go to Ikea a for fun and sometimes just for lunch, no list and anticipate another project in the future will include a lot of Ikea.
I love IKEA. I've grown up with IKEA. I've had furniture from IKEA last a lot longer than most people's 'high end' furniture.
People really should go visit IKEA Home Stories on IKEA's Family Live website. They show real people around the world, with IKEA furnishings mixed in with their own elements and other designs. You'd never think how amazing some of say a HEMNES or a EXPEDIT would look in a concrete wall 100 year old farmhouse. It's inspiring.
Thanks so much for the inspiration! My nearest Ikea is 6 hrs away so we only go about every other year, but th eir catalog is so inspirational! Thanks for breaking it down, AT.
Haha, @ngnerd, so true. :)
While there are some IKEA things I feel I've grown out of, I love the catalogs for ideas and inspirations, and the store for their fabrics, kitchen goods, accessories, and they have single handedly furnished my studio/office. I would definitely consider some of their kitchen set ups as well after some research. If I ever have a child, I'm sure what I didn't get as hand-me-downs would come from there to furnish their space. Bring it on!
I also agree, it helps that I'm so close to one I can go there during my lunch break. (the ideal time to avoid the crowds.) But late summer is scary all together. I must be near some of you that say you are by two IKEAs, as far as I know, the Chicago 'burbs are about the only place that happens!
Te quero Ikea!
@HeatherGirl: I LMAOd when I read your post because it is exactly what I was thinking.
Very excited about the new catalog! Look forward to getting it every year!
Happy dancing has ensued...carry on.
Its true... I NEED that chair. I will wait and save my pennies.
I am glad there is a design place out there that is open to the idea that IKEA isn't all the root of all evil. This is what I experienced back in deisgn school and I hated it, always admiring how they wanted to make design and function affordable to the masses.
There is a time and place for IKEA.
Ikea releases a catalog filled with new and favorite products every year and yes, it is VERY. MUCH. ANTICIPATED. In addition, Ikea is a major player in the design world. They have elevated affordable design for many college students, young home buyers and families. Last time I checked, following such innovators and trends is a major function of Apartment Therapy. Why else would you be here? It's ok not to like everything you see here but seeing a dedicated post about a HUGE design company is not unheard of. And no, I don't work for Ikea.
Still wondering why Ikea wants you to depend on an 'online' catalog but then have so much stuff 'not available online'. I'd like to be really near an Ikea but will settle for actually scrounging around for stuff not mass produced and available in stores WORLDwide.
Oh.. and New Jersey is another place where you're near two of them! Where I grew up was about a 30 min ride to Paramus or Elizabeth IKEA.
Now that I'm like 15 minuets away from one on the west coast my friends and I will stop by for dinner even just for fun!
I came home last night to find that I also got the IKEA catalog on my front porch! They are REALLY getting innovative in their photo staging - I'm loving it! I work right down the street from them, so I have to resist the urge to go there every week.
I don't get IKEA haters... it's easy and stylish and most of the large stuff (if put together correctly) lasts YEARS.
Is anyone else secretly addicted to their little green marzipan chocolate rolls (Punschrullar)? I have to buy two packs a visit now since the husband discovered that he loves them too... he has to hide his from me. ;)
Yeaaaaaa ! for the new Ikea catalog. Like many of you, I loved receiving the Sears Roebuck and JC Penney catalogs in the mail. Give me a pen for markingmy pages as I wished my way through and a snack and I was good to go !
Can't wait until it shows up at my door! I don't love all of their stuff but I love most of it and I adore their catalogs. They have great designers setting up those shots.
@NGNERD So funny! I remember the Sears Wishbooks fondly. My sisters and I would circle and scribble in them every year before Christmas! I keep my IKEA catalogue on hand and do the adult equivilant... post-it notes!
http://www.ikeahackers.net/p/quick-start-guide-to-ikea-hackers.html
If you love IKEA, you'll love this site.
