CasaSugar -- Home sweet home.

Love It or Hate It? Half-Painted Hemnes Bed

casasugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:00:25 -0700

I've long loved the Ikea Hemnes Four-Poster Bed, and while I love the composition of this room, I'm not so sold on the half-painted bed. What's your take? Source

Love It or Hate It? Half-Painted Hemnes Bed

Love It

Hate it

Undecided

Before and After: A Free Ikea Chair Gets a Facelift

casasugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:00:45 -0700

Craftster member Minouette recently posted photos of the free Ikea chair she took from dumpster worthy to crave worthy. She writes, "I found this chair. It had a sad little sign saying FREE. It was filthy and had been much abused by a cat. The legs were scuffed and marked, but it looked solid and had potential."

To see the truly remarkable results,

Nice and New: Ikea Klintbo Blue Cover

casasugar — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:00:01 -0700

One thing that's awesome about Ikea sofas is that nearly all of them have covers that are removable and washable. This makes them great for living with kids or very messy people. Even if you're neat as a pin and child-free, though, the novelty of switching out the look of your living room for less than $250 is certainly a treat. If you have an Ektorp sofa or are considering acquiring one, then take a look at the cool new Ikea Klintbo Blue Cover ($249). Too busy you say? I disagree; this could look amazing in a funky living room like Rachel Comey's, which was recently featured in Domino.

To see a closeup of this fabric swatch and to hear about this textile pattern's history,

Nice and New: Ikea's 2009 Catalog Is Online

casasugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:00:00 -0700

It's about that time again. Ikea's new 2009 catalog arrived in my mailbox last week and I spent a good 40 minutes gawking at all of the beautifully styled and photographed rooms, and now it's available for you to flip through online.
The big-box retailer may sell mostly flat-pack, assembly-required MDF furniture that's not the sturdiest I've ever owned, and they may charge an arm and a leg for shipping, but I will give it to Ikea for consistently emerging with eye-catching designs and photography styled to the nines. I'm at a point where I'm honestly trying only to bring home timeless, durable furniture that I can pass on to my kids one day, but when it comes to some accents, and textiles especially, Ikea never fails to win me over —
without breaking the bank. If I'd never seen their products in person, they could have fooled me: their new inventory is quite photogenic, appearing luxe, vivid, and perhaps most importantly, inspiring, on all 300-some pages.

Source

Cool Idea: Ikea Furniture Name Generator

casasugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 08:30:46 -0700

Ever wonder what your Ikea name and furniture type might be if you were, well, an inanimate flat-packed object? I hadn't either, until I was directed to this great Ikea name generator.

Yeah, you're curious. I can tell! Find out your own fabulous Ikea name here.

Source

Before and After: A Glammed Up Ikea Chandelier

casasugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 06:15:57 -0700

I recently read about a clever woman who made her Ikea chandelier into something much more expensive-looking with the addition of some simple, cheap materials.

She writes,

I have long coveted the Cellula Chandelier from Design Within Reach (with its $2,200 price tag it was out of the question). I found the Glimt ($79.99) at Ikea and crafted my own version of the Cellula that is pretty darn close.

Here's what it looked like before:

To see the wonderful results,

This Just In: More Interiors from Project Runway

casasugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:00:33 -0700

Did you catch the first episode of Project Runway season 5 on Wednesday? While I was initially afraid that I couldn't put season 4 behind me, luckily, I was hooked on the new cast of designers within the first 10 minutes. (I was definitely lured in by Blayne and his insane tanning obsession, as well as his leotard creation).

I recently found even more photos of the contestants' living quarters. You were split about the first photo, which many of you found too Ikea-heavy.

