The IKEA Conundrum

So. I LOVE Ikea.
AND I've hated Ikea.


I would call the spectrum of quality at Ikea vast. Affordable it can be, but be aware that "Affordable" can sometimes be mistaken for it's trashy cousin "Cheap". An unskilled consumer could walk away with what they think is a whole new apartment, only to realize upon further inspection that their new home closer resembles a dorm. It takes a real sense of design to be able to utilize the store in the best way possible.

That said. I LOVE Ikea right now!!!


Part of my previous resistance to the Swedish chain is (was) my distaste for modern furniture, which I still regard as sometimes cold and sterile. However, with my recent exploration of such publications as Dwell and such blogs as Remodelista and Design*Sponge I've developed an appreciation for it.

Can you guess which chaise is from Ikea?

Clockwise from top right, Design Within Reach, Crate and Barrel, Smith & Hawken, and Ikea, with the winning price of $129!!!

Ikea used to mean having to go on the weekend, because that's when the buses from Port Authority to Elizabeth, N.J. were free. It meant crowds. It meant knowing what you wanted before you went. But now... Ikea means a free 12 minute ferry ride from Wall Street to Red Hook, even during the week! It means causal browsing, it means Brooklyn. It means chicken fingers and fries. It means Nick and Faryl are getting a lot of things for their country house at IKEA.


Their Molger series is fantastic. We have the shelf in our bathroom in the city, which was $4.99 and looks great! (I would love to get a hold of that tray across the bathtub as well as the bench, which isn't pictured.)

First thing we do after we get a floor in the bunk house is get a bunk bed or two (naturally), a couple rugs and... oh, who knows?!

IKEA, you affordable, trendy little minx, you better watch out, we're coming to shop!