A product help you decorate your ikea furniture

Panyl is a brand that makes decorative sheets of plastic and other stuff that you can stick on your boring Ikea furniture and make it a little more special. 

Maybe people won't even recognize it as the same as their bed stand anymore! 

Of course the best way to customize something is to do it yourself from scratch, but that can take time and have less than professional looking results. So there are products like these to help you make over your white veneer crap.

They have solid colors, polka dots, wood grain, chevrons, and stripes.
 
My picks:

 

$28+ each panel in dark gray for Billy bookcase



$7+ each panel in aqua diagonal stripe for Expedit bookcase





$8+ each panel in ebony woodgrain for Malm dresser


$45+ each panel in brushed aluminum quatrefoil for Billy bookcase


Check out their hack to imitate the West Elm dresser:


vs

My Special Secret Ikea shopping tips

Ikea shopping has bested some of the smartest people I know.
Millions have broken down and broken up in it's convoluted maze.
The first time I went to Ikea, my then roommate and I completely freaked out in the parking lot after thinking we missed the last bus, and only narrowly avoided a complete meltdown.

But I have pretty much mastered Ikea shopping at this point, and I am going to share with you my very special secret tips to make your journey into the land of skubbs and brimnes as simple as possible.

 

1. Prepare Ye Online first
NEVER ever ever go to Ikea without a list. You might as well stab yourself in the face with a whole set of Andlig knives if you go just thinking you will know what you want when you see it. Oh hell no.
 Here is what should go on your prep list:

• Names and ARTICLE NUMBERS of items to check out (Do you know how many Hemnes things there are DO YOU? Get those digits. 790.018.17 is the Hemnes bookcase I want in the color I want. Be specific!)
• Number of each item you will need (We needed 5 Platta decking sets and it would have been a murder suicide if we had to go back again for more)
• Measurements of the areas in your house that you want things to fit in (i.e. couch must be less than 84" long and 40" deep)
• Check whether things are in stock at your local store or if they need to be bought online (guess what- all the Sultan Alsorps? Only buyable online, skip the trip.)
• Organize the list by category- if you know you need to see 3 kinds of chairs in person before you decide, list those together in a chair section. This will save you time and tears later when you forget if the Soldern was a lamp or a flower pot or a footstool. (Trick question--I made it up.)
• Print your list in duplicate so your partner can have one, which brings to the next tip.

2.   Never go to Ikea alone
You need 2 people. This is for convenience, sanity, and so someone can tell you that you will never use those very cute but not at all practical gravy boats. You also need to have a partner who will stand in line at the end while you go to the food section.

3. Never go to Ikea in a group
2 people is the minimum and maximum of who should go to Ikea. Don't try to bring other people. You will get separated from each other, lost, and waste time.  Plus too many opinions can be confusing.

4. Enter in the Exit
WHAT? Yes, it can be done. It is a little weird and it is clearly not set up this way, but you can go up the exit stairs and enter where the registers are. You have to walk through the lines where people are paying for things since the closed lines are fully gated, but it is ok. Everyone in the checkout line is weary and confused and won't give a crap about you squeezing by.
When you enter in the exit, you skip the whole upstairs and go straight to the marketplace and furniture pickup.
This is another reason why you need those article numbers from your list. There will be computers where you can look up the aisle your pieces can be found in, and you don't have to run around the store looking for the tags with that info on it.
When you go in this way, you will feel like a total baller and you will feel smug pity for the people looking at you funny and going up to the real entrance. FOOLS.

5. Visit the As-Is section
As many of you already know, Ikea has an as-is section where you can find floor models and things that have been returned at discounted prices.
It is my first stop whenever I go there, partially because it is fun and I am a bargain hunter at heart, and partially because it is at the exit where I enter (I NEVER go to the upper floor showrooms....that way lies insanity).
Be sure to dig through the fabric boxes if you have any upholstered Ikea furniture, because sometimes there are heavily discounted slip covers there! I just found one for our Ektorp couch that is normally $150 and has to be ordered online, but was in the as-is section for $89 and no delivery fee. Woo!
The as-is section is also great because you don't have to put that shit together. It is already done for you. This is perfect if you are looking for a small piece you can put in your car, but unless you have a truck or something, it might make more sense to buy a new bookshelf and assemble at home.
Go to the as-is section first and grab any dishware or lighting stuff you want. Then go back to the as-is section right before you head to the registers to see if you missed anything or if any new items have been put there.