NGNERD - Yes! That's it exactly. This is just like receiving the Sears Wishbook in the mail and pouring over for hours, wishing for everything.
Can an IKEA fan/expert/authority on here tell me the name of the sofa in photo #2 (the narrow shelving hint)?
Coquitlam & Richmond are two stores that are close to each other. I believe Coquitlam's store was the first in Canada and now the Richmond store is the largest in Canada.
Ikea catalogues were delivered to our doors 2 years in a row (probably because we are so close) but I checked the Canadian website and the 2013 aren't available here yet.
I love everything Ikea and often go there on a rainy day to have meatballs or to just wander around, it's more than a store!!
Looks like a Karlstad to me, but not 100% sure.
I love Ikea! Where else can you get great inspiration, free babysitting for the kids, and a free cup of coffee all at the same time? The stuff in my house that DIDN'T come from Ikea is outnumbered by the stuff that did. Even the kids' markers are Ikea...
It's a karlstad sofa (or love seat) with a karlstad chaise and the separate feet. And a lot of pillows.
We have this set up (with the included feet) and it is super comfy and awesome! It cost between $800-$900 with the white cover. (with the plan to buy discontinued covers in different colours when they go on sale)
Everyone in our house loves ikea - the kids consider it a fun day trip! We go a couple of times a year, enjoy lunch and the play areas and of course buy a few items for the house. I love much of their offerings, and that they are *fun* for us all!
Raven1025, where can we find more info on the new ikea wingback chairs/colors? So excited!!
@Raven1025, where can we find more info on the new ikea wingback chairs/colors? So excited!
the chair? http://www.polyvore.com/ikea_strandmon/thing?id=60349230
I ♥ IKEA.
@QZAK78-Yes, that's the chair. It's not on the website yet, when it is it will have the upholstery info. One is black, I believe the other is dark blue.
I wish it would come in a lighter color... but I wonder will they have slip covers for it?? They used to slip cover these back in the old days for summer, and oh I love that look.
when catalogs usually arrive at home, i have to remind my husband to look PAST the styling. but with ikea, we do the reverse. what ideas can we steal from their layouts? and it's so fun to shop there. it's like thrift-store shopping, you just have to know what to avoid.
loving that wingback! wondering about the price... i love getting my ikea catalog in the mail! theres a couple things i really want in this new one!
@qzak78, thanks for the link! Slipcovers would be nice...
During the week of July 4th, ALL the new stuff was showing up on the Ikea website. The wing back chair, the new PS stuff, everything. Then, poof, it was gone. I think they must have been loading up all the new stuff in anticipation of the new catalog debut, while at the same time taking off stuff that won't be sold anymore like the Poang chaise. Depending on what Ikea considers zero day for the new design year, I expect the full range of the new stuff should be reappearing by August 1, if not before.
I hope I NEVER grow out of IKEA!!!!
I eagerly await the new IKEA catalog every year- I've been saving my old ones, I think I have them back to 2006! However its a bittersweet thing to look forward to, as it also signals the end of summer.
I like the apparent theme of this catalog- the last one was kinda low on content.
I REALLY wish they were selling that chair on the cover, though!
Someone please explain to me why the classic wingback chair is suddenly *to die for* because it's on the cover of the latest IKEA catalog. And while you're at it, convince me you think it's merely *coincidence* that the [currently unavailable, soon to be re-introduced] chair is featured. Hello?
(can you say 'marketing genius'?)
I am NOT anti-IKEA but this mindlessness is beyond the pale. Like leading lambs to the slaughter. Get a grip.
Ikea is cutting down primeval trees in Russia for our "cheap" furniture.
I love Ikea & I’m not ashamed to shout it from the top of my Expedit bookcase. I have several pieces & just bought a table for my dining room & I always get compliments. I’ve never regretted a purchase. It’s only about 30 minutes from my home & I spend hours there when I make the trip.
