I’m not the biggest IKEA fan, but these are the pieces I’ve repurchased for both my remodel projects as someone with designer taste on a DIY budget

This article explores the favorite home items of various interior designers, offering insights into products they would repeatedly purchase and tips on how to incorporate them into personal living spaces. Kimberly Bevan from Bevan Interiors highlights the Design Within Reach Rice Paper Shade, praising its ambient glow, large-scale buoyancy despite its size, and versatility across modern and traditional settings, all at an accessible price point. She advises light feather dusting for maintenance. Emily Vaughan of Emily Vaughan Interiors recommends the BlueStar Range, a professional-grade appliance acquired during a 1952 home renovation. She values its open burners for even high-temperature cooking, easy-to-clean cast iron cooktop, and capacity for two full-size sheet pans, noting that colorful appliance options could enhance cohesion in a kitchen. Shelagh Conway from Triple Heart Design values the Maison Distressed Black Oak 4-Door Buffet Sideboard as a substantial dresser that provides a grounding element in her large bedroom, adapting to various design changes. She suggests embracing black in bedrooms for a calming effect, often mixing it with other wood tones for textural depth. Byron Risdon of Byron Risdon Interior Design Studio endorses West Elm Luxe Chenille Throws for their softness, luxury, and durability, making them suitable for both guests and daily use. He looks for comfort, softness, and durability in throws, suggesting a size that covers the body without being overly large. Ariel Richardson, lead designer at ASR Design Studio, praises the Miele Washer and Dryer for its compact, stackable design, efficient cleaning cartridges, and ventless drying technology, which allows for flexible placement. She emphasizes the environmental and clothing benefits of front-load washers. Tamara Honey of House of Honey finds the Disco Ball to be an instant mood transformer, recommending its placement near a window to enhance the magical effect of glimmering lights. Aimee Meisgeier from AM Interior Design favors the Beta Modular Sofa for its deep comfort, modular customization, and corduroy fabric, which is both cozy and practical for pet owners. She advises measuring the space and defining needs before purchasing a modular sofa. Linette Dai of Linette Dai Design cherishes the CB2 Muse Smoked Coupe Glass for its chic design and modern aesthetic, using it for both cocktails and sparkling water. She suggests pairing coupe glasses with bite-sized snacks in sculptural dishes. She also appreciates the CB2 Suspend Walnut & Marble Media Console for its natural elements, beautiful walnut veneer, marble top, and practical storage. She advocates for minimalist styling of console tops with essential, functional decor. Azali Kassum of Azali Kassum Design collects Victoria Morris's ceramics, specifically the Large Gourd Vase in Ivory, for its unique handmade flair and sculptural elegance. She advises hand-washing ceramics with gentle soap and air-drying in the sun. Gina Gutierrez from Gina Rachelle Design recommends the Joss & Main Tellis Marble Picture Frame for its classic and timeless appeal, versatility in size and finish, and ability to fill empty spaces. She applies the “rule of three” for styling. Sarah Rinehart Fleischer of SRF Interiors finds joy in Dana Bell's painting, “Dancing on Yellow, 2001,” for its bold colors and perfect fit in an awkward wall space. She suggests keeping room measurements handy for online art purchases. Lorna Gross, CEO of LORNA GROSS Interior Design, finds the Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Home Scented Candle to be a constant source of calm. She advises keeping candle lids on to prevent dust and burn marks, and lighting kitchen candles after meals. Nadia Watts of Nadia Watts Interior Design highlights the Kartell Pilastro Stool for its unique lines, interesting shape, and multi-functional use as a side table, footstool, or extra seating. She prefers furniture that is both artistic and functional. Brianna Untener of Brianna Scott Interiors loves the Serena & Lily Milo Alpaca Throw for its softness, luxury, and year-round coziness. She prefers displaying throws on chairs to visually unify a room. Shauna Glenn of Shauna Glenn Design trusts the Annie Selke Paint Chip Multi Hand Micro-Hooked Wool Rug for its durability in high-traffic areas