We often like to go to IKEA around Christmas time to admire the displays and pick up some wrapping supplies (great paper and twine). We happened to be in the area earlier this month during our visit to Black Creek Pioneer Village, so I was happy when Garrett suggested we pop in for a bit.
Seeing all the displays in the showroom is my favourite part of our visits – they really do make them feel like real homes. Have you ever seen IKEA Heights, the soap opera that was filmed entirely in a California IKEA? It wasn’t a great story line, but it was pretty fun to see them using all the displays as a set.
Open concept spaces like this living room and kitchen always make it feel like a very family-oriented space where everyone can be together. My parents’ home in Florida is like this and I love how it makes the space feel open and cozy at the same time. I’d really love to have a room like this someday – especially when you see it all done up for the holidays.
This was by far my favourite kitchen display – there are just so many things I love about it, from the checkered floors to the dark grey cabinets and farmhouse sink. They only thing I would change is the table and chairs. I’d want to go with something more rustic.
It would be so nice to be washing dishes in a farmhouse sink like this, looking out a window, rather than looking into a wall like we do now. The little towel bar to the right is perfect for holding teatowels.
I can’t get enough of checkered floors – just take a peek at my “Inspiring Kitchens” Pinterest board and you’ll see quite a few of them in there.
My little home office space right now is small and chaotic, so seeing something soothing and organized like this makes my heart go pitter-patter. I dream of someday having my own office/studio to work on the blog and design new crafts and projects, and this would be a great space to do that.
This glass front cabinet would be great for storing colourful fabrics or jars of buttons in every colour.
We’re on the verge of needing a new duvet and I was all the more inspired to get one when I saw how cozy and inviting this big fluffy bed is. Then I remember that Garrett is like living with a giant furnace and he would think I was nuts for putting on THAT many blankets. I already won the battle of the throw pillows (he came around quickly), so I don’t think I’ll push it with triple duvets….yet
These are the same wall lamps that we have in our bedroom, and I love how they have them above the bed here, instead of off to the side like we have them. We plan to take the lamps with us when we move someday, so I may have to think about doing this in the future.
We’re on the hunt for fun votive candleholders for the wedding and spotted these patterned glass ones ($1.99). I was tempted to grab them, but I’m going to wait and see if we can find something else. I did grab a set of these candlestick holders ($0.79 each!) for the tapered beeswax candles I made. You can flip them over to hold tealights as well.
After spotting them in the IKEA flyers the past couple of years, I finally broke down and grabbed one of these mini Scandinavian Christmas trees. It’s sitting on our dining room table right now, waiting for some decorations. Maybe a simple cranberry/popcorn garland?
I guess all the fresh air at the village and looking at endless displays of duvet covers and throw pillows was too much for Garrett. He crashed before we could make it to the checkout. What a good sport.
I was able to wake him up for one last stop before we went home – the food counter. It doesn’t matter how cold it is that day – you have to finish off an IKEA trip with a cup of frozen yogurt.
