The Stuff of Life: Stylish Improvisations With IKEA Furniture

Ikea furniture is a ubiquitous presence in homes due to its stylish, practical, and affordable designs. However, the widespread ownership of identical pieces can lead to a desire for personalization. Rather than replacing an entire piece of furniture when styles change or boredom sets in, a more sustainable and cost-effective approach is to customize existing Ikea items. This method allows for unique home aesthetics while simultaneously reducing waste. Several companies specialize in providing customization options for Ikea furniture, offering solutions for those who lack the time or inclination for DIY projects. These companies transform standard Ikea pieces into bespoke items, ranging from custom sofa covers to new door fronts for cabinets and decorative chair legs. One such company is Bemz, a Swedish brand offering sofa and chair covers and bedskirts for popular Ikea models. Their focus is on sustainable materials, including machine-washable natural cotton, polyester-based textiles, and recycled fabric options. Bemz has also collaborated with notable designers like Tom Dixon and Christian Lacroix, and can create bespoke covers if off-the-shelf options aren't available. Reform, a Danish company, caters to design enthusiasts by creating fronts for Ikea kitchens and cabinets. They collaborate with architects and designers, including Bjarke Ingels and Stine Goya, to offer designer-look kitchens at an Ikea price point. Their showrooms are located in New York and Copenhagen. Comfort Works, founded by a Melbourne-based couple who learned to sew Ikea slipcovers via YouTube, ships worldwide. They provide velvet, cotton-blend, wool, and linen upholstery in various shades and patterns, with prices comparable to Ikea's own replacement slipcovers. For kitchen makeovers or new projects, SemiHandmade offers upgraded finishes and superficial fronts for Ikea cabinets. This company, not affiliated with Ikea, provides options like walnut veneers with brass hardware or black drawers with gold pulls, allowing customers to customize their kitchens by uploading their Ikea floor plan. Another Swedish company, PrettyPegs, specializes in decorative pegs, table legs, and chair feet. The company's origin story involves its founders customizing an Ikea couch's less-than-appealing legs. They offer affordable, high-impact brass and steel-capped pegs in materials like Ashwood and bent-metal, along with knobs and fronts. Norse Interiors, also a Swedish brand, focuses on front panelling and doors for a select range of Ikea products, including bedside tables, TV stands, dressers, and storage cabinets. They also provide legs and handles, with designs characterized by modern, graphic lines for standard Ikea doors. Superfront, another Swedish-born brand, specializes in colorful and textured appliqué fronts for Ikea furniture. Customers can remix console tables with panels in various tones and patterns, such as blush tones with chevron etching, and then swap out knobs and pegs to completely transform the piece. Finally, O'verlays offers stick-on fretwork panels, inspired by vintage panels, to give Ikea products a Hollywood Regency aesthetic. These lightweight, non-splintering panels are paintable and fully customizable, providing an accessible way to make common Ikea items like a Malm dresser unique. #IkeaHacks #FurnitureCustomization #HomeDecoration #SustainableDesign #InteriorDesign #AffordableDecorating #DIYAlternatives #ProductPersonalization

This article explores various IKEA dresser hacks, offering creative and budget-friendly ways to transform standard IKEA dressers into unique and stylish furniture pieces. It highlights that interior design projects often require budget compromises, and IKEA hacks provide an excellent solution for adding personality and flair without significant financial outlay. The article covers a range of transformation techniques, including applying fresh paint, replacing hardware, and incorporating decorative features like wood trims and fluting. It presents nine distinct IKEA dresser hacks, featuring popular models like the Hemnes, Tarva, and Rast, to inspire DIY enthusiasts. One featured hack details the transformation of an IKEA Hemnes dresser into a fluted showpiece. This involves using poplar boards and dowels to create a fluted effect on the drawer fronts, followed by priming and painting the entire dresser with a chosen color, such as Sherwin Williams' Green Labyrinth, and then adding new brass hardware. Another hack focuses on creating a chic floating dresser using an IKEA Metod kitchen wall cabinet. This technique involves mounting the cabinet on the wall, adding a marble top, decorative molding, and painting it to match the surrounding walls, effectively blending it into the room while providing ample storage. The article also introduces a boho rattan look for the IKEA Tarva dresser. This hack involves cutting out the center of the drawer fronts, painting the dresser black, and attaching cane webbing to the inside of the drawers with a staple gun, resulting in a stylish, 70s-inspired piece. Another approach for the IKEA Tarva is a light and bright makeover, as demonstrated by designer Sarah Sherman Samuel. This involves painting the dresser white, cutting a few inches off the legs for better proportions, spray-painting the base with metallic gold, and replacing wooden knobs with antique brass ones. For those seeking an Anthropologie-style aesthetic on a budget, the article suggests stenciling an IKEA Rast dresser. This hack utilizes a stencil kit, such as the Neera Bone Inlay Stencil Kit, to apply intricate patterns using custom paint colors, like Benjamin Moore's Navajo white, and finishing with glass knobs. A high-end look for an IKEA Koppang dresser can be achieved by paneling and painting. This involves sanding the unit, attaching polyurethane ribbed panels to the drawers, caulking the joins, countersinking holes for new handles, and then priming and painting in a color like Lick Greige 02. The article also provides an example of adding depth and drama to an IKEA Hemnes dresser by applying a fresh coat of paint, such as Zinsser ALLCOAT, and replacing the handles with gold ones for a glamorous touch. A green and gold color scheme is suggested for an on-trend IKEA Tarva hack, involving the addition of wood trims and Dollar Tree dowels to the drawer fronts, painting with Hunt Club Green spray paint, and incorporating new drawer pulls. Finally, the article presents a hack for transforming an IKEA Tarva into a stylish nursery dresser. This involves cutting the legs at an angle, spray-painting it a mint color (e.g., Farrow & Ball's Theresa's Green), and adding long brass drawer pulls to achieve a high-end look suitable for nursery furniture. #IKEAHacks #DIYFurniture #HomeDecor #BedroomDesign #FurnitureMakeover #InteriorDesign #BudgetDecor #CreativeStorage #Upcycling