I'm not the 25 year old with exactly 45 bucks to make my SF mission apt transform - but Ikea still thrills and works for me. This is socio-economic equality - kind of communism, the utopian kind - in a box.
I often go to ikea just to look. Love all their made up rooms. Mum and I go on dates to Ikea. Funny enough when I visit Ikea I suddenly feel the need to live in tiny spaces with storage to the roof. Makes me want to give up my house and live apartment therapy ikea style. lol
I love IKEA, but their website is really not something to be desired. I wish that they would have EVERYTHING available for purchase via internet. It is so frustrating when one doesn't live near a store to shop in person.
Page 292 is my favorite.
I absolutely LOATHE the idea of #3. Seriously. How the heck are you gonna clean that upholstered chest? My mother always said that when you buy something you have to always know how/if it's possible to clean it before buying it. Best advice ever.
The caption under the chair says that it is an old IKEA chair from 1951. But then there is that polyvore link... so is it coming or not? And why was IKEA so much cooler in the 50s?
Whatever, Let me just admit: I love IKEA. I don't care how much it makes my sister cringe. I enjoy my ikea apartment.
I ♥ Ikea design. I don't ♥ the quality so much.
hi there, can anyone tell me what the wall-mounted boxes in the children's room are called? they're the perfect solution for our son's room (remake due in august/september!). thanks!
Here's another link to an image of the dark grey wingback to be released: http://images.ikea.com/assetbank-ikea/action/viewAsset?id=2990&index=15&total=1000&view=viewSearchItem
And another: http://images.ikea.com/assetbank-ikea/action/viewAsset?id=2988&index=13&total=1000&view=viewSearchItem
The website says that the chair will be available on August 1. So: Hurrah!!
Also @DISCERNING - I don't know you any more than you know me. So how about you not suggest that because I (and others) express an appreciation for a beautiful and classic chair that I am somehow mindless or some lamb to the slaughter. Such a comment says so much more about you than it does about anyone else.
I go nuts with anticipation every year starting in May and by August, I'm ready for the straightjacket. Your post made my day! Thanks AT..
Have any of you who LOVE your Ikea paid any attention to their lack of "quality" in general when it comes to their products? If the old saying, "you get what you pay for" ever applied to anything it does when talking about Ikea furniture quality or the lack there of. That being said, I do agree with the article that Ikea's catalog stylists are the best at what they do, are very clever and spot on with their decorating tips and ideas, ways to creatively use color and how to get the most use out of a small space.
Why heavens, not GEALTERS415! We haven't. We are so very happy with our broken chairs, and tv stands. Is that not the way its suppose to be.
Honestly. Follow the directions when you build your stuff, and retighten the screws every so often and the stuff will last for YEARS. My main ikea pieces are going on 10 years with not a problem.
As for the catalog i'm a little bit disappointed this year. It doesn't really give an over view of any of the lines they have. Its definitely become more of an inspirational thumb through thing, than the chuck full of information catalog it used to be.
@gwalters415: Have any of you who slam IKEA for its 'lack of quality' paid any attention to the fact that it's all some people can afford?!
My motto is 'life is about doing things, not about having things'. I read AT because I love good design, but reality is, I've been putting myself through law school on half of a single income. Of course I would like an antique oak table that could be passed down for several generations, but not enough that I'm going to sit in my apartment alone eating ramen for it. Someone else is going to buy that table. It's not going in landfill.
I'm going to make do with my IKEA dining table and Expedit bookshelf, and spend my money on travel and study instead. Don't let it bother you.
I love this @charlie26: My motto is 'life is about doing things, not about having things'. And I love me some Ikea too.
For all us fabric stashers/fondlers, this is a great tip for using up yardage.
@Nancy from mpls, ms. The picture of the narrow 'shelving' is a bit misleading. They are strictly speaking picture rails. I have them above my daughter's work area to display her artwork. They are too narrow to stack books (as in the picture), and even smallish (30cm) frames need securing, or they tip forward and fall off. You couldn't put anything in front of a frame. Even those big paint brushes are probably stuck to the wall. Still, they do look nice and are fairly easy to put up - I have white on white, like the photo.
