How to build an IKEA dresser, step # 5,973

Let's be honest, building anything from IKEA takes an act of God!  It's complicated enough that you have to buy a dresser in 4 boxes filled with 8000 parts, but the "instruction" manual consists of pictures ONLY.  I consider myself a visual person by nature but come on!

While doing more and more research about IKEA, I realized that a smarter idea would have been to look up their youtube channel and watch the "how to" videos for each of their products.  It actually makes me angry when I realize how many hours of my life I have wasted building piece after piece when I could have watched a step by step video!!

Hopefully anyone who is reading this blog will be able to save themselves several hours of insanity and be able to build their furniture in a more stress-free environment.

IKEA Hackers

Want to chop up your lame IKEA dresser?  Look no further than IKEA Hackers as it shows consumers how to take boring, average IKEA pieces and transform them using a grander vision than what IKEA presents at its stores.  Some of the tricks are pretty handy, such as swapping out knobs on a dresser with fancier options from a store like Anthropologie. 

IKEA doesn't have its own blog, but I think it would be nice if it had one and perhaps embraced the active IKEA hacker group by providing its own ideas on how to create inspired rooms using IKEA furniture.  It doesn't have to knock it's own products by suggesting enhancements and it could take away some of the fun for those who bash IKEA in the first place.  IKEA has a huge market to take advantage of being it provides affordable, sturdy furniture and it can appeal to those with a more high-end taste by highlighting resources that help consumers see the end vision with an IKEA piece of furniture.  A blog would be the perfect tool to accomplish this.

With furniture as plane and simple as IKEA the possibilities truly are endless in terms of what can be done  using good old fashion blood, sweat and tears.  You already know that going to IKEA is a weekend long project, why not take the extra day to turn your furniture into a statement piece that will draw attention and set the perfect mood for any room.

IKEA you can do it!!

Post-Digital IKEA

Since before time IKEA has been a catalog-centered company.  The thick, book-like source has been a bible to IKEA fans since the company's inception and has inspired consumers around the globe to embrace home design and European-style pieces.

This is a real photo.

This is a 3-D model.

This is a 3-D model.

However, according to a NYT article, IKEA plans to embrace technology and manipulate imagery for various countries. Using 3D renderings, the company plans to cut costs and easily shoot imagery for all of its catalogs by using modern technology instead of building actual rooms and having to throw them out later, IKEA plans to use digital versions to showcase its furniture and inspire consumers with potential floor plans.  

I am interested to see how IKEA plans to implement this in the future and how much they spend digitally to supplement their efforts.

More to come on IKEA in the next few months...

Spring Fever?

Why is that when the weather starts to get warm I am immediately pulled toward every blue & yellow colored print there is?  Something about the longer days and warm temperatures really amps up my decor craze - Pinterest has seen a large spike in visits since the first day of spring!  

While I get the design bug, I don't necessarily get the needed budget that goes along with it!  However, a brand that has really impressed me lately is Target.    Taking advantage of the new chevron and embroidery craze, Target makes cute fashionable items for an affordable price.  Throughout the years I have learned to mix and match budget finds with luxury pieces in order to create a balanced home.  Not only do I feel great about my apartment but I know that I didn't have to sacrifice a month's worth of meals to afford it!  

See below for a few great finds from this season and be inspired to create your own luxe home for less:

Never pay full price again!

Being obsessed with all things home related, I follow One Kings Lane very closely.  This website showcases numerous daily sales on furniture, kitchenware, rugs, decor etc. and truly gives meaning to the phrase "never pay full price again."  By featuring designer pieces at a discount, One Kings Lane truly allows the common consumer to purchase one of a kind items for less.  Who wouldn't want to take part in such a great deal!

One Kings Lane uses location based services such as mobile advertising and text message alerts to advise on an upcoming sale - something I am grateful for.  With all the busy messaging and advertisements I see it is great to have something sent directly to my phone, right before 11am EST to let me know the next sale is about to start.

Happy shopping!

Worldly Inspiration

Do you love to travel?  I love to travel and two of the most beautiful places I have ever been to are Sydney, Australia and Santorini, Greece (both pictured above).  I think that most of my rooms reflect my passion through travel photos framed on the walls or unique accessories I have picked up from various continents. 

If you could go anywhere in the world right now where would you go?

The great outdoors

With spring time only a few months away I cannot help but dream about the days when I can sit outside after work while it is still light out.  When I think about some of my favorite memories they have certainly been outside in my parents backyard enjoying long dinners or playing with our family dog, Sammy. 

Lately I have been trying to picture what my future home would look like and a great outdoor space is certainly a key component.

See below for some of my newest outdoor inspirations:

 

For more images follow my Pinterest account or click on the images above.

http://pinterest.com/jncaruso/future-home/

Puppy Love

Happy Valentines Day!  In the spirit of love, I want to share my feelings on a special someone in my life - my dog, Peyton.  I adopted this beautiful girl last May and rescuing her has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

While I love Peyton to death, there are definitely some implications to not only my life, but my home.  Based on my experience I have made a list of 5 things I have learned over the last 9 months.

1.  Carry multiple lint rollers
2. Invest in couches, rugs & bedding colors that are similar to your dog's coat in order to hide the hair
3. Never leave food on a low surface unattended
4. Set your alarm 10 minutes earlier to allow for extra snooze time with your pup in the morning
5. Exercise, exercise exercise! A tired dog = a happy owner

 

 I have always been a dog lover, but Peyton has shown me the special bond you can have when a dog is entirely your own.  Knowing that she was abandoned, I have taken extra time to ensure she is comfortable with me and trusts me.  All of the dog hair, shredded toy parts and wet paw prints are worth it when I get to come to home to this face each and every day.

 

"A dog doesn't care if you're rich or poor, big or small, young or old. He doesn't care if you're not smart, not popular, not a good joke-teller, not the best athlete, nor the best-looking person. To your dog, you are the greatest, the smartest, the nicest human being who was ever born. You are his friend and protector."

Nothing like a home cooked meal

Thai Chicken Curry

Something I love about my home, or any home, is the kitchen!  Cooking is a really fun part of my life and I constantly enjoy trying new recipes.  To me, having a warm and inviting home means the smell of delicious food and the promise of a great meal.

Below are a few examples that I have tried over the last several months - with a link to the recipes :)  Follow my PINTEREST account to be inspired yourself! 

 

Santa hat brownie bites

Last but not least champagne...

Champagne

Faux Fur

Being snowed in thanks to winter storm NEMO, I will be making this first post about my favorite cold weather accessory - the faux fur throw! 

Comfy, warm and stylish, faux fur throws are my savior for the long winter months.  My obsession began a few years ago when I was given a blanket for college to keep me warm while away from home.

Since graduating, I have chosen to make a contributions to the Make-a-Wish Foundation and  it just so happens that one of the silent auction items at the "Celebrating Wishes" dinner is always a faux fur throw!  How can I say no?!  This year, my prize was a lovely white throw on one side with a brown giraffe print on the other.  Over the years I have collected enough blankets of varying colors and prints for both the living room and the bedroom!  Although, my boyfriend will tell you that he is plenty warm in my apartment and does not need more blankets on the bed...

After a long day of work coming home to a nicely made bed with a gray throw draped over the bottom is exactly what I need to curl up sip a cup of tea and relax with my pup.