How to Blend IKEA's Bargains into Your Decor

Do you shop at IKEA?  Or do you avoid it, thinking it is really only suited to those in their 20's-30's who are setting up their first apartments and homes?  While it's true that IKEA's products aren't necessarily constructed to pass down through the generations, they can serve a useful purpose.  The clean, simple lines of their Scandinavian designs and extreme affordability lend themselves well to many applications.   

This inspiration board I put together shows examples of furnishings and decor that would blend seamlessly into mid-century, traditional, eclectic, and even ornately-designed spaces.  In fact, many rooms benefit from a place to rest your eyes - something that is subdued, yet functional, such as the modern gray sofa. 

All of the furnishings above are sold either through IKEA or Chairish.  Can you tell which pieces came from which site?  The solid pillow and sofa are IKEA, but you might be surprised to learn that the floor lamp, storage unit, and the animal hide are also their products.  I've intentionally combined mid-century, modern, and traditional styles to show how appealing they can be together.

This particular area of our living room shows how I placed an inexpensive (and very comfortable!) IKEA Poang chair and ottoman next to a family heirloom glass-front cabinet and side table.  Also, notice the curved black mantel clock atop the cabinet...yes, it's IKEA, purchased way back in the mid-80's!  It is battery-operated and still works perfectly...and its design is timeless.

The striped throw and feather pillow with velvet cover are IKEA pieces, as well.  I picked these up for a great price and just love how they add new, dimensional pattern and color to the rooms.

In our living room/dining room spaces, I've combined antique with new, straight lines with ornamentation, and inexpensive with precious.  Chippendale armchairs and flouncy architectural salvage coexist with modern stone tables and linear seating. You can see how the mix of styles and shapes keeps things from being overly predictable and stiff. 

This past weekend, I took a really fun roadtrip to Kansas City with four girlfriends.  We spent the day chatting, laughing, eating, and shopping.  IKEA was one of the stops on our Girls' Day Out, which inspired this post.  I hope it gives you some ideas for using simple, budget-friendly pieces within your home's decor.

Until next time,
Julie



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