A bit of IKEA inspiration.

Lenskog Anna Belfrage  Photographer: Ragnar Ómarsson

Use regular acrylic paint for glass and porcelain to create a splash effect on the  enamelled steel vase, set by placing in an oven.  (Follow manufacturer instructions)

Lenskog Anna Belfrage, Photo: Ragnar Ómarsson

The traditional solid iron bed is making its way back into bedrooms with this update version from Ikea.

Pella Hedeby Photographer: Sara Medina Lind

The new Dance Hyttan lamp lends itself well to hang several in the group for a poetic eye-catcher when the light is reflected in the glass.

Having a family gathering  over the summer? why not personalise each table setting with a photo card. 

Helena North 

How to Help Your Digestion.

If you read by blog on  a regular basis, then you will know that I am a huge fan of IKEA, and the Life at Home section on the Swedish website, I'm always inspired by the styling and simple DIY tips that they post, and today is no exception.  I heard that sitting at a table that has been  nicely set out, even to eat just a simple meal is actually good for your digestion, and it doesn't have to be posh or elaborate, take simple white china, and add a table cloth and napkin, all from IKEA, styled with a DIY napkin ring made from off cuts of leather strapping, that you can buy on Ebay, and finish with a flower. Perfect.

Give a set of draws a quick update.

Before 

 After.

On my last trip to IKEA, I bought a pack of six SÄTTA handles in black simply because they were so cheap, £2.50 of six handles can't be bad!  And as luck would have it, they were a perfect fit for a couple of sets of drawers in my office/spare room,  I didn't really like the silver handles much before and the black ones made for the perfect update. 

More of my IKEA buys.

Photography and styling Samantha Stansbridge

All Photography and styling Samantha Stansbridge

Armed with a few more flip top jars, bought on my recent trip to IKEA,  I've been busy  decanting up my muesli and granola dust.   Granola dust, by the way, can also be used for making great pancakes.
Maybe I'll make some over the weekend....

Large KOREN flip top jar IKEA, smaller one De Gruchy Jersey. White bowl Maxwell Williams from the White basics range. 

The Weekend In Photographs

We arrived in St. Malo on Friday at 11.00 am but didn't make it out of the harbour until much later that day,   Long story short, my daughter was transporting snakes to be rehomed in France, but  a mix-up with the paperwork meant that the French customs decided to hold us until 4.00pm!  The Jersey end had given us  incorrect documents for entering France with snakes, and the French didn't like it, so after  few phone calls to and from Jersey, a fine of 280.00 Euros, and a photo shoot of said snakes with what seemed to be the entire  French customs department, we finally got on our way at around 4.00 pm!  

We arrived at IKEA just after 5.00pm which seemed to be a really great time to shop because it was virtually empty and I have never known Ikea to be that quiet!  Perfect for taking  a few photos on my phone, for inspiration later. 

This sofa is now on my wish list, it's actually very comfy, I like the traditional feel of it but with an updated edge to it.

This photo collection caught my eye, something I might try out at home.

Images taken on Samsung Mini 3 Styling IKEA

I also managed to get most of the items on my shopping list, with a couple of exceptions, but all in all, I am pretty pleased with my little IKEA bundle of goodies that I bought, and totally enjoyed browsing around the room sets getting ideas and inspiration. 

Introducing Wireless Charging From IKEA.

All images IKEA

This, I think is a pure stroke of genius from IKEA, lamps and side tables with built in wireless  ability to charge your  smart phone, I've lost count of how many times I have had to go in search of my charger, someone borrows it, or I've absentmindedly put it down in another room - and wouldn't  these be great in hotel rooms too! no need to pack your charger when you go away.  I've never though to IKEA as cutting edge when it comes to technology, but I really like this idea, and the pieces blend in with the home to, they don't look gadgety or techie either which I love.

So far the series consist of  VARV Table lamp,  VARV Floor lamp  RIGGAD Work lamp  NORDLI Bedside table   SELJE Bedside table, all  with wireless charger, then there are the  NORDMÄRKE Single pad with wireless charger and  the NORDMÄRKE Triple pad with wireless charger.

There is also the option to build a wireless charger into your furniture and worktops, the JYSSEN Wireless charger seen below. 

Available from Mid April in stores and online, but you will need a smartphone that supports wireless charging (Qi) check your phone for detail, it may just need switching on. 

Picture Wall Inspiration.

Anna LB, Livet Hemma editorial staff    Photo: Ragnar Ómarsson

Decor inspiration today comes from IKEA.  Creating  a picture wall doesn't have to be expensive, IKEA do a great range of budget friendly picture frames available in several formats making it easy to start your picture wall.   