6. Don't forget lightbulbs
I need to learn this lesson better, myself. Ikea is a great place to buy lightbulbs and I always forget to do so.
Make sure to get bulbs before you go back to the furniture box section or you will regret it. Sigh.

7. Get the heavy stuff last
Even if you are passing the boxed furniture first since you have gone in the exit, you should not put those things in your cart yet. First you should get any storage, kitchen, plant etc items and then come back for the heavy stuff on your way out.
Why roll it around when you don't have to? It's not going anywhere, they have tons of them.
Also, by saving it for last you will be sure to put it in the car first and have it on the bottom where it belongs, with the lighter stuff on top.

7. Shop for food while in line
You have reached the registers, yay!
Now you wait and second guess all your purchases while wondering why the line doesn't move at all.
Your shopping partner is totally sick of you by this point (and vice versa) so give them a break and trade off going to the food section beyond the registers while waiting in line.
Things to get: the tomato sauce, the cloudberry jelly, lingonberry syrup, and frozen potato pancakes.
There are also a lot of fish products that look totally gross to me but you might like. The frozen desserts like the daim pie look really good but they are a mistake, you will regret it later when you have 3/4 left and are sick of it because it is so flatly sweet.
Bring the things back to your cart in line, argue about how many jellies one person really needs, and then let your partner go get some bags of the sub-par coffee.

8. Do not attempt to put anything together til you have eaten and slept
Ikea shopping can really take it out of you. Putting together the fiddly things together can be life-ruining. Especially if you are already cranky and tired.
Go home and unload and take a break for dinner at least. It would be great if you could sleep too. Then when you are refreshed and no longer hate the world, that is the time to start with that tiny fucking allen wrench.

Ta da!
No bloodshed, minimal frustration, and you got yourself some cheap stuff.

A couch I am thinking of buying

As you might remember, I am on the hunt for a gray sectional for our new living room.
I've been checking Craiglist just to see what is out there, and I actually found one I like!
E likes it too. It's still really expensive but if it is going to be our couch for a long time, it might be worth it. And of course since it is 2 years old already, it is way cheaper than it was originally.

Here's the pic:



It is the Room and Board Hayes sectional sofa with 2 end pieces and one angled middle piece.


So basically this but with another end piece/corner on the angle chaise side:

$6kish? Room and Board Hayes sectional

The 3 piece sectional is officially $5,197 and the two piece shown here is $4,198. I am not sure what the two piece plus one more piece would end up as, but I am guessing about $6,000.

In the Craigslist ad the owners say they paid over $7k originally. Not sure if that is true but probably close.

They want $3,000 for it in the used condition, which is still a lot but half off.

I'm concerned that it will be very large in our apartment, but I guess we could just get a smaller coffee table.

I like the idea of having one end and the chaise on one side of the room and having the other side facing in, below the tv (once that is mounted on the wall) so our living room will be arranged so that people can talk to each other.


What do you think, should I do it?

MIdcentury modern rocking chair

In our new bedroom, E and I would like a comfortable chair that he can sit in when he wakes up in the morning way too early, or that I can read in when he goes to bed.

 
 $180 Midcentury arm chair with ash wood sleighs

This chair on Amazon caught my eye for its sleek modern design and its black and white colors, which would go nicely with our gray themed apartment.

I also like that it looks like it is skiing.

A rocking chair would be kind of fun, I think.
There are other chairs like this on Amazon, but most of them are molded plastic instead of this which is padded and looks more comfortable.

The light wood rockers would also match our new light wood floors pretty well.
I am worried about the bunny chewing them up, though. You should see what he did to one of the legs of my light wood folding table.