To hear my thoughts on the other interiors,

Casa Verde: Ikea's Going to the Bicycles

casasugar — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 05:30:12 -0700

Great news: You can now carry your flatpacked Ikea goods home on your bicycle — at least if you live in Denmark.
According to Inhabitat, Ikea has partnered with the Danish bicycle company Velorbis to provide Danish customers with bikes outfitted with special trailers. Ikea decided to do so after discovering that about 20 percent of its Danish customers already ride bikes to Ikea stores. Now, customers can borrow a trailer and bike for a small deposit fee and load up their wool rugs, bookshelves, and other products in the trailer. Since I've been seeing more and more folks in the Bay Area transporting goods on bike trailers, this seems like a logical next step for eco-minded retailers. I would love to have this option at my local Ikea. Would you?

Source

This Just In: Sneak Peek the Project Runway Digs

casasugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 07:00:12 -0700

I'm sure that many of you, like myself, will be tuning in to the first episode of season five of Project Runway tonight. I only hope that there are as many great designers this season as there were in season four!

While I can't predict the talent level of this season's contestant pool (though I suspect it's high), I can tell you that contestants, who had previously been housed at New Gotham for the last season, are back to the original digs at Atlas New York.

To find out more about Atlas New York, and to see a photo of the contestants' bedroom,

Room Therapy: How Can I Revamp This Headboard?

casasugar — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:00:34 -0700

Hi Casa!

So, I've just been given this Ikea bed, and it completely doesn't work with my style or my apartment. It was free though, so i couldn't turn it down. I'd love to do something creative to cover up the metal headboard, as my style is more bohemian florals than industrial minimalism! I'm looking for some inspirations...any suggestions?

Thanks!
Northbeachalex

To see my suggestion, and to leave a suggestion of your own,

Wedding Planner: Would You Get Married at Ikea?

casasugar — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 05:30:41 -0700

While this might not be for everyone (or for most anyone), I'm sure there are some Ikea addicts out there who will be charmed by the prospect of getting married at the big blue store.

The Ikea "I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do" Want to Get Married at the Mamma Mia! The Movie Wedding Event Couples Search (whoo! that's a mouthful, huh?) will take place on July 17th, a day before Universal Pictures' release of Mamma Mia! The Movie. Twenty couples will be selected to renew vows or get married at the Ikea Burbank store. Ikea has you covered — everything from the reception, justice of the peace, entertainment, and cake. Just bring yourself and up to 16 of your closest friends.

What else do you get? Well, there's a $500 Ikea gift card, other assorted, unnamed goodies, and a pre-screening of Mamma Mia! The Movie, You can complete the entry form until June 10th, telling Ikea why you'd like to get married, renew your vows, or participate in a commitment ceremony.

So tell me, are you tempted by this offer?
Source

Before and After: Bedroom Beautiful

casasugar — Fri, 02 May 2008 05:30:37 -0700

Day-Lab DIY, whose chair transformation I featured a while ago, recently posted pictures of her newly rearranged and spiffied bedroom. Here's what it looked like beforehand.

To see how she transformed this room,

Midday Muse: An Ikea Interview Exam

casasugar — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:00:53 -0700

Somehow, this manages to belittle all my memories of interview angst . . .
Source

Cool Idea: Ikea Trains

casasugar — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:00:53 -0700

If you happen to be in Kobe, Japan, make sure to ride the rails, since through May 6th, the train is decked out in Ikea seating and textiles. The Kobe Portliner Monorail has been decorated in Ikea gear to celebrate the launch of an Ikea store at Port Island.

I know that I get tired of the bland interiors of my train. Don't you think it would be refreshing and reinvigorating to ride in one of these?

Source

Nice and New: Ikea Ange Chair

casasugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 05:30:07 -0700

Ikea's new Ange Chair ($129) may look like it's made of rattan, but it's actually made of twisted paper. And lest you doubt the strength of paper, I should note that I used to have a bench made from twisted paper, and it was pretty darn strong (at least, it held up under the weight of a couple of ladies lounging on it on a Spring afternoon). I think a few of these would look great on a patio or deck. The twisted paper is covered with a clear acrylic lacquer, so it should be somewhat weather resistant, though I wouldn't push my luck: If it looks like Spring showers, bring this baby inside.

