How to maximise a tiny living space

If you live in a small apartment, you probably know how important it is to make the most of the space you have.

While trends like tiny homes and city living continue to grow in popularity, so will the need for more space-saving solutions.

Here are some of our top tips for upsizing the utility of your space even when it’s not as big as you’d like it to be:

Make The Most Of Your Walls

Walls are one of the most underutilized spaces in most homes.

You can put those empty walls to work by installing shelves to expand on your storage space or to mount your TV so that you can get rid of that bulky stand that’s eating up precious space.

The possibilities are endless when you choose to build vertically.

So far, we’ve seen people use their walls to hang their bicycles, mount peg boards to use as wall organizers, and even as a plant display that doubles as a wall garden.

Be creative with your walls and enjoy all the floor space you’ve just cleared up.

Get Rid Of The Stuff You Don’t Use

One of the quickest ways to make more space in your home is clear out the clutter.

It’s simple but tricky, considering it’s usually a combination of stuff you haven;t used in years that come attached with sentimental value (read: you’ll want to hold on to it for no good reason).

The general rule of thumb when it comes to decluttering your surroundings is to discard anything you haven’t used in the past year. But if you have something that you absolutely must keep, carve out a dedicated space to store them.

To keep your space clutter-free, aim to keep your trinkets and knick-knacks in a storage box, leaving only the essentials that you use daily within reach in your living areas.

Go High, Go Low

One way you can dramatically save on space is to get furniture that can be stacked on top of one another when they’re not needed.

For example, stackable pieces like stools, storage cubes and chairs can be packed up in a space-efficient configuration when they’re not in use.

Apart from stackable furniture, you could also utilize the space underneath your existing pieces, like your bed or sofa for additional storage space.

If your bed’s too low to create more storage space, consider giving it more height with a set of bed risers, or replacement legs for a sofa.

Look For Multitasking Furniture

Furniture pieces that are capable of serving more than one function are an absolute space saver.

Versatile furniture pieces like ottoman stools and sofa beds are a perfect example of this.

An ottoman stool can double up as storage space, while a sofa bed can go from sofa during the day to a spare bed for guests at night.

Having pieces like these effectively creates more space that would otherwise be taken up by bulkier ones that have only one function.

Design Versatile Rooms

Versatile furniture pieces are a great way to save space, but why not take things to the next level with versatile rooms?

We love turning to companies like LifeEdited, which specialize in helping people live comfortably in tiny spaces, for inspiration.

They do this by designing multi-functional rooms in restricted spaces. Some room designs by LifeEdited include a living room that can be transformed into a dining area and a guest bedroom that can be turned into an office space.

You don’t have to take on a complete redesign of your home, but you should definitely consider making the most out of your space with furniture pieces that make your living areas serve you better as your life as the seasons evolve.

Use Mirrors To Create The Illusion Of Space

Mirrors don’t help you save space in a literal sense, but they can make a world of a difference by creating the illusion of greater brightness and depth.  

Looking for affordable ways to make your space truly your own? Get a FREE copy of our Timeless Living: How To Design A Classy IKEA-Inspired Home ebook:

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How to give your living room a bohemian makeover

The Bohemian (or Boho) aesthetic is well-known for its bold use of bright colours, and raw natural materials.

It’s a youthful, colourful, and carefree aesthetic that is meant to bring out the inner, expressive you.

At first glance, the Bohemian look can seem confusing and somewhat random. But in reality, the aesthetic can be summarized in a few simple design elements that when put together, make up its vibrant look.

If you’re a fan, here are the 9 simple ways to give your living room a Bohemian makeover.

Use A Bold Mix Of Colours

One of the most noticeable things about the Bohemian aesthetic is its blend of strong and bold colours.

Keep a lookout for colours like brown, gold, and jewel tones like sapphire blue, emerald green and ruby red.

Jo from The Wishing Trees designed this space with a mix of intricate patterns and vibrant colours resulting in this beautiful living space in her home.