Layouts for our new living room/dining room and office

 Here is what our living room hopefully will look like once we get some sort of sideboard or place to put the cable box and random crap:

The circles are lamps, btw.
And those squares near the bottom are stools that will go to our kitchen counter.


And here is our office might look like (we need a new desk and a bunch of lamps):

We need new bookshelves as well, though we don't have much room for them as this room is tiny and we need that fold out couch in there, too!


Tell me what you think!

PS: I made these diagrams with the Icovia room planner which lets you choose shapes of furniture and windows etc and input your own measurements

Garden benches for my new patio!!

Our new apartment has a very narrow balcony, which I am pretending is a real patio.

My new favorite hobby is thinking about what furniture and planters and other things I can put out there (rock speakers, anyone?) to make it a fun place where I will want to spend a lot of time.

Let's go bench shopping!
There are a few things that appeal to me:
-Storage
-Not having to move it indoors for winter (where would we even put it?)
-Narrowness (can't be deep like an adirondack chair because it wouldn't fit)

Here are my picks from Amazon:

$269 Richmond Arch back storage bench

Size: 51L x 23.5W x 36H in.

Durable red shorea (red lauan) wood

This bench looks nice and elegant and the seat flips up and you can store things underneath. I'd put a cushion and some gardening tools under there, probably.

 
 
$174 Acacia wood bench with 3 drawers
 40 in. W x 17 in. L x 36 in. H
Made of Acacia hardwood
 
 Very rectangular, which might be a little too straight for me. I do like the pull out drawers underneath, though, and it is cheaper than most others.






$199 Resin wicker storage bench
woven resin over a solid steel frame

This looks smaller and has no back, which might be a good space saver for my narrow balcony. It has 2 drawers that pull out. Looks like it does not come with a cushion, so that kinda sucks. Also the dimensions aren't in the description :(





$149 White rocking bench
Measures 45-inch width by 35-inch height by 45 depth
Made of metal material, easy to assemble 

Not sure if I am up for ANY assembly, even if it is easy. I like the delicate look of this bench, though I'd probably add a butt cushion. Might be too deep for my balcony.

 
$180 Eucalyptus White rocking bench
48.8""W x 44.5""H x 28.7""D
Acacia hardwood

This is a wooden version of the rocking bench that looks taller. Not sure if I like this better than the first.

$189 wood glider bench
46.5 x 26.8 x 35.5 inches
Made out of acacia hardwood

This one also includes some assembly (I hope just to put the glider thing on).
Wouldn't it be nice to glide outside? RHYME.

 

$220 Midwest CBK moss green garden bench

 43-inch by 17-inch by 36-inch

Made of metal

 

This is what I think a nice botanic garden should have. It would probably need a cushion to be comfortable.

Which do you like best?

Gray sectional sofas for my new apartment

One of the things I most want when we move is a new couch.
I wanted one when we moved into this current place together, but it was so much cheaper to recover E's Ikea couch, especially since the cats were going to destroy it anyway.

The slipcover is fine, but the couch isn't super comfortable and the cushions move around all the time. We are constantly kicking them back into place with our knees.

Also, I we eat on the couch all the time and I will admit, I spill pretty often.
So the white covers, while washable, don't look the cleanest.

I really would like a slate gray couch. And maybe even a sectional.
I don't like super modern flat boxy designs. I like clean lines but I like comfortable plush pillows instead of minimalist couches.

Here are some I like:


$3,699 PB Comfort roll arm left sectional
Twill in metal gray, knife edge pillows with down blend cover
118" w x 87.5" d x 42" d x 39" h
MMMmmm down

$2,799 Crate and Barrel Klyne 3 piece sectional in Slate

Left Arm Apartment Sofa, Corner, Right Arm Apartment Sofa

107"Wx107"Dx27"H

I like the dark color of this one and the little leggies

  $2,996 CB2 Cielo Shadow sectional

This one might be a little too modern for me. The legs look too small for the bulky seats.

$1,847 West Elm Walton 3 piece sectional

96"w x 72"d x 27"h. 

If you special order this in another fabric (it usually comes in velvet) like the basket weave which I prefer, cotton weave, or pebble weave, then it is $2,047.