and ease of cleaning. She emphasizes regular vacuuming and shaking of wool rugs. Joni Burden of J. Banks Design favors the Gabby Laura Swivel Chair for its timeless elegance, compact size, comfort, and versatility. She appreciates swivel chairs in family rooms for their adaptability. Isabel Ladd of Isabel Ladd Interiors consistently uses Palmer Green Paint by Benjamin Moore, describing it as a deep, rich green with yellow undertones that acts as a neutral in maximalist aesthetics. She recommends using tinted primer and considering the desired ambiance when choosing green paint. Ariel Richardson also champions Ruggable Rugs for their durability, washability, and stain-repelling properties, making them ideal for households with pets and children. She advises washing on a delicate cycle with cold water and low heat drying. Abby Gruman of Abby Leigh Designs chose the Artistic Frame Studio Side Chair for its cane and wood contrast, modern flair, and traditional essence, valuing it for family gatherings. She notes the current trend of cane in unexpected furniture pieces. Laetitia Laurent of Laure Nell Interiors transformed her family room with Phillip Jeffries 9190: Beat Wallpaper, creating a living mural that unifies the space and encourages creative endeavors. She suggests regular dusting and occasional wiping for wallpaper maintenance. Alex Yeske of Alex Yeske Interiors appreciates The Rush House Original Rug, a natural fiber seagrass rug, for its warmth, texture, softness, and customizable, replaceable squares. She recommends vacuuming on a lighter setting and blotting stains for natural fiber rugs. Marie Cloud of Indigo Pruitt Design Studio values the Breville Barista Touch Espresso Machine for its combination of functionality and quality, including an integrated burr grinder and steam wand. She suggests creating a dedicated coffee station. Paige Blodgett Scher of Paige Blodgett Interiors painted her entryway with Bancha Paint by Farrow & Ball to define and warm the small space, praising its yellow undertones and dramatic effect. She advises choosing darker shades to add depth to small areas. Cynthia Lananh of Cynthia Lananh treasures the Le Labo Santal 26 Classic Candle for its neutral, sophisticated scent and elevated packaging. She suggests pairing candles with design-savvy accessories. Brittany Hakimfar of Far Studio considers the Zip Water HydroTap Celsius All-in-One Water Filter Faucet her most beloved appliance for its instant still, sparkling, hot, and cold water delivery in luxurious finishes. She recommends classic chrome or matte black for contemporary kitchens and living brass for traditional ones. Finally, Lina Galvão of Curated Nest loves the Scout Design Studio Promenade Sofa for its approachable style, sculptural arms, comfort, and forgiving fabric. She notes that for modern, sculptural sofas, one might forgo pillows to let the shape shine. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignerPicks #HomeFurnishings #DecoratingTips #ApplianceRecommendations #Textiles #ArtAndAccessories #PaintColors

Interior designers highlight that not all home decor needs to be high-end to make a significant impact on a space. IKEA offers a variety of stylish and budget-friendly accents that designers themselves recommend for various home improvement and decorating needs. These items are suitable for both hosting events and refreshing daily essentials. One surprising category is countertops. Designers like Taylor Fusco have successfully used IKEA's marble and oak effect countertop options in DIY projects, commending their aesthetic appeal and affordability. These countertops cut well and provide a surprisingly beautiful finish for their price point, allowing for custom kitchen designs without a hefty investment. Picture frames are another highly recommended item. While IKEA is often associated with larger furniture, its decorative accents, particularly picture frames, are a favorite among designers such as Mary Kathryn Wells. Instead of expensive custom framing, IKEA offers affordable frames that can instantly enhance bare walls. Even simple prints, like postcards, can be elevated with these frames to add pizzazz to a home. Window treatments, including drapery rods and curtain panels, are also a smart buy at IKEA. Wells suggests them for those new to decorative window treatments, noting their surprising durability. She recalls using vibrant leaf-printed IKEA curtains that lasted through multiple moves and were