Blend Different Patterns Together

There are no wrong answers when it comes to working with patterns in a Bohemian inspired space.

What’s great about the aesthetic is that you have the freedom to decorate your space any way you like — quirky patterns and all.

One way freelance designer and author Peaches Freud uses different patterns in her space is by combining sofa cushions of myriad colour and patterns.   

If you’re interested in experimenting with different designs and patterns with your furniture (without the hassle of actually getting new ones), try getting a sofa slipcover so that you can have fun with new looks whenever you feel like it.

Consider Using Rugs As Centrepieces

For most living rooms, the biggest piece of furniture is usually the sofa, which is why they tend to be its centrepiece. 

But that doesn’t always have to be the case as proven by lifestyle blogger  Sara Toufali, who made richly printed the rugs in her living room a huge part of her Bohemian-inspired aesthetic.

Use Natural And Raw Materials

One of the less obvious elements in the Bohemian look is the use of natural materials like rattan, burlap and sisal.

Liz Morrow is an interior designer and lifestyle blogger who incorporates wooden pieces like this rattan shelf and flower pot to add plenty of warmth and natural elements in her space.

The result is a space that feels cozy and welcoming yet unpretentious.

Repurpose Old Items

Another reason to love the Bohemian aesthetic is that it promotes the use of repurposed and vintage items.

Jennifer Harrison from Flea Market Fab, a blog and online store that focuses on recycled and repurposed items, does this beautifully by mixing modern and vintage in her home.

Layer Up With Rugs

One way you can make your space look more Bohemian is by following Igor’s  lead from Happy Interior Blog, and how he uses rugs to decorate this space.

He layers rugs of contrasting colors, textures and patterns in ways that look somewhat haphazard, but the result is a refreshingly carefree look that you wouldn’t expect.

Make Your Space Reflect Your Personality

One of the things that make the Bohemian aesthetic so unique is how much it encourages you to express your personality within your space.

Interior stylist and Instagram Influencer, Jen Streeter has a living room that embodies this rule of thumb perfectly.

One of the ways people typically choose to express their personality in their living space is with the use of accent cushions, throw blankets, art pieces, wall decorations and of course, plants.

The sky’s the limit when it comes to decorating your space to reflect your personality.

Expand Your Seating Options

One of the most iconic and notable things about the Bohemian look is the use of floor cushions and pouffes.

These versatile pieces can work double duty as seats and even coffee tables, depending on how they’re arranged.

The use of these pieces combined with the rug help give this living room designed by Powwow Design Studio the laid back and “go with the flow” vibe that can be found in most Bohemian-inspired spaces.

Add Touches Of Tropical With Plants

Plants are an essential part of the Bohemian aesthetic.

Nothing says fun and vibrant quite like accents of green from a couple of vines and succulents. In fact, being in an environment with plants can help reduce stress levels and improve your overall well being, which is exactly what we’re feeling just by looking at this space designed by L.A. based lifestyle blogger Sara Toufali.

Looking for more ideas on how to design a beautiful space on a budget? Get a FREE copy of our Timeless Living: How To Design A Classy IKEA-Inspired Home ebook:

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A better alternative to Pottery Barn slipcovers

Getting a slipcover for your Pottery Barn sofa is one of the easiest ways to rejuvenate your old seats.

It can give you the feeling of having a brand new sofa at a fraction of what it would cost to get a new one.

And just because you purchased your sofa from Pottery Barn doesn’t mean that you have to get a slipcover from the same place. Thankfully, getting a slipcover that’ll spruce up your PB sofa is easier than ever.

But if you’re still on the fence about getting a slipcover from Pottery Barn versus a custom slipcover maker, here are some things you need to consider before making a decision:

Do They Have The Designs You Like?

A Better Alternative to Pottery Barn Slipcovers

For all you Pottery Barn lovers out there, the range of Pottery Barn slipcovers can often feel rather inconsistent.

The fabric and design options that are available from Pottery Barn depends on the particular model of your sofa. This means that only specific sofa slipcovers come with certain fabrics options.