As for quality, we bought beds for our kids from IKEA when they were young (frames only). 16 years later, and they are still sleeping on them when they're home (the beds are continental size, 2m X 1m). They used their IKEA desks throughout their school years too. Their kitchen cabinets are also a good budget option.
I think often people treat Ikea funiture badly because its cheap and then it doesn't last - like for example a blogger that didn't oil her outdoor table (as it was said in the instructions) and left it outside in the Chicago winter- of course it didn't last. Expensive, high quality funiture on the other hand often gets taken good care which isn't the only reason but one of the reasons why it does last. There are differences between different Ikea products, some have a good quality others less so, (tipp: examine the floor models and how they look after being used, look at the materials, for example is it wood or mdf and research online, especially if the models are older there might be people out their who had the product for 5 or 10 years and can tell you how the stand up to everyday use). Also just because something is expensive doesn't have to mean that its better quality/last longer. For somethings you can't get good quality cheap, others its easy. But generally said, while you might not get the best quality at Ikea, you get quite a lot for your many, often the quality of Ikea products is a lot better than other products in the same price category due to their big quantities and often smart design.
Try entering "Ikea" on Craigslist and be amazed - there is so much of it. Someone much handier than I has already put it together and at a fraction of the cost. One less desk or shelf in the landfill, too. Oh, and they are cutting down old-growth forests in Russia, I heard about that too. That's another reason to shop second-hand. I just hope the catalogs aren't made from old-growth trees too, since I always look forward to getting mine. :(
While I don't buy a whole lot from IKEA, it is a very fun place to visit and find interesting affordable things to incorporate into you little tiny cheap apt, your NYC condo, your 3 bedroom suburban ranch home and everything in between. Please people, stop being design snobs. It is all about style and creativity, not where you get the stuff from.
YRNAMEHERE:
Which "Poang Chaise" is being discontinued? There are at 3 chair shapes -- one with the bentwood base, the rocker and the 3rd a swivel.
The Poang is like McDonald's Big Mac -- it's Ikea's signature piece, to me!
(But I have 2 and am all set -- just curious about your comment)
To those who commented on my earlier remarks about the poor quality of Ikea furniture:
Each to their own, but there is no way you can possibly convince me that a dresser made out of fiberboard covered in foil that retails for $175 is a good deal for the money. Craig's List is full of used/antique wooden dressers for less than $175 that might need a coat of paint before using that would look a whole lot better than fiberboard covered in foil that will could last forever. All you have to do is look at CL free listings to see ad after ad for free Ikea furniture that's usable but damaged. The person bought the dresser for $175 will need another dresser in a few years when it falls apart having to spend another $175 to replace it. Instead wait until you have the $350 and buy a stunning used dresser that only needs a little love that will look 100 times better than a cheap Ikea dresser. But, hey...... Do whatever floats your boat I always say.
IKEA might look ok, but it will fall apart very quickly. But I question buying from IKEA because of dubious environmental issues. They are currently clear-cutting virgin ancient Russian forests in north Karelia instead of logging secondary forests. It isn't enough for good design in the 21st century to only be aesthetically pleasing and well-functioning - good design has to be responsible/sustainable both in its manufacturing process and in its recyclable component/material content. Instead of a thinking only as consumer, it might be helpful to think of one's self as a "recyclosumer".
The Ikea Poang chaise being discontinued is this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Ikea-Cushion-Removable-Machine-Washable/dp/B0078IMPBE
It's disappeared from the online catalog and last time I was in an Ikea (a couple of weeks ago) the display model was still out, but it had a mark-down tag that usually means they are clearancing the stock and there won't be any more after that. The other models are still on the website and there is no sign they are going anywhere.
