Take a new white leather sofa, add two designers with strong points of view and one talented photographer and what do you get? A fun project that that shows off the power of color, pattern and accessories - the fact that all the stuff surrounds the sofa is really what sets the style. Big pics below:
Arren went for a world traveler vibe:
• striped, woven textile as wall covering
• plenty of natural wood and wicker pieces for style and storage and seating
• a wide range of textures in the fabrics and lighting choices keeps things interesting and authentic
• color palette of reds and browns mixed with a few other warm brights and calm neutrals
Tamara's design is all about a clean take on modern glamour:
• unapologetically bubblegum embracing pink wall color
• super strong doses of black throughout adds drama and grounds the space
• a sense of balance is achieved through the use of pairs - two silhouettes, two red pillows, two striped pillows. but....
• the scale of the arrangement is asymmetric in a modern way - artwork is low and the floral arrangement is big, the sofa is flanked by furniture in the same color but very varied sizes
Those of you who are regular IKEA shoppers know that there is plenty of IKEA to be found in both "rooms" with the main item being the white leather Karlstad sofa.
More on the project, including a video: Webisode 2: IKEA Design Mission
Thanks, Arren!
(Images: Angus Fergusson/Arren Williams Design Lab)
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I have a lamp that looks more or less exactly like the lamp in the first photo. Never underestimate the power of TJ Maxx and Marshall's for your decorating needs.
@Goodpanda- indeed! Their dedicated home store, HomeGoods, is also a great source.
About this sofa: I find it to be extremely uncomfortable. As I do all furniture that is firm, low to the ground, and having a low back. But these looks are great, though!
@MsDonnaGirl - I also dislike Ikea sofas. The frames seem to be of decent quality, but the cushioning leaves much to be desired. I don't want to be absorbed by my couch, but I'd rather not be sitting on what feels like a slab of rock either.
good pictures
@GoodPanda- so it isn't just me, then?! I was beginning to wonder, with all of the hype about accessibility and affordability that is heaped on Ikea, whether comfort was something we weren't supposed to talk about.
@MsDonnaGirl - no, it's not just you! I have never been impressed by any of the Ikea couches I've put my tush on.
tjmaxx, marshalls and home goods are all sister retailers. sometimes you find items tagged with one of the others' logos
I have the Ikea Karlstad sofa and I love it! It's deep, cozy, chic and you can't beat the price. I had a Ektorp previously and that sucker never broke in after 2 years of heavy tush traffic.
can anyone source the red and white rug in the first photo? i think i want it.
I love my Karlstad sofa! My guests always compliment me on it, and are usually surprised to learn it's from Ikea. Also, if you remove the back cushions it makes a very cozy twin-sized bed for overnight guests.
Ditto threechordme. We have the Karlstad sofabed in dark sivik gray. <3!!! All out guests ask where we got it and are shocked when we say Ikea. They're even more shocked to find out it's a sofabed with storage below.
We also have the Karlstad loveseat in our home office. I love cozying up in it to do some work at home.
I love every single piece in the first photo. I also love my friend's white Ektorp sofa; pretty and comfortable.
How easy (or not) would it be to switch out the legs on a Karlstad sofa with something non-Ikea? Anyone know?
I would like to no about the leg switching also.
Karlstad legs can be switched. The easiest option would be to buy the other Karlstad legs that are offered:
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10118914
Otherwise, you could remove the legs and drill in some new ones such as hairpin legs:
http://hairpinlegs.com/
Post about the legs switch.
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/good-questions/good-questions-can-i-replace-with-nonikea-legs-076011
@Carrefour_NY The rug you're looking at in my shot is the Ikea PS Stuga in red/natural.
@wow247, thanks for the link!
I also have the Karstad sofa and think it's great. I wish I had bought the loveseat chaise, but it was too much money at the time.
My dream sofa would be the Crate and Barrel Petrie, but I won't be buying that any time soon....
Oops, that should read "KarLstad."
Your welcome rosenatti
Lovely - Could someone source the hand woven textile thats hung behind the sofa in the 1st picture? Thanks
@vk - Hey there, glad you like it! It's actually a rug, one of Ikea's woolen flatweaves they carry in stock in the store, but don't always show on the website.
Thanks Arren - how did you manage to hang it up there (sorry if it sounds too lame but am a complete novice!)
I like both rooms, but I kind of feel like in the first room the couch could have been a totally different shape and maybe brown leather or the same shape but natural/beige instead of white and it would have been just as good/better, whereas in the second room it is really "supposed" to be white.
Did you roll over the edges of the carpet so it would be even, or something?
@vk - Not lame at all! We hung the carpet using a hammer and finishing nails (and a level).
@lepidoptery - Nope, the edge of the flatweave carpet was already nice and even, so no need to roll it over.
@arren
Huh! The picture of the rug on the ikea website does suggest otherwise. I thought it was a nifty, if tricky effect. Odd, I wonder if the staggered edges are actually available at all?