That certainly isn’t the case if you decide to get your slipcover from a custom slipcover maker. By opting in for a custom made sofa slipcover, you get to choose the exact type of fabric and colour for the exact look you want.

Getting your slipcover custom-made also allows you to choose specific things like fitting styles and piping design — something that Pottery Barn slipcovers aren’t able to do.

Can They Make A Slipcover For Your Specific Sofa Model?

A Better Alternative to Pottery Barn Slipcovers

If you currently own an old or discontinued Pottery Barn sofa, finding a slipcover on the Pottery Barn website will be a challenge.  

Pottery Barn only makes slipcovers for a handful of their sofa models, which is another reason why other alternatives to Pottery Barn slipcovers will be a better option.

Can They Add Custom Upgrades?

A Better Alternative to Pottery Barn Slipcovers

One huge advantage of getting your slipcover made by a custom slipcover maker is the ability to include add-ons and accessories to your slipcover, giving your sofa more useful features.

These can be anything from additional armrest pockets, to a USB or wireless charger that’s installed into your sofa slipcover so you can charge your mobile devices without having to get up from your sofa.

Do They Offer Value For Money?

A Better Alternative to Pottery Barn Slipcovers

There’s another smart reason to consider a non-Pottery Barn slipcover alternative: Value.

A typical Pottery Barn slipcover for a loveseat (two-seater sofa) can cost anything from US$800 up to US$1,500, depending on the fabric. And while those prices can quickly escalate to that of a brand new sofa, a slipcover specialist can create one that’s beautifully handmade at half the cost of a Pottery Barn slipcover.

So before you commit to buying a slipcover from Pottery Barn, consider looking into other alternatives that can give you the same (if not better) results with your sofa.

Discover how you can have the perfect slipcover designed for your Pottery Barn sofa here:

How to make your budget stretch at IKEA

It’s always a fun time when a trip to IKEA is involved.

It’s pretty much the Toys”R” Us for adults —  we walk in knowing exactly what we want to buy, but end up walking out with a cart full of stuff we don’t need.  

IKEA does such a great job with their store layout and displays that convincing you to add that extra item to your shopping cart doesn’t take much of an effort.

The final result? You blowing your budget without even realizing it.

To help you stay on track on your next IKEA trip, here are our own tried-and-tested tips for keeping that checkout bill…well, in check:

Know What You Need, Then Write It Down

The first thing you should always do if you want to stick with a budget is to start with a list.

The trick here is to create an actual physical list in hand, not a mental one that can conveniently be pushed aside or most commonly, forgotten.

Think you’ll need some additional ‘safety’ measures in place to keep you from overspending? Take a page out of some of the most seasoned IKEA shoppers and plan for two trips instead of one — one to scout out the products you want to buy, and the second trip for making the final purchase.

Shop For One Room At A Time

A trip to IKEA can be overwhelming.

To minimise this overwhelm, try picking out the items you need by room. This will allow for more ‘structure’  and breathing room while you shop.

Another plus of shopping this way: You’ll be able to focus on shopping for the specific look you want to create in each space rather than end up with a haphazardly-filled cart of impulse buys.

Shop The Store Backwards

Skip the showrooms and elaborate displays altogether by navigating the store backwards.

By starting at the warehouse portion of the store, you’ll be able to get your shopping done where all the actual pieces of furniture are stored instead of being tempted by the pretty showrooms that are strategically designed to encourage you to part ways with your hard-earned cash.

Be In The Know

About the bargains you can snag, specifically.

How do you do this?

Simply head to the IKEA website to check if the items you want are on sale.

If they are, great! This will make it a whole lot easier for you to stay on budget or even make room for something else that you’ve had your eye on, but didn’t make it to your list.  

Enlist The Help Of An Accountability Buddy

Every successful IKEA trip needs a buddy.

An accountability buddy, that is — someone who can give you a reminder when you’re tempted to add something impulsively to your cart and stops you from pulling the ‘buy’ trigger on stuff you don’t need.