The article presents nine creative DIY hacks designed to transform common IKEA furniture pieces into unique and stylish items for the living room. It addresses the common issue of IKEA furniture making spaces feel unoriginal due to its widespread use and affordable pricing. The hacks aim to elevate the basic designs, offering solutions for enhanced functionality and aesthetic appeal. One featured hack involves custom slipcovers for sectionals. By replacing standard gray covers with custom-made alternatives, a common IKEA sectional can be converted into a personalized and comfortable statement piece, as demonstrated by Mandi Johnson of A Beautiful Mess. Another hack focuses on upgrading cabinet fronts using ultra-chic options from Superfront, which can make a basic IKEA cabinet appear as an elegantly modern credenza, as seen in a Nordic apartment tour. This customization allows individuals to integrate affordable storage solutions into diverse interior design schemes. The article also highlights a hack for creating a statement seat. This involves applying a splash of paint and adding a textured element, such as a jeweled cotton-thread wrap, to complement the chair's new color and elevate its overall finish. This DIY project showcases how simple modifications can drastically alter the perception of an item. For small spaces, a room divider hack is introduced, using the Jassa room divider from IKEA. Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth enhanced this divider with colorful woven details, making it both functional for dividing space and aesthetically pleasing. Storage solutions are further addressed with a ladder-inspired design. Instead of conventional baskets, the Ivar's gable is repurposed by applying a coat of paint and leaning it against a wall to serve as an attractive storage unit for throws and blankets. This hack not only provides practical storage but also adds a decorative element to the living room. Another clever transformation involves converting IKEA's Godmorgon cabinet into a bar cart. By applying a retro color block design, this sturdy cabinet becomes a stylish side piece capable of concealing barware and spirits, providing a functional yet elegant addition to the living room. Planters can also be upgraded with a style-focused hack. A woven basket is enhanced with tasseled additions to create a unique and accented green space within the living room, contributing to the overall decor. For those seeking a more sophisticated look, the article suggests transforming a modular IKEA shelf system into a Hollywood Regency-inspired credenza. This involves adding streamlined panels, a wooden top, and whitewashed knobs, as showcased by Mandi Johnson, resulting in a piece that exudes vintage glamour. Finally, a hack for creating a dynamic accent piece for a living room that doubles as a home office is presented. Sarah Sherman Samuel's idea involves using lengthy Prettypegs extensions to elevate a basic desk, turning it into a more prominent and integrated decor item. #Ikea #HomeDecor #DIYHacks #LivingRoom #FurnitureCustomization #InteriorDesign #AffordableDecor #CreativeSolutions

IKEA furniture is widely recognized for its affordability and versatility, making it a popular choice for home decor enthusiasts. Its neutral designs often serve as ideal blank canvases for creative customization, known as "IKEA hacks," allowing individuals to personalize their living spaces and create unique, high-end looking pieces without the hefty price tag of custom-made furniture. This article explores five specific IKEA product ranges that are particularly well-suited for hacking due to their simple profiles, untreated finishes, and adaptable designs: IKEA Sektion, IKEA Ivar, IKEA Blanda, IKEA Kallax, and IKEA Billy. Each range presents numerous opportunities for transformation, catering to various functional and aesthetic needs within a home. The IKEA Sektion range, primarily composed of kitchen cabinets, is highlighted for its potential beyond the kitchen. An example includes transforming narrow Sektion base cabinets into a low-profile living room storage unit. This hack involves turning the cabinets on their side, trimming them to fit the space, bolting them together, and topping them with MDF sheets covered in marble contact paper. Another Sektion hack demonstrates creating built-in, wall-to-wall storage, an alternative to expensive custom carpentry. This is achieved by lining up Sektion cabinets, adding plinths for a built-in appearance, enhancing basic cabinet doors with trim, and painting the entire unit a cohesive color, such as soft grey, with custom MDF tops. The IKEA Ivar range, known for its simple profile and untreated wood, is showcased for its ease of transformation. One hack involves painting Ivar cabinets in a two-tone scheme, leaving one section doorless to create a unique piece with both open and closed storage, allowing for personalized color combinations. Another Ivar hack converts the cabinets into a functional desk with ample storage. This is done by arranging Ivar cabinets to create a gap for a chair and topping them with a custom-cut piece of pine wood. Additionally, the often-overlooked Ivar side unit can be repurposed into an elegant room divider by joining three units with door hinges and adding decorative details like a sun-inspired design. For added privacy, rattan or opaque fabric can be attached to the panels. The IKEA Blanda range, consisting of basic serving bowls, is presented for its imaginative reusability. A simple hack transforms two different-sized Blanda bowls into an oversized sculptural vase by gluing them together and spray-painting them black. Another creative application turns Blanda bowls into a stylish coffee table by gluing them to form large, spherical legs and attaching a pine wood tabletop, with the entire piece painted in a creamy beige. The popular IKEA Kallax shelving units are shown to be highly versatile. A single Kallax cube can be hacked into a chic stool by covering the open sides with hardboard, adding foam for a seat, and upholstering it with striped fabric, making the covers removable for convenience. A larger Kallax unit can be flipped on its side to create a stylish sideboard. This hack involves adding Kallax inserts with doors, gluing dowels to the doors for a fluted effect, painting the unit white, and completing it with mid-century inspired legs and minimalist black handles. Finally, the iconic IKEA Billy bookcase offers numerous opportunities for elevated customization. A built-in Billy bookcase hack creates a custom library look by adding skirting boards to the base, MDF to the top, and MDF strips to conceal joins and enhance shelf fronts for a substantial feel. Fluting can be added to doors, and the entire unit can be painted in complementary pastel hues. A more advanced hack involves creating an arched Billy bookcase by elevating the bookcases on a platform, securing them to the wall, framing them with custom-cut plywood arches, and painting them in a dark grey. Another display cabinet hack for the Billy bookcase with glass doors involves adding fluted trim to the bottom half of the glass, cutting hardboard to create arches for the top half, and painting the piece in a pale peach chalk paint for a soft, matte finish. These examples demonstrate the extensive potential of IKEA products to be reimagined and personalized to suit individual tastes and home aesthetics. #IKEAHacks #DIYHomeDecor #FurnitureTransformation #BudgetDecor #CreativeLiving #IKEAFurniture #HomeImprovement #InteriorDesign #CustomFurniture