Casa Verde: Ikea Ditches Plastic Bags

casasugar — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 04:30:00 -0700

Good news for those of us who hate plastic bags: As of October 2008, Ikea will no longer offer plastic or paper bags. Instead, the store will only offer reusable plastic bags to its customers. Last March, Ikea set a goal of reducing its US stores’ plastic bag consumption by 50 percent, reducing plastic bag use from 70 million to 35 million plastic bags in the first year. The store wanted customers to go reusable, and sold the sturdy Ikea blue bag for $.59.
And if Ikea customers weren't happy with that choice, they previously had the option of purchasing Ikea plastic bags for five cents, with all proceeds going to American Forests to plant trees to restore forests and reduce CO₂ emissions. Since the "bag the plastic bag" program began in March of 2007, Ikea has donated more than $300,000 from their disposable plastic bag sales to American Forests.

I, for one, am looking forward to October, when Ikea is completely disposable-bag free.
Source

Cool Idea: A Sophisticated Mirror on the Cheap

casasugar — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:00:28 -0700

Willie and Nicola, who submitted their cool project to Ikea Hacker, were discouraged by an overpriced mirror at a local home decor store, so they decided to DIY one of their own. Using Ikea mirrors, which run $4.99 a pack, gorilla glue, Krazy glue, and a strip of wood, they made an impressively sophisticated looking piece of wall part for very little green. I think this project looks great — and it's yet another in a series of ongoing inspirations that Ikea Hacker has provided its readers with. I'm going to have to go hack my own mirror! You can check out all of the steps here.
Source

Nice and New: Galvanized Steel For the Garden

casasugar — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 06:45:38 -0800

As part of its new Spring line of products, Ikea is offering some great-looking (and perfectly priced) galvanized products for the garden. I love the look of galvanized steel — it adds an instant sleekness and modernity to a patio garden, something that sometimes is hard to achieve with ceramic. Even better, galvanized steel is rust resistant, so it won't get funky after Spring showers. With prices starting at a mere 99 cents, it's hard to go wrong with these products. I'm especially fond of the cute galvanized Varen plant tags, which you can write on with pencil to identify your flowers, herbs, and veggies. Check out their full line of new garden products for more Spring gardening ideas.

Source

Ask Casa: A Bedroom Update

casasugar — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 14:00:26 -0800

Dear Casa,

I purchased an Ikea malm bed frame in birch veneer about a year ago. My decor has changed drastically in that year and the bed no longer matches. Do you know of a way to paint or stain the bed, so that it doesn't stick out like a sore thumb?

Thanks,
PrimpPrimp

To see my answer, just

Casa Verde: Ikea's in the Housebuilding Biz

casasugar — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 16:00:11 -0800

Thanks to a heads-up from Tdamji, I was reminded of the smartly affordable housebuilding business, BoKlok. BoKlok (pronounced "book-look"), means ’live smart." Based on the idea that everyone should be able to afford quality and attractive homes that are roomy, safe, and have access to green space, the homes have an open layout, lots of light, high ceilings, and a modern look. And yes — these homes are made by Ikea.

To find out more about these homes, and to see a gallery of photos, just

Love It or Hate It? Overbed Paper Lanterns

casasugar — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 13:00:00 -0800

AT:SF recently cheered the use of Ikea Regolit paper lanterns over a bed. I also spotted a similar paper lantern on Domino used in the same way. While it may be picturesque and wonderfully styled, personally, I think it might interrupt any movement that's not, uh, horizontal. What do you think?Source

Love It or Hate It? Overbed Paper Lanterns

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

Casa Verde: Ikea's Latest Green Move

casasugar — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 05:00:53 -0800

A new Ikea store in Karlstad, Sweden, is currently installing a geothermal system, drilling 101 holes 390 feet into the ground to tap 50-60°F water. This will provide 85 percent of the stores heating needs and 75 percent of air-conditioning requirements. A geothermal system is a heat exchanger that uses the earth, ground water, or both as sources of building heat in the Winter and as a source of air conditioning in the Summer. Ikea stores in Uppsala, Helsingborg, and Malmö are tapped for similar systems. Swedish Ikea stores get 91 percent of their energy and electricity needs from renewable sources (mainly hydro and wind), while globally the average is around 40 percent.