An accountability buddy can also help you drill down on why a particular item makes a great buy and help with the heavy lifting when it comes to hauling your purchases to the car.

Just make sure you choose a buddy who isn’t afraid to say “no” to you when you’re tempted to make a bad buying decision.

Sign Up For The IKEA Family Card

Even if you’re not a frequent IKEA shopper, signing up for the IKEA Family card will give you access to exclusive discounts on selected products and services.

The best part? It’s completely free to join and can help you buy what you need for less.

Get Pieces You Can Hack

Make the most of your space by going for modular designs — affordable yet customizable pieces of furniture that can easily be whittled down or taken apart, or even ‘built’ out further for greater function and storage.

IKEA products like the IVAR shelf system come with a wide selection of add ons that allow you to customize and expand on your set up to suit your needs.

Others like the PLATSA wardrobe series can be purchased as individual pieces that give offer you the option of expanding your wardrobe with other PLATSA pieces within the series.

Head to IKEA and you’ll even find uniquely-configured combinations that you can purchase as a set.

There you go — our best tips for surviving your next trip to IKEA without blowing your entire budget.

Or if you’re looking for ideas and new ways to decorate your home with the new furniture you just purchased from IKEA, you can check out our Timeless Living: How To Design A Classy IKEA- Inspired Home ebook.  

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6 IKEA hacks every dog owner should know about

As every dog owner will tell you, their fur kids are practically family.

From sharing a home to having a special place in your heart, there’s nothing you wouldn’t do to pamper your dog.

That includes making your home more dog-friendly.

As much as we love our fur babies, living with them can prove challenging especially if they’re allowed indoors. Pretty soon, you’ll find hair latched on to every single thing. Then there’s the issue of toilet training the dogs, eating spaces, and more.

But that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on comfort, design, and — most importantly — cleanliness. We’ve rounded up some IKEA hacks every dog owner should know about, which we think you’ll find quite useful:

HACK #1: Get Sofa Slipcovers For Easy Maintenance

Large types of furniture such as beds and sofas can be a hassle to clean. But we have a solution for sofas: slipcovers.

Not only can slipcovers breathe new life into your older sofas, but they’re also easily removable if they get stained or dirty. Just toss them into the washing machine and call it a day.

Also, plus points include having a multitude of designs and fabrics to choose from.

HACK #2: Add A Throw To Your Sofa

Are slipcovers not enough to protect your sofa from the wrath of your dog’s fur? Fret not — simply get a blanket throw and drape it onto your sofa.

Not only will you get instant cosiness, but the throw also adds an extra layer of protection that will catch any drool, treats and dog hair that latch on during cuddle time.

HACK #3: Change Your Furniture Legs To Metal Ones

While wooden furniture legs are more common, if your dog has a tendency to chew on your furniture legs, it might be a better idea to switch to metal ones.

Metal legs are sturdier, won’t scratch as easily, and will deter your dog from wanting to chew on them.

But if your dog isn’t prone to chewing on furniture legs and you’re still keen on changing to new ones, we have some options for you as well.

HACK #4: Use A Low Pile Rug

A fluffy rug may feel nice on the feet, but they may not be the most ideal when you have an equally fluffy dog around the house.

Hair gets entangled with the rug, and it becomes hard to tell which is the rug and which is the dog.

A low pile rug will be your saviour here. It’ll be easier to pay attention to when dog fur starts to build up, thus making it easier to clean.

HACK #5: Hide Your Cables

Got a dog that just loves to sink its teeth into your cables, especially your phone ones?

Here’s a tip: keep it out of sight. Better still, charge your phone from your sofa with our smart USB Sofa Cover.

Now when you order one of our slipcovers, you have the option of adding in a built-in USB port and wireless charger.

Keep your smartphone juiced up while being able to stay on the sofa as your fur kid sleeps on your lap. Better still, they won’t be able to get to your charging cables.

HACK #6: Pick The Right Fabric For Your Sofa

Don’t just pick any kind of sofa fabric if you want something that will work well for both you and your dog.