This article explores various creative and practical IKEA furniture hacks, demonstrating how to transform affordable flatpack items into unique and personalized pieces for every room in the home. The piece begins by highlighting the common desire to customize IKEA furniture due to its widespread popularity, leading to a need for individual expression in home decor. It then presents a series of hacks, starting with the NISSAFORS cart, which can be spray-painted and fitted with stained wood boards to create a stylish drinks trolley, perfect for entertaining. The VITTSJÖ range, known for its slim frames, is shown to be easily elevated with metallic spray paint, offering an expensive-looking update suitable for beginners, particularly for home office chairs. The BEKVÄM step stool, a versatile item, is reimagined as a chic two-tier plant stand using vegan upholstery leather for a natural yet elegant look. For those fond of a prairie aesthetic, an IVAR cabinet is customized with a chevron design, achieving an ombre effect through layered wood staining. A DIY challenge transforms a BESTÅ cabinet into an Art Deco-style piece by adding curved panels, a webbed cane, and brass handles. A budget-friendly makeup table is created using LACK wall shelves, storage boxes, and a movie-star mirror, providing an elegant bedroom vanity for under £200. Star Wars enthusiasts are offered a quirky HEMNES dresser hack, featuring stenciled R2-D2 designs and a matching wall painting. For home offices, two METOD cabinets bridged with a melamine wood piece create a bespoke desk, complemented by custom cane cupboard fronts and a coordinated paint scheme. The standard KALLAX unit is given a vibrant makeover with a large-scale mural vinyl and striking teal paint, fitting a kaleidoscopic living room theme. PAX wardrobes are combined with EKET cabinets and adorned with pine beading, pink paint, and gold handles to form a glamorous storage wall. Simple yet effective ideas include flipping BEKVÄM spice racks to create a slim ledge and hook rail for office supplies, and framing an IVAR cabinet with steel legs and wood strips, painted in a buttery yellow for a pastel-filled home. A KURA midsleeper bed is customized with slat-style detail to suit a 'tween' room, offering a cool and calm aesthetic. Two MAGASIN bread bins are ingeniously transformed into a stylish side table, painted purple and raised on wooden legs, providing a viral, low-cost solution. Another PAX wardrobe hack involves creating a dramatic, high-end storage system around a home office door using black units and curated styling. HAVSTA cabinets are cleverly integrated into alcove spaces beside a fireplace, mimicking expensive built-in units, while IVAR cabinets are used to create a chic mural. KALLAX box storage is enhanced with Frenchic furniture paint, wooden legs, and LUSTIGKURRE storage boxes for a bohemian touch. A preloved IDANÄS cabinet is detailed with waxed beading, vinyl film, and Farrow & Ball paint. A BESTÅ cabinet receives a sophisticated update with fluted front panels, a marble top, and gold handles, all in a trendy lilac hue. IKEA tea towels are sewn together to create unique cafe-style curtains, and FRAKTA bags are upcycled into a waterproof picnic blanket. HEAT cork pot stands and leftover bottle corks are repurposed into an eye-catching jewelry display. A SKÅDIS pegboard, IVAR shelving units, RÅSKOG trolley, and SMÅSTAD chest are painted a uniform pink to create a color-drenched craft space. A BILLY bookcase is reshuffled to create asymmetrical and interesting compartments with just a tin of paint. MOSSLANDA picture ledges are coated in microcement to form an expensive-looking coffee nook, complete with luxe finishes. An IVAR cabinet is given a floral decoupage with chalk paints for a blooming beautiful result. A simple IVAR chair is upgraded with teal paint and wrapped yarn for a quirky backrest, while a new PS cabinet is 'downcycled' to create a vintage, aged effect. The RÅSKOG trolley is given an industrial twist with gunmetal grey spray paint, and SÖSDALA memo boards are used as a trellis for climbing plants, forming an inexpensive living wall. IVAR cabinets are color-matched to a bold wall for a moody, monotone look, and BUMERANG hangers are tied together to create unique wall art for jewelry. Finally, REGOLIT paper lampshades are given a monochrome makeover with ink stamps and paint, and MOSSLANDA ledges are used vertically with knobs and rope to create innovative storage for tall items. TRONES shoe storage units are repurposed as a headboard, offering a practical and stylish solution for bedroom essentials, completed with LED strip lights for ambient lighting. MOPPE drawers are transformed into personalized desk organizers using adhesive film, paint, and stencils. #IKEAHacks #FurnitureUpcycling #DIYHomeDecor #CustomIKEA #InteriorDesign #BudgetDecor #CreativeStorage #HomeImprovement #PersonalizedFurniture

This article explores numerous innovative IKEA hacks, demonstrating how budget-friendly flatpack furniture can be transformed into bespoke, designer-look pieces. It highlights that IKEA provides excellent basic components that, with creativity and some DIY effort, can be elevated to match contemporary interior design trends without significant financial outlay. The author, an award-winning DIY blogger and interior stylist, curates a list of top IKEA hacks, categorizing them by difficulty level, considering materials, required techniques, and the need for power tools. The featured hacks cover a wide range of furniture items and design styles. For instance, the TARVA dresser can be enhanced with scallop details and new legs, drawing inspiration from high-end furniture. LACK shelves can be reconfigured to create unique wall displays, framing art or televisions. The popular 'bobbin' furniture trend, often expensive, can be replicated using IKEA Hemnes nightstands, half wooden spheres, and wood stain. Fluting is a recurring theme, applied to KALLAX units as an overlay with molding for an Art Deco credenza, or directly to IVAR cabinets for a textured, colorful sideboard. Even more intricate fluting designs can be achieved with precise painting techniques or by using fluting on the back of shelves to create bespoke-looking built-ins. The article also delves into more advanced transformations, such as curving IKEA BJÖRKÖVIKEN doors using kerf cuts to mimic expensive media consoles, or simply using IKEA overlays for instant stylistic updates on various furniture pieces. Modern minimalist designs for IVAR cabinets are showcased, featuring geometric paneling and new feet. Cane webbing is a popular choice for updating cabinet doors, whether through store-bought cane doors or by adding cane to existing ones, suitable for items like the BESTA TV stand. The versatile IKEA MOPPE drawers can be turned into vintage-style apothecary cabinets, while the Ingo dining table can become a stylish desk with a simple paint and wax job. Office solutions include hacking ALEX drawers to create a custom desk with shaker-style fronts or incorporating rattan/cane panels for a trendy look. Unexpected items like IKEA fruit bowls and bamboo armrests are ingeniously repurposed into side tables and decorative pieces. Creative lighting is explored with a DIY wireless mushroom lamp made from IKEA KARAFF, BLANDA, and KORNSNÖ items. KALLAX units can be transformed into Mediterranean-style shelves with textured surfaces and rounded niches. HEMNES units can be repaired and repainted for a beachy, coastal aesthetic, or given a glamorous touch with gilded paint and new handles. Geometric patterns can be stenciled onto TARVA chests for a unique look, and STOCKHOLM sideboards can receive sleek paint makeovers. The PAX wardrobe system is extensively featured for creating built-in laundry room storage, expansive living room units, or customized bedroom wardrobes, often involving plinths, MDF boxing, and careful integration with existing architecture. EKET cabinets are used for functional media walls and stylish living room storage, while BILLY bookcases are consistently shown to be adaptable for creating built-in alcoves, dressing table areas with fluted glass effects, and even sophisticated arched shelving units. The BISSA shoe cabinet can be overhauled with paint and new hardware for an ultra-modern entryway piece. The article concludes by defining an IKEA hack, comparing the cost-effectiveness of IKEA versus DIY, and providing guidance on reinforcing IKEA furniture for seating purposes, emphasizing that creativity and skill can lead to significantly personalized and elevated home interiors. #IKEAHacks #DIYFurniture #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #BudgetFriendlyDesign #FlatpackTransformation #FurnitureUpcycling #CreativeDIY #CustomIKEA