$2,997 West Elm Dunham Down-filled sectional

106"w x 73"d x 37"h. 

This is the tossback fabrication which means the short L part of the sectional has a low back.  The other kind is the box cushion.

Not sure what I prefer. But I do like down!

$2,850 Room&Board Metro Sofa with angled chair

Metro 140" Sofa with Right-Arm Angled Chaise in Charcoal

The angled part reminds me of the chair and a half concept which I like, and takes up less room than a full L.

$3,297 Room&Board Orson Sectional

Orson 111x111" Three-Piece Sectional in Cement

This looks sturdy and comfortable.

$8,500 Design Within Reach Reid Corner Sectional

H 29" W 117" Seat H 16"

Why so expensive? I don't know. Not sure it is worth 2-4x the others.

$6,075 Dwell Studio Wright sectional

99W x 105L

Another super pricey one but it sounds like the cushions are made of angel wings "the latest “ultra-lux” technology— highest quality foam layered over inner springs and wrapped in down—for luscious cushions that will hold a pristine shape for years to come"

iPad toilet paper holder

$49.99 Pedestal stand with roll holder for iPad   

Well, World, this is what we've come to. I hope you're proud.

This iPad toilet paper roll stand is being sold by GameStop so I guess the idea is that you don't have to pause for a "bio break" when you are playing "BioShock."

OOOHH good one, Rebecca!
Thanks.

This is something that I bet we will be seeing in hotels soon.
First it was the Bose alarm clock that you can plug your iphone into, and now it's the toilet stand you can plug your ipad into.
Maybe you can even order room service to the bathroom from it.
When you think about it, why move....ever?
Right?

If you are too lazy to hold your ipad on your lap in the bathroom, you're welcome for showing you this crucial advance in technology.

DIY Sitting and Standing Desk

 Materials: 2x Lack Wall Shelf (191cm), 2x Expedit Shelving Units (2x2) , 1x Expedit Desk, 6x Lack Shelf (26cm)

I saw this great post on Ikea Hackers and thought you guys would want to see it.

Standing desks are the new hot thing, but it's hard to justify spending a thousand dollars replacing your current desk just to see if you like it.
The benefits of standing desks are that they're supposed to help you feel more energized, burn more calories, prevent heart disease, and generally be better than sitting in one position all day.

But you can't stand the whole time. Your feet get tired and you need a rest.
Or you are concentrating really hard and need to sit.

So most people with standing desks also have a table or a chair or somewhere they can sit for a while during the day.

Right now, there are a bunch of adjustable desks on the market that you can raise and lower, but as easy and light as they make it, I would not want to do that. I like things in their places and I would probably forget to adjust it ever.

I'd be much happier with a dual sitting and standing desk, but I don't see many on the market.

Luckily I work from home where I have a bar height counter I can stand at, and my regular desk to sit at, but I bet I'd switch more often if they were right next to each other and convenient.

That's why this Ikea hack really appealed to me.
You get both desks, right next to each other, and it looks like one unit instead of two shoved together.

Read the original poster's take on it here.

Surfing the Target Clearance section

You never know what kinds of weird and good stuff you can find in Target's clearance section online.

My picks:

$14.98 Mossimo Vivian neon heels
Barbie shoes for grown ups!

$10.98 Mossimo V neck patterned maxi dress
I like the kimono shape of the dress and the chiffon fabric. I haven't seen the fabric in person though so it could feel weird. Worth a shot?

$12.48 Mossimo V neck jersey maxi dress
If the fabric of the other one puts you off, this soft jersey version comes in a ton of colors.

$7.48 Crochet collar top
This is a little peasant-y, but if you tie those strings in a crisp bow and pair with skinny jeans and ballet flats, it will look more nautical.

$6.98 Liz Lange knit top
I know this is a maternity shirt, but I think it is pretty and you could wear it not pregnant, too.

$12.98 Mossimo Black flutter top
I can fly higher than an eeeeeaaaaagle...
I like the pattern on this one, not the other colors though.

$11.18 Mossimo convertible dress
You can do all sorts of neck lines with this, by switching the position of the two long top flaps.

