CasaSugar

Do You Eat When You Shop at Ikea?

CasaSugar — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:30:41 -0800

Some of my friends love to swing by the cafeteria at Ikea for a pick-me-up during their shopping sprees. Myself, I've always just settled for a soft-serve cone on my way out the door. Do you ever eat lunch at Ikea?

Source: Flickr User uemu

Nice and New: IKEA Holiday Décor

CasaSugar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:00:01 -0800

I think holiday décor is best collected year after year, with a mix of homemade and store-bought ornaments. But I must admit I am really digging a few of IKEA's new Christmas items. This moose-shaped Sprallig Coat Rack ($19.99), for instance, is so quirky and fun - very Scandinavian modern. I definitely recommend DIY-ing what you can to give your holiday decorations a personal touch, but I won't protest if you toss in a few of these new products.

Su Casa: A Thrifty and Hip DIY Shelf

CasaSugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:00:25 -0800

Often, home enthusiasts find a product that is perfect for their homes, but find that the price point is definitely less than ideal. Such was the case with Su Casa member Senorita.

She writes, "I had fallen in love with the CB2 Hancock bookshelf ($199). I wasn't keen on that exact color (a bright orange), but I loved the shape. I debated on buying two and repainting them, but at $200 a piece, that was a little more than I was willing to spend. So I started my search for a shelving unit that would work on this extra-large wall of mine."

To see what she found instead, and what fabulous color she decided upon, read more.

Senorita continues, "I happened to browse through Ikea and found a series called Lerberg. They were a little smaller than the CB2 shelves, but with a little paint could be whatever color I wanted, and for three (enough to cover the wall) a mere $60. So, I got to work and bought three shelves and three cans of lime-green paint. I am thrilled with the final product - they definitely pop with color!"

Have you come up with a smart DIY or home project? Then share it in our Su Casa group!
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IKEA France Celebrates the 30th B-Day of the Billy Bookcase

CasaSugar — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:00:08 -0700

It's been 30 years since IKEA designer Gillis Lundgren debuted the wildly popular Billy Bookcase ($89.99). The product is a classic, streamlined design that's been used to store everything from pantry items to novels, and has been personalized every which way in homes around the world. So to celebrate, IKEA France is running a promotion called Your Billy, where the bookcase's fans can send in photos of how they've DIY'd it to enter to win IKEA gift cards. The retailer has also released a limited-edition Billy collection printed with graffiti/doodle-style words, as well as a special anniversary book recounting the history of the bookcase, and some cute related products like "B" Bookends. IKEA US doesn't seem to be running the same promotion just yet, but the US is usually the last. So we'll stay tuned!

Ikea Offers to Furnish Narrowest House in New York

CasaSugar — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:00:06 -0700

Last month, the "narrowest house in New York City" went on sale for $2.7 million, and it's still on the market. The terrifically narrow brick building, which was built in 1873, is located in Greenwich Village and built into an alley.

Now, Ikea's offering the future buyers of this squeezed-for-space home free design expertise and $10,000 in furniture.

"We know that space is at a premium in most homes and especially in this particular home. In fact, the Huffington Post quoted the real estate broker saying that you'd have to be 'clever in how you decorate' it," noted Janice Simonsen, Ikea design expert and spokesperson, in a press release. "We're so in love with small spaces that we're putting an offer on the table, albeit a skinny table – free furniture and design expertise to the eventual buyers."

Would the offer of free design advice and $10K worth of furniture from Ikea prompt you to buy this narrow and multimillion dollar home?

Source

Desire/Acquire: Philippe Starck's Miss K Table Lamp

CasaSugar — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:00:00 -0700

If I were to purchase every Philippe Starck design I've fallen for, I'd be bankrupt - in a killer house. I already do a good enough job spending money I don't have without the French superstar's help, so really there's got to be an easier way to achieve his design style. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so I doubt Starck would mind if I snatched up a stylish red lamp inspired by his Miss K Table Lamp ($360, on sale for $288). Right? I've got my eye on a great knockoff with a similar Saarinen-shape base and streamlined shade. See it when you read more.

No, maybe the IKEA Lampan ($5) isn't made of the token Lucite Starck's known for (it's made of plastic). But for five bucks and a near replica in both shape and color, I'd choose it any day.

Cool Idea: Ikea's Sunnan Solar Lamp

CasaSugar — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:00:29 -0700

Talk about going green. Ikea's Sunnan Solar Lamp ($19.99) requires no electrical connection, since it gets its energy from solar cells located on the lamp's base, which transform sunlight into electrical energy. Designed by Nicolas Cortolezzis, these cute lamps are available in a rainbow of cheerful colors. Want something else to smile about? For every Sunnan lamp bought from Ikea, the store will donate a lamp to UNICEF, which will help children in homes without electricity to do their homework after dark. The first donations will go to UNICEF in Pakistan, helping children in refugee camps and remote villages without electricity in two provinces: Balochistan, which was struck by a major earthquake in October 2008, and the North West Frontier province, where unrest has affected half the population and displaced many thousands.