This article explores 21 creative and budget-friendly IKEA hacks designed to personalize and enhance various furniture pieces. It caters to both renters seeking temporary modifications and homeowners looking to add a personal touch to their flat-pack items. The guide emphasizes ease of execution, with many hacks adaptable to non-IKEA furniture as well. The first hack demonstrates how to transform an IKEA storage ottoman into an organized office storage solution, ideal for those without dedicated home offices. By utilizing Kuggis and Kvissle inserts, individuals can customize the ottoman's interior to neatly store office supplies. Another innovative idea involves using a Myrheden wire memo board to create an indoor trellis for plants, offering a natural aesthetic within the home. The article then details how to upgrade the Ivar chair with paint and twine, providing step-by-step instructions for priming, painting with chalk-based furniture paint, and wrapping the chair with twine for a stylish finish. Similarly, the Duktig play kitchen can be made more aesthetically pleasing through painting and wallpapering, with detailed guidance on preparing the surface, selecting paints, and assembling the customized kitchen. For kitchen design, the guide suggests painting basic Ivar cabinets to achieve a chic, custom look. It advises on priming, selecting appropriate brushes and chalk paints in complementary shades, and applying a yacht varnish for durability. Another hack focuses on transforming the Moppe chest of drawers with color blocking, offering a non-permanent way for renters to experiment with trends. This involves careful taping and painting with chalk-based furniture paints. Small spaces can benefit from creating an alcove office using IKEA shelf brackets and shelving, with the option to customize timber planks for a perfect fit. The article also presents a hack to give Ivar cabinets a bespoke, built-in appearance by painting them the same color as the walls and adding leather handles. For dated Malm or Hemnes chests of drawers, decorative stickers offer a simple upgrade, extending their lifespan and refreshing their look. Practical solutions include using the Tjuig coat rack for pan lid storage, offering an efficient space-saving idea. Renters can create landlord-friendly gallery walls using Mosslanda picture ledges, allowing for display without damaging walls. The article highlights the effectiveness of mixing budget IKEA pieces with one-off items to achieve an expensive aesthetic, using Alex drawer units and storage cupboards with a custom desktop as an example. Additional home office storage can be gained with the Raskog trolley, which has a small footprint and can be used to organize stationery. Upholstery brand Bemz is introduced as a solution for recovering IKEA sofas, armchairs, and footstools, providing a cost-effective way to refresh furniture. A DIY bedside light can be crafted by wall-mounting an Ekby Valter shelf bracket and wrapping a lamp cord around it. For bedroom customization, a wallpaper headboard is suggested as a space-saving alternative, easily created with a chosen wallpaper design behind a bed frame. The article then addresses the desire for a walk-in wardrobe, explaining how to create one using IKEA storage and a curtain cover-up. Creative lighting hacks include painting patterns on an affordable Regolit Lantern lampshade. A rainbow wall can be created above furniture using leftover paint and masking tape to define the arch shapes, with an optional picture ledge for display. Finally, two hacks offer ways to give IKEA furniture a vintage feel: transforming an IVAR cabinet with half-round trim for a textured look, and creating an apothecary cabinet aesthetic on chests of drawers with paint, new handles, and vintage-style labels. #IKEAHacks #DIYFurniture #HomeDecor #Upcycling #InteriorDesign #BudgetDecor #StorageSolutions #SmallSpaceLiving #FurnitureTransformation

An interior designer shares insights into which products are worth purchasing at Ikea and which ones are better to avoid. The article provides a detailed breakdown of six recommended items and six items to skip, based on factors such as aesthetic appeal, quality, customization potential, durability, and value for money. The designer highly recommends Ikea's live plant section, noting the variety of easy-to-care-for plants and informative labeling that simplifies plant care for those without a green thumb. The availability of various planters is also highlighted as a positive. Another recommended category is picture frames, which are praised for their affordability, diverse sizes, and color options, allowing for continuity in home decor. The designer suggests using frames of the same color throughout a home to create a cohesive look. Ikea's basic dressers are also given a positive review, particularly for their affordability and potential for personalization through paint, stain, new knobs, or wallpaper, making them a good starting point for DIY upgrades. Furthermore, the designer expresses admiration for Ikea's Pax closet system, emphasizing its customizable nature and range of finish options, which can give the appearance of custom casework at a much lower price point. The inclusion of doors in the system is noted for its ability to minimize clutter. Chandeliers, specifically the Älvstarr lampshade, are highlighted for their stunning appearance and versatility in display, offering an artistic statement at a reasonable price. Finally, Ikea's outdoor decking options are recommended for their affordability, eye-catching appearance, and ability to enhance outdoor spaces, particularly the natural-wood option that resembles treated teak. Conversely, several items are advised against. Mirrors are one such category; despite their initial appeal, the designer observed distortion in reflections, regardless of price or size, which is deemed undesirable for design purposes. Lightweight metal tables are also on the 'skip' list due to perceived cheap quality and lack of sturdiness, raising concerns about placing valuable items on them. Outdoor lanterns are another item to avoid, as they appeared to be made of thin paper, suggesting a lack of durability for outdoor conditions, especially in regions with unpredictable weather. Art, specifically canvases and printed posters, is discouraged because of its mass-produced nature, which the designer feels lacks the personal touch essential for home decor. However, a potential workaround involves buying clearance canvases for repainting. Bamboo shelf units are also recommended to be skipped because they did not appear sturdy enough to hold significant weight or breakable items, despite their attractive aesthetic for small spaces. Lastly, the bedding department receives a negative review, as the fabrics were found to lack softness and overall quality, making them a poor investment for a product used daily. The designer advises carefully considering bedding purchases due to the significant time spent in bed. #InteriorDesign #IkeaShopping #HomeDecor #DesignerRecommendations #FurnitureReview #HomeImprovement

