Update and Refresh Your Living Spaces for Summer – Head to Ikea

11 June 2010 Leave a Comment

Living in California it is sometimes hard to tell the difference between seasons. So, it was my internal time clock that told me to start dusting off the winter gloom and bring in some summer cheer. As I looked around my house I was not feeling very inspired. Time to call a girlfriend and head to Ikea. No surprise that Bernadette and I discovered lots of inexpensive items to update and refresh our living spaces. I was thrilled to find these:

For the Outdoors

Godis Mix Glasses – These are the cutest glasses that would brighten any table. And for the price, I bought 2 of the 5 designs! Set of 6 is $6.99

Barbar tray – After I bought the glasses I, of course, had to get the matching tray. $5.99

Annamoa fabric – I am not a seamstress but I could not resist this fabric which I cut to be a table cloth for my table. At $7.99/yd I could not go too far wrong.

Riktig Ogla curtain rings – Use these on the edge of a table cloth for outdoor dining. When clipped on they give enough weight to hold a table cloth in place. $2.99/10pack

Nordano Chaise Lounge – Anne-Marie bought two of these chairs for the back yard. With the removable foot rest, they are perfect for reading. And they recline for nap-taking. Get the cushions for extra comfort. $149

Greno Cushions – Great to go with the new chairs! They are easy to clean because the covers are made with an outdoor textile that is removable and washable. $4.99 each

For the Indoors

Gyllen -These lamps are really a cross between a print and a wall lamp. Stylish and practical. They really brighten up a corner. $59.99 (please note that other patterns and colors are available)

Dimpa Recycling Bag Set – When I brought these home my husband could not understand why I was so excited about these bags. My kitchen is an older kitchen so there was no thought about having a space to dispose of recyclables. These bags fit nicely beside my garbage bag under the sink. I used the other 3 in each of our bathrooms under the vanity. It makes my job, (okay my son’s job) so much easier with their waterproof material and sturdy handles. Plus you can’t beat the price! $5.99 for 4.

Renate Blom Duvet Cover and sheets – I could not resist to get new covers for all our beds. What a quick way to freshen up a room! And for as low as $19.99 for the duvet cover and pillowcase it was a no-brainer.

For the Garage

Broder – great shelving and storage system that my girlfriend and I are sending our husbands back to check out, since the Garage Mahal (get it?) is their domain.

Real life “Refresh at Ikea” example

Here’s an example of how an inexpensive “refresh” can completely change a room. This is a room in my girlfriend Bernadette’s (my Ikea buddy) home. She bought these curtains to replace those ugly standard mirror sliding closet doors in her bedroom. At first I was not too sure about it but when she sent me the picture I had to admit she was totally right! What a difference! Price range from $14.99 – $49.99