IKEA 2010 Catalog Arrives

CasaSugar — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 07:00:10 -0700

I look forward to the annual arrival of the IKEA catalog like a little girl does her wedding day. In other words, it's my big day. The IKEA 2010 catalog is finally online for all of you to virtually flip through until your paper copy arrives in the mail. As always, you'll be wooed by the fantastic styling and reasonable prices. There are definitely a lot of new things to love, but what should be noted is that many of your old favorites have reduced prices. Furthermore, you'll find classic IKEA products available in new colors and patterns. So, if you're coming back for more of your faves, you can expect more selection, and to pay less. Check it out and tell me what's on your wish list.
See what's on mine when you read more.

How-To: Marimekko Your Whole House

CasaSugar — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 10:00:41 -0700

Finnish textile designer Marimekko was made famous when Jackie Kennedy bought eight Marimekko dresses, which she wore throughout the 1960 US presidential campaign. Soon, in the mid-'60s, the company sparked up a relationship with Crate & Barrel, using their designs on textiles like bedding in their stores as well as display backdrops.
Nowadays, Mari's brightly colored graphics have made their way onto every furnishing in the house - a new line of wallpaper being the latest.

Bemz, the one and only retailer of chic slipcovers for Ikea furniture, also recently debuted a collection of Marimekko slipcovers. And, for those of you who have caught on to the trend of using apparel as home décor, the company also launched Mari's New Bags last month, a line of cheerful purses, clutches, and briefcases.

That's not all though, folks: there are plenty more accessories and furnishings for your whole house from the Helsinki company. To see them, read more.

Su Casa: Minka's Updated Living Room

CasaSugar — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:00:00 -0700

Su Casa member Minka has made some updates her living room, and I am thoroughly impressed! Here's what she said about the changes:

I rearranged the pictures on my wall salon-style, so there's room for more. Lots of my friends are photographers, so I'm always snagging work from them. I just got new pillows for my Crate and Barrel couch. The old ones were the same fabric as the couch. I also picked up some John Robshaw pillows on sale and mixed in some white IKEA ones. I covered the couch with a blue sheet to match the color scheme and to protect it from cat hair (I have two kitties that shed a lot).

I think it's a beautiful room. The salon-style arrangement of artwork really creates a strong focal point, and the architecture of the room is ideal. I'm loving her coffee table (great shape!) and chrome armchair, and you know how I love Moroccan poufs. I love the color pairing of her red throw and greenish blue chair as well. Good work, Minka!

Has your home seen any minimakeovers lately? Be sure to add photos and descriptions of your changes to our Su Casa group!
Source

Julros Candle Holder, 7 Lights - $14.99	VÄghult Candlestick - $2.99
Kotte Straw Goat - $14.99	Kotte Ornament, Star - $2.99
Kotte Decoration, Bird - $2.99	Julros Block Candle - $2.99
Julros Block Candle Holder - $9.99	Snoa Christmas Stocking - $2.99
Snoa Form Cushion - $6.99	Kyligt Place Mat - $2.99
Godis Mix Glass - $6.99	Kotte Decoration, Ornament - $2.99
Kotte Gift Card - $1.99	Kotte Decoration, Ornament - $7.99
Kotte Ribbon, Set Of 2 - $5.99	Kotte Ornament, Heart - $1.99
Sprallig Knob/ Hook Rack - $19.99

Engan 4-drawer Dresser - $149.00	Melltorp Occasional Table - $59.99
Ikea 365+ Brasa Floor Lamp - $110.00	Smedsta Swivel Armchair Cover - $34.00
Edland Four-poster Bed Frame - $299.00	Engan Bed Frame - $149.00
Panna Place Mat - $1.99	Granas Table And 2 Chairs - $99.99
Jorun Rug, Flatwoven - $179.00	Erslev Rug - $29.99
Expedit Insert With Door - $20.00	Expedit Insert With 2 Drawers - $30.00
Expedit Bookcase - $159.00	Alseda Stool - $29.99
Ikea Stockholm Bowl - $29.99	Alvine Antik Bedspread - $79.99
Billy Bookcase - $59.99

Fatboy - Junior Marimekko - $189.00	Marimekko - unikko coasters and trivets by maija and kristina isola - $12.00
Marimekko Tamara Linen Sheet Sets - $34.95	Marimekko Tamara Guest Towels - $5.95
Marimekko - unikko bed linens by maija isola for marimekko - $19.00	Marimekko Iso Krassi Pillow - $59.95
Marimekko ® Umi Wall Hanging - $24.95	Jennifer Delonge - Glam Glider Ottoman - $659.00
Marimekko - unikko kitchen collection by marimekko - $10.00	Marimekko Lumimarja White Tablecloth/Napkin - $7.95
Marimekko ® hedwig bed linens - $29.95	Marimekko Lehtimaja Mist Shower Curtain - $49.95
Marimekko Lehtimaja Green Bed Linens - $34.95