The article explores a variety of IKEA Besta hacks, providing inspiration for transforming standard IKEA furniture into custom, high-end storage solutions for various rooms in a home. These hacks cater to different DIY skill levels and interior design preferences, emphasizing cost-effectiveness and personalized aesthetics. One featured hack details the revamp of a home office using Besta cabinets. Designer Ashley Rose made the storage look built-in by adding IKEA Forbattra toe-kicks and upgrading the cabinet hardware, creating an expensive aesthetic on a budget. Another innovative hack showcases Jen Rothbury's approach to applying French cane to cut-out Besta doors. This project involves careful preparation, including sanding, priming, and cutting arch shapes, followed by painting and the addition of cane webbing, custom hardware, and new legs, resulting in a luxurious and unique piece. Ashley Rose also presents a simple yet effective color-block door transformation for Besta units. This hack involves painting the doors in contrasting colors, allowing for personalization to match various interior design trends, from playful to maximalist styles. Priming the doors before painting is recommended for optimal results. Amy's hack demonstrates how to create a designer-look cabinet using black paint and reeded glass film. By painting the Besta unit and applying reeded glass film to the doors, she achieved a sophisticated, high-end appearance for a fraction of the cost of similar designer pieces, enhancing the 'quiet luxury' aesthetic. Victoria Corrie's contribution highlights the use of plywood panels to achieve a calming Scandinavian vibe. This hack involves wrapping the Besta unit with custom-cut, mitered, sanded, and oiled plywood sheets, creating a custom and affordable piece that can make a living room appear more expensive. Victoria Corrie also details a Scandi-boho inspired sideboard created by combining two Besta units. This involved adding rattan to the doors, an oak trim, and IKEA Nannarp and Besta supporting legs, then attaching the unit to the wall for stability and to create a floating effect, which can make small rooms feel larger. For home offices, Becki Willis from Studio Van Oliver demonstrates crafting a stylish desk. This hack utilizes a Besta top panel, leaving out the middle cupboard for chair space, and wall-mounting the units to achieve a clean, floating look at a standard desk height. Shallower Besta cupboards are added above for extra storage. Cheryle Rhuda's hack introduces door overlays for a textured metallic finish. By using decorative fretwork panels (O'verlays) that fit IKEA Besta units and Inviken doors, painted and glued on, a decadent and customizable metallic texture is achieved. Updating door handles is also recommended to enhance the final look. Jo, a content creator, illustrates how to transform basic Besta units into a floating TV console. By joining multiple Besta units and mounting them on the wall, she created a streamlined storage solution that conceals clutter and maintains a clean aesthetic. This elevated storage also helps in making small living rooms appear larger, with a tip to hide cables and sockets. Finally, Kelsey showcases connecting two Besta units for extra-wide stylish storage, incorporating elements such as cut-out door panels with cane webbing, paint, and a plywood-wrapped top. This hack emphasizes creating a custom, cohesive look by joining units and using wall-mounting kits for an elevated appearance. The article concludes with general tips for successful Besta hacks, including using paint for transformation, adding texture with natural materials like plywood or rustic wood, and elevating units with legs or wall-mounting for a more expensive and spacious feel. #IKEAHacks #HomeStorage #DIYFurniture #BespokeDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #FurnitureTransformation #CostEffectiveDecor #ScandiBoho

This article explores the growing trend of furniture flipping, offering expert advice on how to transform old or discarded furniture into profitable pieces. It addresses the increasing interest in sustainable practices and provides a practical guide for individuals looking to venture into the furniture flipping business, whether for personal projects or as a source of income. The content highlights the importance of strategic selection, proper restoration techniques, and effective sales methods to ensure profitability. The initial phase of furniture flipping involves identifying suitable pieces. The article emphasizes looking for items with quality craftsmanship, noting that well-made joinery contributes to both longevity and aesthetic appeal. Furniture crafted from solid, durable materials is generally a better investment than those made from cheaper alternatives like chipboard, which can be harder to sell. Minor defects such as small scratches and dents are considered desirable, as they are often easy to fix and present an opportunity to add value, distinguishing the piece from those that might deter casual buyers. The acquisition cost is also a critical factor; buying low is essential to maximize profit margins, especially for those new to the market without an established clientele. Furthermore, identifying the potential of a piece and having a clear plan for its improvement is crucial. This includes considering what material enhancements can increase its value and ensuring these upgrades are durable for future use. Once a suitable piece is acquired, the article details the necessary tools and a step-by-step restoration process. Essential tools include a microfiber cloth, warm soapy water for cleaning, a protective mask for safety, sanding sponges or an electric sander, a paint scraper, paint primer, the chosen paint, a paintbrush or roller, and a sealant or polish. The restoration process begins with thoroughly cleaning the furniture. This is followed by sanding or stripping, depending on the furniture's existing condition; multiple layers of paint may require stripping, while minor finishes can be addressed with sanding. Priming is recommended as an extra precaution to ensure an even and smooth paint application. The painting stage involves applying paint along the wood grain, with a suggestion to choose universal colors if the goal is resale. Protecting the finished piece with a sealant or polish is a vital final step to ensure its durability and maintain its renewed appearance. The article also suggests adding 'finishing touches,' such as replacing old handles with more stylish ones, to further enhance the furniture's appeal and market value. Selling flipped furniture for a profit requires a strategic approach to marketing and pricing. Understanding the target audience is paramount, whether selling to local buyers, interior designers, or high-budget clients. This audience dictates the choice of marketplace; high-end pieces might be best suited for platforms like Chairish or 1st Dibs, while more accessible items could sell well on Facebook Marketplace. Pricing should consider the initial purchase cost, material expenses, and the labor invested. Researching similar items in the chosen marketplace helps in setting a competitive price. A common recommendation is to price slightly above the market average to allow for negotiation while aiming for a markup of around 200% to ensure profitability. Ultimately, while challenging, furniture flipping offers an eco-friendly way to generate income and contribute to a circular economy, reducing waste and fostering creativity in home design. #furnitureFlipping #DIYProjects #sustainableLiving #homeDecoration #interiorDesign #thriftStoreFinds #furnitureRestoration #homeImprovement #resaleMarket