Ikea is also proposing an upcoming energy plan that includes cutting its global energy consumption by 25 percent. In addition, they plan to supply power to all of its stores, warehouses, and offices with all-renewable energy sources, such as wind power, solar power, biofuels, and geothermal. Eva Stal, a spokeswoman for Ikea Sweden, said that "without going out on a limb, I would say that this will probably happen already between the next three to five years, globally."

This is definitely a stop in the right direction. Kudos, Ikea!

Source

Casa Query: What Ikea Products Do You Own?

casasugar — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:30:39 -0800

Earlier today I brought you a post about integrating Ikea finds into your home decorating scheme. I own a fair number of Ikea products myself, from a bathroom shelf I use for jewelry to a cookbook bookshelf to a rocking chair. And that's just the tip of the iceberg! Most of our kitchen storage containers are from Ikea, there are some pretty yellow glass votives from the big box store . . . and the list goes on! My favorite Ikea find, though, is probably the rocking chair, which was classed up with a Bemz cover.

What Ikea furniture do you have in your house?

Casa Link: Gracefully Integrating Ikea

casasugar — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 07:30:50 -0800

Everyone has a few Ikea products in their home. It's inevitable — the Swedish giant has a great variety of practical and economical choices for home furnishing. Best of all, if done right, Ikea products can look great next to a variety of interior-decorating styles, from romantic antiques to midcentury modern furniture. It's all a matter of styling and arranging. For inspiration, check out SFgirlbybay's post on Ikea finds in well-decorated homes.

Source

Casa Link: Trash to Treasure

casasugar — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 10:15:50 -0800

Ikea Hacker reports on a bench that Diane found on the street. While many people would simply ignore this Ikea find, Diane transformed it into something absolutely stunning with an art-nouveau pattern.

To see the results, just

Ask Casa: How Can I Make My Round Bed Look Like a Couch?

casasugar — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 05:00:46 -0800

Dear Casa,

I purchased a round bed from Ikea about two years ago. My boyfriend and I moved in together shortly after and neither of us wanted to get rid of our own bed. My bed has been sitting in the living room taking up space. We do occasionally let his daughter use it when she sleeps over. Do you have any ideas on how I can make this bed look more like a couch when we have guests over just to hang out? When I purchased the bed the description did say that it can be used as a sofa or couch, but I have no clue where to start aside from getting small throw pillows.

Thanks,
aaliyah

To hear my suggestions,

Your Favorite Home Décor Chain Store

casasugar — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 13:00:52 -0800

In our Best of 2007 polls, you chose Ikea as your favorite home décor chain store this year. I definitely agree that Ikea's showrooms and design ideas are inspiring, and their prices can't be beat. I have to go with Anthropologie as my favorite home décor chain store, though. Aside from being conveniently located, Anthropologie's window and displays never cease to be breath-taking, their textiles are delightful, and their vast selection of home accents is always unique.