For some cheap art check out free pictures and images online to download  print off at home, or create your own works of art and make some custom framing with adhesive tape.

Prints of feathers have caught my interest of late, and I've seen a few of dandelion  pictures that have also caught my eye, such as the one below displayed in the lovely new home of Nina Holst from Stylizimoblog.    Has anything been catching your eye of late? 

Stylizimoblog

Timeless Table setting

IKEA Livet Hemma.

I must admit, we very rarely set the table for meals these days, but it is nice to make an effort for special occasions, or when friends come for dinner, and I do prefer white tableware to patterned, practical to replace when there are breakages too.

   

Stylist Pella Hedeby | Photographer Sara Danielsson | Life Home

Every Day Counts From Ikea

ikea.se/livethemma

         
If you love creating table setting for special occasions or  just enjoy  making  every day a special occasion, then you might  be interested in this new  book  filled with inspiration, tips,  and recipes,  popping up  on the shelves of an IKEA store near you, its called Every Day Counts.

A little Calm from IKEA

Hello how are you doing?  I've been feeling a little washed out of late, what with the winter grey skies and general feeling of being under the weather, plus everything at home is a bit topsy turvy, some times things just seem to happen all at once don't they, towards the end of last year my washing  machine packed up, quickly followed by my cooker dying on me, and now there is work going on in the down stairs flat which affects our home up stairs,(our bathroom has been slowly leaking into the kitchen below us) so everything seems to be in a constant mess at the moment, and yesterday work men showed up to put in new telephone connections so I'm feeling less then relaxed this week.

So it was kind of nice to find these lovely relaxing photos in my in box this morning, from the Ikea Livet Hemma blog. Just staring at the photo above has already reduced  my stress levels, with its  calming colour palette and use of natural textures and materials -so relaxing.
Our environment has a huge effect on our well-being, (which I'm currently discovering firsthand) but  the use of   light colours give this look a feeling of calm and quite, and I always find that wood and wicker baskets with their  unique grains and distinct natural element are always comforting and relaxing.

One of the trends for 2012 is Pure and Simple and taking inspiration from Japan, Ikea Livet Hemma take a look at raw materials such as untreated wood and and natural fibers to help create this calming and natural look for the home. Although I can't quite picture me sitting on these lovely banana rush foot stools drinking Japanese tea anytime soon, (I'll never get off the floor) I can appreciate  the uncluttered calm feel of this space, with the mix of  the natural textures and the clean lines of the units and tables., and I also love  plain white table ware to serve good food on, so simple.

 

All photos Nina Broberg/IKEA Livet Hemma

Bright whites with blue and pops of pink

  On Livet Hemma this week, the team  create peace and quiet in the bedroom., Using crisp white walls and floors create a sense of tranquillity,  and a delicate rose or two keeps it sweet smelling and feminine without being too girly.  

I love the blue and white duvet set on the bed designed by Charlotte Skak, not what I would have chosen for this room myself, but seeing it here, it really works to keep the room fresh but  modern.  A touch of hot pink in the form of the floor rug helps to add a bit of warmth.

I'm counting down the days until I'm let loose on IKEA  when we go to France for the day, I think I'll be needing a truck for all the things I want to get, but knowing me, I'll get there and not know where to start! 

All images IKEA LIVET HEMMA

IKEA Livet Hemma (Life at Home)

Are you a  fan of all things IKEA?  If I had the chance I would visit IKEA more often, but for me, it means a trip to France in Rennes as this is  the closest one to where I live.  So getting my hands on a catalogue and visiting IKEA Family Live, and the IKEA website is the next best thing.  And now....... there is another way to stay up to date, Yeah! a new Swedish  interior inspirational blog, Livet Hemma or in English Life at Home.

You've heard of IKEA hackers right? people who buy products and personalise them, well the styling team over at Livet Hemma are encouraging this by  styling Ikea pieces in interesting ways and in exciting environments, and positively embracing the hacker within, rather then  just showing how the furniture is seen in the catalogue, the team show how to use the furniture in interesting ways,  which I think is great as although I love the styling  in Ikea catalogues, I think for the most part nobody wants to live in what looks like an IKEA stage set, and we usually buy things that fit into our homes, right?

 The team also upload stories, tips and trend spotting ideas in video and film, but these are in Swedish as is the blog, but you can at least use google translate to read the blog, If you are an IKEA lover its well worth a visit for some styling ideas, you can also create a personal profile on the site and share your own styling ideas too!