Our recommendations? A velvet fabric (like our Rouge), leather or premium cotton such as our Madison will be perfect for homes with dogs who like snuggling on the sofa. 

These materials are tightly-woven, which means that claws won’t get stuck, and your fur kid won’t rip a hole in your brand new sofa. 

Thinking of making your home more pet-friendly? Start with your sofa by giving it a machine-washable sofa slipcover. Take our slipcover fabrics for a test run here:

Transform your backyard into a magical space with IKEA

If you weren’t able to plan a getaway trip with your friends or family this summer, you can still enjoy the warm weather and long summer days by making the most of your time at home by turning your own backyard into a magical getaway.

Work up a summer tan with the IKEA NÄMMARÖ chaise

What better way to enjoy the sunny weather and heat than by chilling out on a comfy chaise with an icy drink and a good book? Made of sturdy hardwood, the NÄMMARÖ chaise is a durable piece of furniture that would last you many years. Additionally, it has been pre-treated to be better protected against sun, rain, stains and other wear and tear.

And we have the perfect companion for your NÄMMARÖ chaise – our Summer Vibes Collection couch covers. Spill-resistant, stain-resistant, mildew-resistant and UV-protected, these couch covers are the best complement to your NÄMMARÖ chaise so that they stay fresh for a good number of years. Comes in a range of colours to match each and every taste too.

Complement my NÄMMARÖ

Upgrade your space to accommodate multiple guests

IKEA Applaro outdoor furniture set in white cushions
Image credit: IKEA

If you want to have friends over this summer, but you lack the furniture to comfortably seat them in your space, the ÄPPLARÖ sofa set from IKEA is exactly what you need.

The modular sofa set allows you to arrange the sofa in any configuration you like to suit your outdoor space, and its soft back cushions are filled with a hollow fibre that’s made out of 100% recycled materials.

Cover my Applaro

Add some shade

These Outdoor Finds From IKEA Make Any Backyard Look Truly Magical (OXNÖ)
Image credit: IKEA

While it can be nice to spend your summer days out under the sun, having some shade nearby can come in handy for those extra sunny or rainy days.

The IKEA OXNÖ patio umbrella provides excellent protection against rain as well as the sun’s UV rays, and even has a built-in mechanism that allows the umbrella to be positioned in different angles to let you enjoy your outdoor time longer.

Light up your garden with romantic LED lights

Image credit: IKEA

Take your garden lighting to the next level by swapping out your regular lights for these LED lights. Place them on top of your garden table or coffee table outdoors and see how romantic of a mood they can help create. You could spend hours sitting outdoors with your favourite people and just talking about everything on the planet. 

Add some texture to your backyard flooring

These Outdoor Finds From IKEA Make Any Backyard Look Truly Magical (RUNNEN)
Image credit: IKEA

Old, tired-looking floors that are stained, cracked or peeled can take all the magic out of a space.

So if that’s what’s making your backyard look run-down and uninspired, try turning to IKEA’s RUNNEN floor decking collection, which offers a variety of decking styles, including those that could easily pass for parquet flooring or real grass (minus the need for regular watering).

Your backyard transformation begins here

Sofa struggles? We've got you covered.

From pet mishaps to everyday spills, our sofa covers tackle life's little messes effortlessly.

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Stuck with a stained sofa?

Stuck with a stained sofa?

Spills happen, but they don't have to stay. Our stain-resistant, machine-washable slipcovers make cleanup effortless.

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Need an outdoor-friendly couch cover?

Need an outdoor-friendly couch cover?

Sun, rain, and spills are no match for our UV-protected sofa covers, designed to handle the elements in style.

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Pets love your sofa a little too much?

Pets love your sofa a little too much?

Claws, fur, and accidents won't ruin your space. Our pet-friendly sofa covers are tough, stylish, and easy to clean.

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Moving in, but your sofa doesn't fit the space?

Moving in, but your sofa doesn't fit the space?

Update your sofa to match your new home with a sofa cover that changes the style without replacing the frame.

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