Source

Deck the Haus: Ikea Decoration Round-Up

casasugar — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 14:41:25 -0800

I noticed a handful full of wintry decorations at Ikea that I adored, and couldn't choose just one for a Nice and New, so I chose four! I like the minimalist quality to this wheat Ikea Isig Wreath ($20). It kind of says, "Fine. I guess I'll celebrate the holidays. But only if I can eek out my festivity and save my decorations for next year, so I don't have to think about it again." These Ikea Statist Trees ($5) are just cute and dinky, and a nice place to hang your jewelry or house keys. This red Ikea Isig Lantern ($13) is both classic and classy (how 'bout dem apples?), and fits your basic pillar candle perfectly. It can be used indoors or outdoors, or you could buy two and do both! These Ikea Isig Lanterns ($13) are Kewl with a capital K, and also fit your basic pillar candle perfectly. And in case you didn't already, Ikea wants you to know that you should "never leave a burning candle unattended."
Source

Casa Beta: Bemz Cover

casasugar — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 07:34:40 -0800

While I have been a big fan of the Bemz slipcovers in theory, I hadn't had a chance to check one out for myself. Luckily though, Bemz was kind enough to send me a cover for an Ikea Lillberg rocking chair.

Now, this rocking chair is incredibly comfy. I love it. It's big and wide and the cushions are firm and supportive. However, it looks like this:

It is so boring. The cover isn't even white, it's a weird oatmeal color which just looks dirty. Before the Bemz cover showed up I'd been covering it with yards of fabric and hiding it away in our office.

To see the radical transformation and to hear about the rest of my Bemz experience, just

Product Review: Ikea Grundtal Shelf and Lillholmen Hook

casasugar — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 11:04:08 -0800

Since my fiancé and I live in a fairly small two-bedroom bungalow, we're always looking for ways to organize and consolidate. To that end, I went to Ikea looking for some funny little items in which to organize my earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, effectively getting them off of the dresser and reducing clutter. The Grundtal Glass Shelf and Lillholmen Triple Hook seemed to fit the bill.

While I was, in the end, pleased with these items, I was not happy about the assembly process.

To hear me gripe, just

Cool Idea: Mismatched Upholstery

casasugar — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 10:34:13 -0800

Bemz, the Swedish shop which offers slipcover solutions for a variety of Ikea sofas, chairs, and cushions, now sells a mix-and-match collection of slipcovers. The collection allows you to participate more in the design process of your furniture by choosing any combination of covers from 6 color palettes. That way, you can have one pattern for the sofa frame, another for the seat cushions, and another for the back cushions.

via shelterrific

Casa Shops: EQ3

casasugar — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 06:00:44 -0700

I've always thought of Canadian furniture store EQ3 as a sort of Ikea for grown-ups. So I started doing some research on the company after seeing a post on Decor8 the other day, and wouldn't you know, that's pretty much what the founders had in mind.

EQ3 was founded by Peter Tielmann, who moved from Europe to North America in 1999 and was shocked by the lack of cool furniture options for young consumers. You can definitely see the European design influence in EQ3's delightfully affordable furniture, rugs, and other home wares. For more on EQ3 and my product picks,

Su Casa: Beyond the Baby's Room

casasugar — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 08:47:49 -0700

Everyone loves readying a nursery for a newborn. More challenging is adapting that baby's room for the toddler years, and in today's Su Casa, user Keanusmom shows us how to do it right. (Want to share your photos? Here's how to post in the Su Casa group.)

For Keanu's "big boy room," his mom ditched the crib in favor of a twin bed from Ikea and decorating scheme incorporating globes, maps, and animals from around the world.

I love the paint color on the walls and the bedding set; so hip and modern. To see the other side of the room with the bed,

Su Casa: Eating in Style

casasugar — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 09:22:50 -0700

Today's featured room belongs to a very active Su Casa poster named Katedavis, who is thrilled to have her first eat-in kitchen. I remember my first eat-in kitchen, so I can definitely understand her enthusiasm. (Want to share your photos? Here's how to post in the Su Casa group.)

According to Katedavis: "The extra space was a dream come true, and thanks to Ikea and CB2, I was able to create my dream space without having to scour flea markets for furniture to paint white and aqua." I am especially enamored with her light fixture.

Crave Worthy: Ding3000 Billy Wilder Shelf

casasugar — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 08:50:36 -0700

Ah, the Ikea Billy Bookcase. Undoubtedly, we've all seen one, possibly in our own houses and apartments. The basic shelving unit is one of Ikea's all-time best-sellers, with more than 35 million units sold.