As to rinse-later-repeat comments about Ikea low quality. Come on guys. Billy bookcases can last for decades as can Ivar and Gorm shelves. Rast chests ($35) and nightstands ($15) are cheap in terms of price and totally solid wood. The new Tarva line is also solid wood and I got two of the 5-drawer chests for about $175 combined since the second one was from as-is and less than $70. If you do a search on the website for solid wood, you might be surprised how many items you find. Rast and Tarva are also perfect blank slates for expressing your own creativity. They are unfinished so you can have all the fun of finishing a piece without the hassle of undoing the mess of a previous owner.
Just LOVE the looks in the second picture. The narrow shelving... I have to try this in my living room.
Thank you for GREAT site with lots of inspirational ideas and articles!!
☼
Anette Willemine
@Anette Willemine: please read my comment above. This post is misleading - they are picture rails, not shelving. Anything taller than about 30cm needs to be secured, and if you have a frame on it, you can fit no more than a postcard in front.
In the 1970s I used to stop at McDonald's for a restroom and food while traveling up and down the California coast. In the 90s it was Starbucks. Then I discovered IKEA!! Wow!! Clean restrooms, decent food, some exercise and loads of wonderful things to look at put together in inspiring ways. I've been in every West Coast IKEA from Emeryville to San Diego and love them all. I always come out with a few purchased items plus some crackers and jams. What more could a road traveler want? Of course, I make 400 mile round trip IKEA-dedicated trips a couple of times a year, too. I just hauled an 8-drawer Hemnes chest home and its parts are spread all over the lr floor now. My son lives in San Francisco. I don't know which excites me more: visiting him or the East Palo Alto IKEA! I am in a state of high anticipation, waiting for that catalog.
Picture #7 ... we did a similar thing when we redid our kitchen with Ikea ... 6 years ago!! (Ahead of our time, I guess!) The sales people thought we wouldn't like mixing up the cabinets, but they were wrong and I still like it. Most of the kitchen is in the lighter birch wood color. We used a darker version of the same cabinet on the upper ones of one wall that matches our wood flooring (kind of like a cherry color). The granite was a color called Giotto Alba that I only saw at one wholesaler but it has tones in it that pick up both cabinet colors plus some black and grey that ties in with the stainless steel.
I have 2 bag/storage containers in my laundry room. I spray painted the plastic green to make it look less ikea-ish. One contains plastic, reusable bags and the other contains kitchen rags.
I've been shopping at Ikea for years, even furnished both of my son's bedrooms, & most of their college rooms too. Many pieces lasted for years, like the tall bookcase that rotated around to be a full length mirror! Love that piece. Their styling is superb,& the colors always punch up a room. The only complaint I have is the table I bought for my dining room is not wood, & the laminate scratches up a lot, but it was so inexpensive, I didn't expect much.
Can't wait to get the new catalog! & the Elizabeth, NJ store has 3%tax!
Does anyone else think the new 2013 catalog stinks, even the cover is way off base with ikea customers, Oh yes i have written as this looks like the cover of a JC Pennies. Not to mention same old pictures, less ideas than ever, and they need to fire the magazine designers of that cover, , I betting they will loose millions in revenue because of it. I almost threw it in the garbage thinking it was some out of date crap. I expect so much more from this company who blew us away with Eye catching covers and amazing design concepts and page flow. This was a disaster..
@glasgow_belle - I think those wall-mounted boxes in the children's room could be FÖRHÖJA wall cabinets from kitchen stuff.
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90177198/#/70177199
It's cheap, well-designed, and DIY-able. My favourites for 2013: http://thingsthatareawesome.com/2012/09/26/ikea-2013/
Online shopping is great but only ! negative point - long waiting time for delivery. New York Cargo Taxi IKEA Delivery serviceoffers next day Delivery from IKEA in Brooklyn or Elizabeth!!! Check the rates and save time & money using this service. Send your shopping list by 9pm today and get wanted items tomorrow!