IKEA furniture is renowned for its accessibility and flat-pack design, making it a popular choice for many homeowners and renters. However, its iconic status has also led to a thriving community of enthusiasts who transform these off-the-shelf pieces into unique, high-end designs through a practice known as IKEA hacks. These hacks, ranging from simple DIY updates to complex built-in solutions, offer a creative way to customize furniture without a hefty price tag. This guide compiles 40 of the most innovative and inspiring IKEA hacks, providing a diverse array of ideas for every skill level. One popular hack involves repurposing IKEA BLANDA bamboo serving bowls to create the spherical legs of a stylish console table. This project, championed by interior designer Cassandra Noel, demonstrates how basic items can be transformed into elegant furniture with a bit of patience and DIY effort. Another advanced hack utilizes IKEA BILLY bookcases to construct arched, built-in library shelves, bringing architectural interest and curves into a living space, all while significantly cutting costs compared to professional installations. Even a simple £10 IKEA LACK side table can be given a fresh look by merely rearranging its legs and applying a new coat of paint. For those seeking integrated storage solutions, BILLY bookcases can frame a sofa in a home office, offering both functionality and a cohesive design. The versatility of IKEA's kitchen systems has also led to specialized customization companies like HUSK, which offer alternative doors and countertops to elevate the look of standard IKEA cabinets. Creative hacks extend to lighting, such as transforming an IKEA LERSTA floor lamp into a trendy flower-shaped lamp, inspired by more expensive designs. Coffee tables can also be crafted from IKEA serving bowls, mimicking designer pieces at a fraction of the cost. For minimal effort with maximum impact, simply updating the hardware on IKEA furniture, like handles and knobs, can dramatically change its aesthetic. This allows for easy personalization to match evolving home decor trends. Embracing current trends like chrome furniture is also achievable by applying chrome vinyl wraps to IKEA cabinets like ENHET or BESTA, offering a non-permanent and stylish update. Artistic expression can be applied to even the smallest IKEA items, such as painting patterns on picture frames to create statement pieces. Curved designs are incorporated by modifying BESTA cabinet doors with rattan inserts, adding a premium touch. Built-in libraries from BILLY bookcases, painted in sophisticated shades, offer a bespoke look for book lovers. Clever mirror hacks using IKEA BLODLÖNN tile mirrors create the illusion of heavy, grid-patterned mirrors, transforming plain walls. Built-in desks and cohesive storage solutions are also achieved by customizing BILLY bookcases and BESTA cabinets to blend seamlessly with existing decor. Other ingenious hacks include converting IKEA KALLAX shelving units into stylish cane-paneled bars, creating bespoke bookshelves with intricate mouldings, and transforming PAX wardrobes into fully customized bedroom storage. IVAR cabinets can be updated with raised square patterns, drawing inspiration from high-end designer furniture. MALM drawers can be enhanced with chevron stencils and leather tab handles for a personalized touch. IKEA also provides solutions for unique storage needs, like creating secret reading dens from BILLY bookshelves, replacing solid wardrobe doors with rattan panels, and repurposing MOPPE chests and TENHULT stools into functional bedside tables. RUDSTA display cabinets can be upgraded with fluted film for a designer look, and MALM chests can form wall-to-wall storage in box rooms. Creative kids' room storage solutions include high sleepers made from METOD base units. HEMNES shoe cabinets can be reimagined as slimline vanity units, and flat-pack wardrobes can be given a luxurious update with decorative fluting and gold pulls. BEKVAM spice racks find new life as mini beauty stations or kitchen roll holders. LACK shelves can be integrated into wall-mounted desk setups, and SNIDAD rattan baskets can become designer-look lampshades. EKBY shelving units can be turned into hairpin-leg console tables, while TRONES shoe cabinets form bespoke storage headboards. Even picture ledges can become elegant jewellery displays. These examples highlight the endless possibilities for transforming basic IKEA furniture into personalized and functional pieces, making high-end design accessible on a budget. #IKEAHacks #DIYHomeDecor #FurnitureUpcycling #HomeDesignIdeas #FlatpackFurniture #BudgetDecor #CreativeStorage #CustomFurniture

The author, an interiors editor, shares her long-term love for IKEA pieces that have remained stylish and relevant in her home over a decade, despite her evolving taste for luxury interiors. She recounts how, 20 years ago, as a budding design writer with limited funds, IKEA was essential for furnishing her first apartment. While many initial purchases were eventually discarded, a select few have endured, consistently looking more expensive than their actual cost. She highlights five specific IKEA items that have accompanied her through multiple moves and upgrades to her decor. The first is the BILLY Bookcase, which she purchased two decades ago. Initially a dark wood veneer, it was transformed with a coat of white paint through an IKEA hack, making the wood's texture more visible and aligning with her developing aesthetic. Now, elevated on rounded wooden feet, it continues to serve as a versatile storage and display unit in her living spaces. The second enduring piece is the POÄNG armchair. What was intended as a temporary solution for her home office became a beloved fixture due to its comfort and supportive design. The yellow headrest, a cheerful splash of color, has not only lasted but has become a favorite, even receiving the endorsement of her cat. The author notes that choosing a bolder color helped it stand the test of time better than a pale alternative might have. Next, the BESTÅ sideboard is praised for its versatility and understated design. It has adapted to various roles in different homes, serving as dining room storage, a TV stand in the bedroom, and a towel cabinet in a bathroom niche. Currently, it houses files and design books, with her pet snake perched on top, demonstrating its ability to blend seamlessly into diverse settings and provide practical, unobtrusive storage. The fourth item is the RÖDALM frames. The author emphasizes her preference for IKEA picture frames, citing their affordability, the inclusion of mounts that enhance the appearance of the artwork, and their long-lasting quality. She notes that while the artwork within the frames has changed over time—from Art Deco prints to contemporary graphic drawings—the frames themselves continue to be a subtle backdrop, allowing the contents to shine. Finally, she discusses the ORRESLÄTT/BUSTER chair. She admits to once paying a premium for a vintage BUSTER chair, a classic IKEA design, only to find it recently re-released as the ORRESLÄTT for a significantly lower price. Despite this, her appreciation for the chair's design endures. Its ergonomic tilt, comfortable embrace, and capacity for personalization with a pillow make it a perfect example of timeless, unembellished good design. The author concludes by affirming her continued reliance on IKEA for design inspiration, emphasizing that thoughtful selection of their well-designed pieces can lead to long-lasting investments.