So I appreciate that Ding3000 is putting a high-end, high-concept twist on the low-priced fave. Taking a page from the Tetris-inspired shelf trend, the Billy Wilder (about $270) has a zig-zag shelf that toys with your attempts at organization. It would be a great way to show off some of your favorite books. What do you guys think?

Su Casa: Cheap and Chic Computer Desk

casasugar — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 11:00:36 -0700

How's this for an innovative use of Ikea furniture? To create a tall computer desk, Thopunk simply stacked two end tables on top of each other, then added a bar stool for seating. I love how the stool looks with the turquoise bureau.

Want to share your photos? Here's how to post in the Su Casa group.

Nice and New: Black-and-White Ikea Billy Bookcase

casasugar — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 07:34:01 -0700

Chances are, you or someone you know has owned an Ikea Billy Bookcase ($59.99 to $79.00) at one time or another. The shelves are perfectly basic, big, and sturdy, and, therefore, wildly popular with bargain-seekers everywhere.

Now, in addition to black, silver, white, and various wood stains, you can get the Billy Bookcase in a black-and-white floral pattern for a mere $59.99. I think it's very adorable and also quite unique. What do you think?

Nice and New: Ikea's 2008 Catalog Is Online

casasugar — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 05:15:17 -0700

I have a love-hate relationship with Ikea, as I'm sure many of you do, too. But not even my worst Ikea-shopping flashbacks can dampen my enthusiasm for the Swedish retailer's new catalogs. Ikea just posted its 2008 catalog online in an easy flip-through format that lets you peruse all 372 pages.

The store has some great new textile patterns with huge doses of color, not to mention some sleek furniture offerings. To see a few of my first-glance favorites,

This Just In: Sleep Over at the Ikea Hostel

casasugar — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 10:45:32 -0700

Anyone who has ever been to Ikea knows that it can be a very tiring shopping experience. But get this: According to The Guardian (U.K.), shoppers in Oslo will get to stay the night at Ikea hostels, so customers can have a place to crash if they haven't finished shopping. According to the article:

Later this month, Ikea Norway will let shoppers sleep overnight in one of its two Oslo warehouses, an operation that will last a week. "It will be like an alternative hostel," said company spokesman Frode Ullebust.

"There will be the regular dormitory with lots of beds stacked up together. We will also have a bridal suite, with a round bed and a hanging chandelier, and the luxury suite, where customers can enjoy breakfast in bed," he said.

Guests will be allowed to stay free of charge and will even get to chow down on the usual Ikea grub — like Swedish meatballs and cranberries — for breakfast and dinner.

I personally like to get in and out of Ikea as quickly as possible, though a trip can admittedly take hours. But apparently, Norwegians see it as a major tourist attraction, so I guess it makes sense to add dorms. Would you spend the night at an Ikea?

Source

Su Casa: A Homey Homeroom

casasugar — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 07:13:10 -0700

Retail_Therapy is extending the definition of "home" decorating to include her homeroom classroom, which she recently shared photos of in the Su Casa group. (Want to share your photos? Here's how to join Su Casa.)

Retail_Therapy wanted to express her personal style and create a soothing environment for her students, ages 13 to 16. So she created a mural of Keith Haring artwork, added purple Ikea curtains, and hung mirror balls from the ceiling "because learning should be fun." I wish more of my classrooms had looked like this. To see a closeup of the mural,

Su Casa: A Sleek Kitchen Remodel

casasugar — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:30:12 -0700

CasaSugar reader Keanusmom just posted photos of her newly remodeled kitchen in the Su Casa group. She says they gutted an "ugly horrid kitchen" in favor of Ikea cabinets, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances. You can get all the details about what they used here. I especially love the pendant lamps (they match the apples on the counter!) and the cabinets look very chic. Want to share your photos? Here's how to join Su Casa.