repurposed as upholstery fabric for a headboard, demonstrating their versatility and longevity. Mirrors are essential for brightening rooms, creating an illusion of space, and serving a functional purpose. Wells frequently purchases full-length mirrors from IKEA for both personal use and client projects, praising their simple, minimalist design that avoids a cheap appearance often found in inexpensive alternatives. For entertaining, IKEA's glassware offerings are recommended by Meghan Jay. She points out that these pieces are budget-friendly yet sophisticated, making them ideal for large dinner parties where items might be misplaced, or for simply refreshing a table setting. The range includes everything from basic water glasses to champagne coupes, offering style without a high cost. Finally, placemats are highlighted as crucial for a complete tablescape. Jay appreciates IKEA's diverse selection of materials and colors, which allows for versatile styling options. She recently acquired rattan placemats for outdoor gatherings, showcasing IKEA's ability to provide functional and aesthetically pleasing decor for various occasions. #IKEADecor #BudgetDecor #HomeDesign #InteriorDecorating #DesignerTips #AffordableHome #CountertopIdeas #WindowTreatments #Glassware #PictureFrames

The search for a functional, stylish, and affordable side table often proves to be a challenge for homeowners. Many commercially available options are either too fragile, aesthetically unappealing, or exceed typical budgets. This common frustration highlights the value of creative DIY solutions, particularly those that repurpose everyday items into high-end-looking furniture pieces. This article presents a DIY project that transforms three readily available IKEA items into a custom end table, offering both design flexibility and cost-effectiveness without the need for specialized tools. The core components for this DIY side table include the IKEA NYPON plant pot, two RÖDEBY bamboo armrests, and the SNUDDA lazy Susan. The NYPON plant pot, priced around $15, serves as the lightweight and stable base for the table, establishing its pedestal design. The two RÖDEBY bamboo armrests, each costing approximately $20, are crucial for adding textural warmth and structural integrity. These armrests are designed to wrap around the plant pot, creating a paneled aesthetic that also forms a sturdy frame for the tabletop. The SNUDDA lazy Susan, also priced at $20, functions as the table's surface, ideal for holding various items like mugs, books, or decorative accents. The combined cost of these items totals around $75, making it a budget-friendly alternative compared to many pre-made side tables, including IKEA's own STOCKHOLM 2025 side table, which costs $90 and lacks the same level of customization. The assembly process for this end table is straightforward, requiring only liquid adhesive and the IKEA components. The first step involves wrapping the bamboo armrests around the plant pot. One armrest is initially secured, and the second is cut to fit the remaining circumference, ensuring the entire pot is covered. Both pieces are then glued into place. The integration of the lazy Susan offers two functional options: it can be placed loosely over the pot's opening to create a lid, allowing for discreet storage within the pot, or it can be permanently adhered to the top of the bamboo-wrapped base to form a stable display surface. This dual functionality enhances the table's versatility, catering to different storage and display needs. Beyond the basic assembly, the DIY nature of this project allows for extensive customization, enabling homeowners to personalize the table to match their interior design. The bamboo mats can be painted or stained to either complement existing wood tones in the room or introduce a contrasting element. Alternatively, leaving the bamboo in its natural state provides a Scandinavian-inspired, minimalist aesthetic. For an elevated, refined appearance, a circular piece of glass can be added to the top of the SNUDDA. Further textural and visual interest can be achieved by wrapping the base of the plant pot with fabric. These customization options ensure that each DIY side table can be unique, reflecting the individual style and personality of the homeowner and seamlessly integrating into diverse living spaces. #DIYHomeDecor #IKEAHack #BudgetFriendly #FurnitureTransformation #HomeImprovement #InteriorDesign #CustomFurniture #ScandinavianDesign