This blog post explores various do-it-yourself (DIY) bar cart projects, offering cost-effective and personalized alternatives to expensive retail options. Bar carts have become a popular home decor trend due to their style and functionality, especially for small spaces. The article presents ten distinct DIY bar cart ideas, ranging from simple hacks to more involved carpentry projects, each accompanied by a detailed guide on materials and construction steps. The first DIY project demonstrates how to transform a budget-friendly IKEA cart into a stylish bar cart for under $60. This involves using gold spray paint and marble contact paper to upgrade the appearance of a basic IKEA stand. The second idea, an IKEA hack by Krys Melo, repurposes an IKEA VALJE shelf (or EKET, as VALJE is discontinued) into a mid-century inspired bar cabinet. This project details painting specific sections and assembling the unit to create a sophisticated storage solution for drinks and glassware. Angela Marie's DIY bar and coffee cart focuses on building a rustic, custom-looking wooden cart for less than $50 in materials. The detailed instructions cover cutting furring strips, drilling pocket holes, assembling the frame, constructing shelves, preparing dowel rods, painting, and attaching caster wheels. This versatile cart can serve as a bar, coffee, or portable breakfast station. Ellie's drink trolley involves upcycling a thrifted bar cart with metallic gold spray paint and hula hoops to mimic high-end designs like the Oliver Bonas drinks trolley at a significantly lower cost. The process includes sanding, cleaning, priming, spray painting, and attaching hula hoops to create a unique and glamorous piece. Tricia Rawlings' project showcases an innovative upcycle of a secondhand diaper changing table into a dark blue bar cart. This transformation involves painting the frame, applying a 'Unicorn Spit' gel stain and glaze for a splatter effect, and finishing with a clear glaze coat for a durable, shiny surface. Amanda Hendrix's DIY focuses on revitalizing a rusty flea market find. Using Rust-Oleum rusty metal primer and protective enamel spray paint, she demonstrates how to restore an old, neglected bar cart into a vibrant, functional piece, emphasizing proper sanding, priming, and painting techniques. Becky's tea trolley transformation illustrates how to convert an old vintage tea trolley into a pink and gold drinks trolley using Frenchic Al Fresco paint. The steps involve thorough cleaning, masking, applying thin layers of paint, and allowing sufficient curing time to achieve a hard-wearing finish. Medina's DIY bar cart features a more advanced woodworking project, constructing a black bar cart with copper pipe accents and wallpaper inserts. This project details building wooden trays, creating a metal frame from copper pipes, drilling precise holes, painting, lacquering, and assembling the components, offering customization in size and design. Sarah Teresinki presents another diaper changing table upcycle, transforming a Graco changing table into a metallic gold bar cart with faux marble shelves using spray paint and peel-and-stick wallpaper or contact paper. The process highlights disassembling, cleaning, painting, applying wallpaper, and reassembling. Finally, Bre's DIY dresser-to-drinks bar cart showcases an IKEA Rast dresser hack. This project involves modifying the dresser by removing specific parts, filling holes, creating a wine bottle holder, attaching beadboard and plywood for the back and bottom, priming, painting, and adding new hardware and casters, resulting in a bar cart with ample storage. Each project provides a comprehensive list of materials and step-by-step instructions, empowering individuals to create personalized and budget-friendly bar carts that add style and functionality to their homes. The article concludes by highlighting the versatility of bar carts beyond just serving drinks, suggesting their use as extra workspace, display units, or even bathroom and bedside storage. #DIYBarCarts #HomeDecor #UpcyclingProjects #IKEAHacks #FurnitureTransformation #BudgetDecor #InteriorDesign #SmallSpaceSolutions

IKEA overlays offer a straightforward and affordable solution for customizing mass-produced flat-pack furniture, transforming them into unique pieces that appear more expensive and align with individual interior design preferences. These decorative panels, available in various sizes, shapes, and patterns, provide a simple upgrade for dressers, cabinets, and mirrors without requiring complex tools or extensive DIY skills. Beyond aesthetics, overlays also contribute to extending the lifespan of existing furniture, thereby reducing waste. Overlays are typically fretwork designs, characterized by ornamental openwork, and can be made from materials like wood, metal, or plastic. They are designed to fit specific IKEA furniture items, taking advantage of the universal dimensions of IKEA's popular flat-packs. The versatility of overlays extends beyond just adding decorative panels; they can be further customized by painting them to match any desired color scheme, offering a more finished and personalized look. Manufacturers like O'verlays highlight their use as mullions on kitchen cabinets, upgrades for doors, and even as wall coverings, demonstrating their application on any flat surface within a home. In addition to panel overlays, fabric overlays are available to switch out covers for sofas and armchairs, providing another avenue for personalization. Simple slat overlays, like those from Artvoom, can also be used to achieve a fluted effect on furniture, tapping into popular design trends. The process of applying overlays is user-friendly: individuals choose a pre-made or custom-made overlay that fits their furniture, and then attach it using adhesive or other mounting methods provided by the manufacturer, such as strong double-sided tape. For a more integrated look, some options involve replacing the entire front of IKEA furniture, such as doors. Currently, several overlay styles are trending. Timeless designs, including those that evoke a Mid-Century Modern look with clean lines and tapered legs, or light-colored overlays with simple geometric patterns for a Scandinavian aesthetic, remain popular. Shaker-style panels, such as the Rex, Anne, Gracie, or Blaire kits from O'verlays, are favored for a classic appearance, while the Charles range offers a more contemporary style. Slatted furniture, a significant trend, can be achieved with products from Art Vroom, perfectly sized for IKEA MALM dressers. Ultimately, overlays provide an accessible entry point into furniture hacking for those looking to refresh their space without a significant investment of time or money. They allow for creative expression and the transformation of ordinary flat-pack items into custom, designer-look pieces, encouraging weekend projects and personalized home decor. #IKEAHacks #FurnitureCustomization #DIYHomeDecor #InteriorDesignTrends #FlatpackFurniture #HomeImprovement #DecorativePanels #AffordableDesign