$149.98 Avington two seater sofa
I like this little love seat for a bench in an entry way or an accent in an office or at the end of a bed.

$89.97 Cherry storage bench
This looks like the bench is on a platform, but also it has become that platform. The shape is strange and I keep looking at it. I think I like it.

$90.98 Black serving cart with mirror
Where is the mirror? I don't get it.
Even without a mirror, this is a useful cart which could double as a bar.

Last but by no means least:

$17.98 Women's frog footies
Yes, that is a onesie for an adult. With a dissatisfied frog face on the hood.
I wonder why this didn't sell out at full price?!

Corner shelves

$25 Corner baker's rack from Walmart

I like the look of this shelving unit and I think it could be really versatile.
I would also like it spray painted turquoise blue or bright red.

You could use it as a teeny desk, or to hold your fancy dishes, or as a plant stand.

It's nice to have corner pieces. I have a corner bookshelf from Ikea that has been moving with me for 8 years. It's been a clothes organizer, a tv stand, a bookshelf, and now it holds dishes and cookbooks and party supplies in the dining room.

This one is a winner because it takes up so little floor space and gives you a bunch of display and storage options in return.
It has pretty good reviews, though the paint job seems suspect.

3 Cute accent tables from Urban Outfitters

Looking around the UO furniture section (I love their velvet couches but they are so impractical for pets), I found a bunch of cute side and accent tables:

$49 Flourish storage side table
You can put magazines in the bottom
It comes in this green color, a light blue turquoise, and black. The customer ratings are high, except that one person's came folded and bent.

$149 Market Basket table

I really like the industrial and rustic look of this one.
The wheels make me think of an old fashioned pram.
some people say the paint chips a little. I think this is a shabby chic piece anyway so that wouldn't detract from the look.

$299 USA coffee table

The mix of the greenish blue color and the wood legs looks nice and clean.

The legs are removable so you can hang the America part on the wall if you'd rather, but I think that is boring.

Word to the Wise: NYC sample sales this week

If you are back at work and everything is ok with your house and all that, might as well do a little shopping.

Now is the perfect time to hit sample sales with holiday gifts in mind. You can spend less for good brands and get presents for your family and friends (and yourself) that you couldn't find elsewhere.

Here are some sales I would hit, if I were home this week (I'm away for work)

Sferra
Up to 75% bed linens, sheet sets, blankets, throws, towels, table linens, and decorative accessories.
When/Where: Tuesday, November 6 through Sunday, November 11. Tues 10am—8pm, Wed 10am—7pm, Thurs 9am—7pm, Fri—Sat 10am—6pm, Sun 10am—3pm. 260 Fifth Ave between 28th and 29th Sts (no phone)

Pamella Roland
Deal: Up to 90% off womenswear
When/Where: Tuesday, November 6 through Thursday, November 8. Daily 10am—6pm. 501 Seventh Ave between 37th and 38th Sts, suite 300 (212-920-1211)

Pixie Market
 Clothing, shoes, and accessories will be priced at $20, $30, and $40. Brands include Cheap Monday, Mink Pink, Jeffrey Campbell, Funktional, Carin Wester, and more.

When/Where: Friday, November 9 through Sunday, November 11. Daily 12pm—8pm. 100 Stanton St between Ludlow and Orchard Sts (212-253-0953)

DwellStudio

60% to 90% off the original prices of over 250 pieces of home decor, including one-of-a-kind items from the personal collections of design and style experts. The sale will include furniture, artwork, fabric, designer clothing, and more. Proceeds from the sale will benefit Baby Buggy, a charity that helps mothers and families in need.

When/Where: Wednesday, November 7 through Sunday November 11. Daily 10am—7pm. 72 Wooster St between Spring and Broome Sts (no phone)

Fishtank sink

$4,500 Aquarium Basin sink

So cool!
You can fill this sink with anything you want including fish, hermit crabs, your shell collection, plants, pretty rocks, or even bloooooood.
Why? whatever.

This would be the best sink ever in one of those crazy modern bachelor pads that you see in movies but no one actually has.