My Top 10 Best Design Picks from IKEA to Update Your Home Now!

We’ve all been to the Swedish home store, IKEA, right? For me it compares to the fun had at an amusement park–an undulating spiral walk among fun color-filled designs and magical lights a glow! I always end up at the check out isle with a full yellow shopping bag.

A Swedish friend of mine once told me that in the US we pronounce IKEA wrong. It’s actually pronounced (Eee-KAY-UH). So now that we can all say it right, let me make it known that I am a big believer in buying quality for a home, and not all things at IKEA (Eee-KAY-UH) are made to last for years and years–in particular the upholstery, seating and wood products in my experience do not stand the test of time or provide the comfort levels that I want and for that reason I skip those products when I’m shopping there. However, during my recent pilgrimage to the Carson CA location (my local IKEA), I found some pretty cool new designs that when mixed in right can create a fresh sense of added color, organization and a happy new room feel. I have used and even own some of the items I recommend below–I selected these 10 products as my top design picks because they rival some of the items that I sell from other top quality manufactures- and of course they are sold at a fraction of the price.

Below are MY 10 Best Design Picks from IKEA to Update Your Home Now!

1. Stylish Retro Industrial Chic Accent Lighting

Yes! Love these two tone floor, desk, wall and ceiling lights with old school woven textile cords! This lamp suite from IKEA is rockin my world. They come in an oil rubbed look (matte black), silver and white finishes. I sell lights like this from other vendors for $200-$800 and these beauties sell for $20-$45!

Ranarp Series Lighting from IKEA. Floor lamps, Clamp lights, Desk Lamps, and Ceiling Pendants.

Ranarp in Black and Brass Finish

Image result for ranarp series in black
Brass finish and textile cord detail. Beautiful.

2. Outdoor Shelving!

Outdoor spaces can sometimes get neglected. Well, this outdoor shelving can turn your porch or your patio into a dreamy space for only a few hundred dollars and a little of your organization time. I would go for the units with glass or metal doors as the items inside will stay clean longer and that makes for more functional storage over time.

3. Utility Carts!

You can add a utility cart to any room to improve function and storage and these carts are so pretty and come in the most yummy colors–use it as a nightstand, a bathroom caddy, a bar cart, a kitchen cart–the possibilities are endless. They roll really easy with spinner type technology. I want a few in turquoise to organize my design studio!

Check this link for some styling ideas! https://www.ikea.com/us/en/ideas/201644_idde02a/

4. Great current rug patterns and designs ranging from $59-600.00.

5. Plush – high quality checked towels.

These beauties come in this shade– Blue Green, plus pink, tan, white and grey.

I have been using them in my master bath for over a year and they hold up better than any other towel I’ve purchased in the past. Sizes range from a washcloth to a huge bath sheet –from $2.99- $13.99. And, I love the hanging loop. Perfect for out of site towel hanging on hooks behind the door–my favorite.

6. Textured Chenille Pillow Covers.

These pillow covers are great for adding a layer of gorgeous texture to a sofa, bed, chair, chaise, breakfast nook banquette–you name it. I own them in yellow. Love the softness. They have a mid-century design look. Similar pillow covers if done-up custom could cost upwards of $75 or more each.  These cost $7 and $12. Feather fills are a little extra but if you have good fills at home already, just use what you have.

7. Labeled Metal Rolling Drawers.

This rolling metal drawer unit from IKEA is so cool. Comes in green, red, white and gunmetal. They can be bunched to make one long storage console, use them alone in a garage or office or kids room nightstand–Did I mention That They Roll? I need a new desk, so next trip out I plan to buy two in white and place a 1 1/2″ wood block countertop on them. Presto–a cute new farmhouse style desk. Of course, I will change the drawer hardware to create my own look.

8.  Oversized Woven Storage Baskets–So great for any room needing a bit more texture and warmth!

9. Woven Tray Top Drum Table with Power Plug In

I love this piece. I personally wouldn’t hesitate to get my can of spray paint out so that it could blend it into any room’s color palette. Use as a nightstand, side table–would work great as an entry piece to catch keys and charge phones. $70

10. Cord Management Box– Great for a kitchen, bedroom, office. Getting cords out of view can be a great way to clean up a space.