Because designers aren't rich, to create well-designed spaces in our own homes we have to learn tricks of the trade. We know how to stretch a dollar, stay on the lookout for good deals, and use the design elements (color, space, texture, lines, movement....I'm forgetting one, but you get the idea) to create a great-looking space. 

We each have our go-to budget friendly vendors, and one of mine is Ikea. Every now and then, I check into Ikea's website (and well, ok, I may or may not have the phone app and have a lengthy wish list) and see what's new. I've been very surprised by them lately. Usually Ikea items take the right setting and sometimes a little repurposing to work, but these items are just plain good. Take a look. I even snuck in some Christmas items at the end there. I can't help it!! Consumer-driven America plays with my Christmas-loving emotions!!

I am having a love affair with this sofa. I have big plans for it in my dreams. If only I didn't have a living room designed around a completely different color scheme, and a perfectly good sofa that I scored for $500. Oh well. Maybe one of you will let us coax you into using it???

So who wants to go to Ikea with me?