This article explores how to add a playful and personal touch to living room interiors through the use of colourful and quirky accent furniture. While appreciating minimalist aesthetics, the piece emphasizes the importance of decorative details to make a house feel more like a home. It suggests that accent pieces, such as side tables or smaller decorative items, can easily introduce a dose of fun and can be swapped out as needed. The article then presents a curated selection of 12 furniture and decor items, each drawing inspiration from candies, macarons, and other confectionery, offering readers unique ways to brighten their living spaces. One of the highlighted items is the Hem Boa pouf by Sabine Marcelis, a doughnut-shaped seating option available in pastel hues, featuring an innovative shape-knit textile for a smooth finish. Another distinctive piece is the Tavolo Morbido Swirl table by Studio Mignone, which boasts a triple-tone concrete top reminiscent of lollipops and chocolate candy, supported by chubby legs and available in limited editions. The Foscarini Binic table lamp by Ionna Vautrin is showcased for its compact size and six candy-like colours, making it a versatile addition to any room. The article also features the Cloud stool by Singaporean designer Karyn Lim, recognized for its ombre finish and rounded edges that evoke the image of popsicles. The Slide Gelée pouf by Roberto Paoli is presented as a jelly-like, playful addition, with lounge chairs and coffee tables in a similar form also available. For those with a sweet tooth, the Akar de Nissim Macaron coffee table, inspired by the French pastry, offers a hollow center for storage and a glossy lacquered finish. Smaller decorative items include the Bonbonniere glass dish with lid by Helle Mardahl, ideal for storing candies and serving as a sculptural piece. Seating options also extend to the Marshmallow sofa by Kam Kam, which features a twisted shape made from skein yarn and soft wool, providing both structural strength and a striking design. Lighting is covered by the Lasvit Lollipop lamp by Boris Klimek, which uses slumped glass techniques to mimic the appearance of lollipops. Artistic elements are also suggested, such as the "Candy Series p.07" print by South Korean artist Koo Seong Youn, depicting candy flowers against a millennial pink background, perfect for adding whimsical flair. The Jonathan Adler Globo bookends, with L-shaped brass bases supporting candy-toned acrylic orbs, offer a playful touch to display shelves. Finally, the Bocci 87 pendant lights are described as pearlescent, taffy-like fixtures that resemble spun candy, designed to create a lively focal point, available as wall lamps or pendant lights for individual or grouped display. Each item is presented with details on its design, materials, and availability, providing comprehensive inspiration for homeowners looking to inject personality into their living rooms. #HomeDesign #Furniture #LivingRoom #Decor #DesignInspo #InteriorDesign #Quirky #Whimsical #SpaceFurniture #AccentPieces #SabineMarcelis #StudioMignone #IonnaVautrin #KarynLim #RobertoPaoli #AkarDeNissim #HelleMardahl #KamKam #BorisKlimek #KooSeongYoun #JonathanAdler #Bocci

The article details a sustainable approach to home renovation, focusing on how a homeowner successfully repurposed old IKEA kitchen cabinets into new furniture, specifically a stylish sideboard. This project emerged from the need to clear out an existing kitchen when the author and their fiancé decided to relocate their kitchen into the dining room of their new house, converting the old galley kitchen into a utility room and downstairs toilet. Instead of contributing to landfill, the author sought a more environmentally conscious solution. The initial consideration was reselling or donating the old kitchen. While appliances and full kitchen sets can often find new homes, the specific shallow-depth cabinets from their old IKEA kitchen were less likely to attract buyers. This led to the creative decision of upcycling the cabinets into new pieces of furniture. The original kitchen, approximately 10 years old, consisted of IKEA units with a black quartz worktop, which visually darkened the small galley space. The upcycling process began with carefully dismantling the old kitchen. The author explains that most kitchen cabinets are held together by simple bolts or screws, making disassembly relatively straightforward. Wall cabinets can be lifted off their wall mounts after screws are removed, while base cabinets require the removal of the worktop first. This step involves emptying cupboards, removing shelves, unscrewing worktop fixings from inside the cabinets, and then carefully lifting the heavy worktop. Next came the design phase for the new sideboard. The author utilized three glass-doored upper cabinets from the old kitchen to create a sideboard for their new kitchen. To align with the aesthetic of their new kitchen, which features plywood and white finishes, they incorporated birch plywood for the base and top of the sideboard. Additionally, four base cabinets from the old kitchen were repurposed as much-needed storage in their office space. The choice of plywood was also driven by the availability of leftover material from the new kitchen build, further enhancing the sustainability aspect of the project. The final step involved the construction of the sideboard. The three upper cabinets were fastened together. An 18mm birch plywood sheet was used for the base and top, cut to size and sanded smooth. A clear matte varnish was applied to the exposed wood for durability. To achieve a mid-century modern look, four wooden furniture legs with mounting plates were sourced from eBay. Holes were bored into the plywood base for the mounting plates, allowing the legs to be screwed in. The glass-door cabinets were then placed on the plywood base and secured with screws, followed by attaching the plywood top from the underside. This project not only prevented waste but also saved the homeowner money, demonstrating a practical and aesthetically pleasing alternative to discarding old kitchen units every 10-15 years. #DIY #HomeRenovation #IKEAHack #Upcycling #SustainableLiving #KitchenDesign #FurnitureUpcycle #HomeImprovement

The fluted motif, a trend initially popularized by fluted glass, has expanded to various furnishings, influencing a recent upcycling project that transforms a standard IKEA cabinet. This DIY endeavor centers on modifying an IKEA BESTA storage cabinet to achieve a bespoke appearance through the addition of fluted panelling and new gold hardware. This transformation elevates the flatpack furniture item into a stylish piece. Tom Revill, Creative Director at Plank Hardware, a company specializing in IKEA customization, notes that incorporating fluted motifs into cabinetry provides a contemporary reinterpretation of classic design elements. This approach can enhance kitchen cabinets or built-in storage units, offering a versatile and visually appealing upgrade for living spaces. The project is described as a beginner-friendly upcycling idea, suitable for refreshing outdated dressers or overlooked IKEA furniture pieces. The specific hack, detailed by interiors and DIY enthusiast Melanie Lissack (@melanielissackinteriors), involved converting a plain BESTA shelf unit with doors into a fluted lilac cabinet, complemented by a marble top. The initial step was to address the absence of handles on the original cabinet by drilling holes in the doors for new hardware. Subsequently, Lissack focused on sourcing materials for the fluted detailing. While options like MDF, plywood, or PVC are available, she opted for Orac Decor's 3D wall panelling due to its lightweight nature, which prevents the cabinet doors from becoming too heavy. These panels were cut to size and affixed to the BESTA doors using an adhesive. To achieve a smooth and integrated finish, Lissack applied caulk around the seams where the fluted panelling pieces met. The next phase involved painting the IKEA furniture, adhering to standard best practices for DIY paint projects. This included applying two coats of primer to the entire unit before painting the cabinet in a lilac shade. Upon the paint curing, statement gold hardware handles were attached to the cabinet, adding a touch of character. The transformation was completed by topping the cabinet with an off-cut of a marble kitchen splashback, serving as a tabletop. The final result is a distinctive and customized cabinet. Revill emphasizes that these DIY steps enable individuals to achieve the sophisticated look of fluted cabinetry without requiring professional installation, offering a rewarding and cost-effective method to revitalize existing furniture through creativity and effort. #IKEAHack #FlutedDesign #DIYHomeDecor #CabinetUpcycling #BespokeFurniture #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #MelanieLissackInteriors