Friday Favorites: Ikea Inspiration

Have you been to an Ikea store? The first time I went to Ikea, I thought I knew what to expect...but boy, was I ever wrong!

The place is huge! Simply gigantic; and a little bit overwhelming. But - it sure is an awesome place to spend some hours getting inspired!

They have little "rooms" set up all over the place, with their furniture, home decor and accessories all staged so nicely. I love walking through the different spaces and exclaiming "Wow! I never would have thought to do that!" or "Hm, those two things look really great together!"

So today, I'm compiling some of my favorite pieces and arrangements from the Ikea store in Schaumburg, IL. Full disclosure: I don't own any of these pieces, but I snapped photos of what I liked so I could come back (now, a year later!) and start trying to recreate rooms in my home based on these qualities.

This Ekenas chair looks pretty basic in this photo. However, one of my goal projects is to reupholster my own recliner, and I love the upholstery on this armchair. It's a simple, neutral color, but the texture makes it interesting. It also pairs well with pops of color.

I love the Lantliv plant stand. I think it would make a perfect end table / side table beside the couch for books and remotes etc. Plus, you can see a tiny corner of my rug in the bottom of this picture too - even the professionals think the two go together!

I'm not completely sold on the "brown/black" color that Ikea uses, shown here on the Hemnes coffee table. I do however, love that this coffee table provides a lower shelf for additional storage, without cluttering the top of the table. I'm also fairly certain that my husband could use this as a foot rest and not do any damage to it!

I've been dreaming of a big farmhouse table for a very long time, but this Ingatorp dining table stole my heart. The simple, crisp white is so versatile. The traditional look of the legs and the crossback of the chairs makes it feel country/chic without looking too rustic. And can we talk about the Hemnes linen cabinets in the back?! Love, love, love that red wood finish!

So folks, if you are looking for some inspiration for your home, I highly recommend Ikea for a road trip.

Find your closest store here. Happy Friday, friends!