We Gave a Professional Home Stager $100—Here’s What She Bought at IKEA
It’s easy to think that industry professionals, like home stagers, have access to vast insider resources for home decor not open to lowly members of the public like ourselves. But guess what? Home stagers: They’re just like us—and they love to shop at IKEA.
“Ikea has long been my go-to destination for staging and styling a home,” says Noel Gatts, owner and principal designer of Beam + Bloom Interiors in Bloomfield, N.J. “You can’t always equate affordable with cheap, and IKEA’s ever-popular Scandi-style decor is affordable.”
So we decided to let Gatts loose in an IKEA with $100 to see what she’d snap up for her home styling needs. Here’s what she selected.
Striped throw pillow
“Throw pillows are a home-styling workhorse. They are a quick and easy way to set the tone for a whole space by adding color, texture, shape, and comfort. I adore this simple but intriguing minimalist pattern, and the price is insanely good.”
Buy: Konstanse cushion, $7.99
Tiered plant stand
“Odd or open corners are crying out for a little love! It can be hard to find something to add interest to these nooks without overpowering them. This tiered stand fits the bill perfectly. It adds height without weight and can be a style chameleon depending on the plant life or objects that you choose to display. You could use vases of flowers, cascading plants, or tall and linear greenery. We incorporate multiple plants—faux and real—in every project, and this plant stand is a perfect addition to our arsenal.”
Buy: Satsumas plant stand, $29.99
Seagrass basket
“I use this basket in my own living room, and it’s served multiple beautiful purposes. Add a throw blanket or pillows for color and personality, or put a plant pot inside to add a warmer, more organic vibe to your space.”
Buy: Fladis basket, $9.99
Pitcher-style vase
“A classic vessel for greenery or flowers—or a striking stand-alone piece against a deeper background—a simple white vase is a must-have home decor item.”
Buy: Sockeraert vase, $14.99
Map wall art
“Oversized art can be pricey and bulky but is absolutely vital for a home stager. This map is classic, clean, dynamic, versatile, and lightweight. You could use it in almost any room that needs interest on an expansive wall. From a personal design perspective, it would be so much fun to add either basic black sharpie marks or colorful markings to notate your adventures!”
(Note: This poster is currently out of stock, but IKEA has loads of other posters and wall art to choose from!)
Buy: Palhult poster with wall hanger, $19.99
Wooden hand accent
“Sculptural pieces are the finishing touch to any room design. This one utilizes classic wood texture and tone in a moveable piece that can be customized to your needs. It can add a little height with a happy wave or hunker down into a powerful fist. Possibilities for display and even communication are endless! Just… be polite.”
Buy: Handskalad decoration, $12.99
The verdict?
“My cart total was just under $96, and I could put the finishing touches on an entire room!”
Score.