topic Re: IKEA is Fun to Visit in Home

IKEA is Fun to Visit

FancyPhillyshopper — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 01:59:00 GMT

It was very hot today, and husband needed to look for some things at Home Depot, so I had him drop me off at IKEA and I spent an hour walking throughout the entire store.

It is really interesting to visit the showrooms, where they try to model what a bedroom, or kitchen, or work place would look like if designed and decorated with IKEA products.

Everything is very clean and streamlined, a bit on the modern side and very functional (quite different from my home!).

That Scandinavian element of practicality is quite obvious, and very popular. The prices are also extremely reasonable!

It is fun to spend some time checking out all the gadgets down in their marketplace. IKEA also has a cafeteria-style restaurant and a snack bar. It is certainly worth going to this store to pass some time, and see the many great ideas of decor!

Re: IKEA is Fun to Visit

Oznell — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 02:11:31 GMT

Agree with your every sentiment, @FancyPhillyshopper -- I'd like to have an Ikea near me!

When I lived in New Orleans, there was a similar Scandinavian-type furniture store, that had fun mock-ups, great for getting ideas. And they also had an airy cafe, with wonderful bistro-type food.

Blogger Valentina, of the online site "The House of Valentina" visits her Atlanta Ikea alot, and videos her shopping trips there. It's not the same as being there, but you might enjoy checking her out.

Re: IKEA is Fun to Visit

On It — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 02:14:04 GMT

I always find something there that I didn't know I needed.

Re: IKEA is Fun to Visit

ValuSkr — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 02:31:53 GMT

Agree with you, BUT ... I'm not much of a shopper and don't enjoy walking the maze that winds through both levels of the showroom. I'd rather enter and make a bee-line to whatever I'm looking for.

Re: IKEA is Fun to Visit

panda1234 — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 02:45:00 GMT

@Oznell wrote:
Agree with your every sentiment, @FancyPhillyshopper -- I'd like to have an Ikea near me!

When I lived in New Orleans, there was a similar Scandinavian-type furniture store, that had fun mock-ups, great for getting ideas. And they also had an airy cafe, with wonderful bistro-type food.

Blogger Valentina, of the online site "The House of Valentina" visits her Atlanta Ikea alot, and videos her shopping trips there. It's not the same as being there, but you might enjoy checking her out.

@Oznell @just have to say love Valentina and Jack. Don't you want him to make you a cup of coffee and spend the afternoon?

Re: IKEA is Fun to Visit

patbz — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 02:48:33 GMT

I lived in Mainz Germany in 1978. Almost all the stores were closed on Sundays but Ikea was open. I spent several rainy Sundays wandering through the displays and then having their Swedish meatballs and a glass of wine in their cafeteria. Last time I was in their Phoenix store (5 years ago) it was just the same; so glad that they haven't changed their formula. Next visit try their meatballs ( very, very good).

Re: IKEA is Fun to Visit

Kachina624 — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 03:30:17 GMT

I've never been in an Ikea I always wanted to see what it's like. Closest is 450 miles away. I've bought some of their stuff on Amazon.

Re: IKEA is Fun to Visit

phoenixbrd — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 03:41:14 GMT

Ikea is a fun store for ideas....and if looking for functional inexpensive furniture, it might be the place. I've always thought of it as an opportunity for a young couple just starting out with their first home/apartment to furnish their home.

Re: IKEA is Fun to Visit

sabatini — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 03:55:45 GMT

@ValuSkr wrote:
Agree with you, BUT ... I'm not much of a shopper and don't enjoy walking the maze that winds through both levels of the showroom. I'd rather enter and make a bee-line to whatever I'm looking for.

Agreed, @ValuSkr.

@FancyPhillyshopper, I have a the distinct feeling that your idea of fun & mine are not a match.

I'm a pretty easy going person, but truly resent stores that through their design, force you to walk the entire %$#&! place.

Ikea is famous for it.

A parallel universe where EXIT signs do not mean what they're supposed to mean.

The last time I went, I wanted to scream HELP!

Re: IKEA is Fun to Visit

JackieHN — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 06:03:22 GMT

Well, I actually bought my entertainment center and bedroom set from them. All customed designed. We couldn't find a wall unit in any of the good stores and while walking through there we noticed you can design your own. so we did. Went back there with measurements sat with them and they literally did it on the computer. Had it delivered, called the service to put it together and attach it to the wall. Everyone who comes to visit says where did you get it. I said Ikea. they said it doesn't look it. Did the same with the bedroom. Beautiful wardrobe and chest of drawersx2 and headboard. I like modern which works in Ikea. I saved a bundle and have it for 5 years.

Re: IKEA is Fun to Visit

Pook — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 06:57:25 GMT

If I never have to go in one again I'm happy!! When I buy something I want it already put together and finished. I find their stuff rather junky looking!!! For me it's rather suffocating! IT might be great for college or young people just starting out who need to economize - but one visit was enough for me!

Re: IKEA is Fun to Visit

wifey2qt — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 08:25:42 GMT

I went to the local IKEA once............ maybe I made the mistake of going when my childeren were young, but it was a maze and I couldn't wait to get out of there! LOL

Re: IKEA is Fun to Visit

ID2 — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 09:57:41 GMT

I love IKEA! We have living quarters above our garage and I totally furnished it with IKEA. My little kitchenette is adorable. We didn't want to spend a lot of money and IKEA fit the bill!

Re: IKEA is Fun to Visit

Oznell — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 12:07:10 GMT

@panda1234, agreed, Valentina and hubby do seem like a fun couple! And I'd like to tour their house in real life, especially to see all their pottery, etc.

Re: IKEA is Fun to Visit

Citrine1 — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 14:49:42 GMT

@FancyPhillyshopper Did you visit the one on Columbus Blvd. in South Philly? (just a guess because of your name). I haven't been there in several years, but I enjoy the store when I do visit. I especially like the area with the dinnerware, picture frames, etc.

I don't always leave with an item, but I do leave with new ideas.

Re: IKEA is Fun to Visit

PMG055 — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 15:15:42 GMT

I do love IKEA and am lucky to live near one (well 40 minutes away) so I go there 4-5 times/year.

I bought my new born son's dresser and chest of drawers there 27 years ago and it is still going strong.

Last year my husband and I redid our kitchen with IKEA cabinets for the boxes and had custom doors and drawer fronts made. Looks beautiful and very functional.

I love looking at the displays and imaging how I could adapt it to fit my house. Sometimes it takes more innovation and creativity than I possess but I've been very happy with the results when it happens.

And also I love the challenge of putting it together.

Re: IKEA is Fun to Visit

BunSnoop — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 15:18:00 GMT

@ID2 wrote:

I love IKEA! We have living quarters above our garage and I totally furnished it with IKEA. My little kitchenette is adorable. We didn't want to spend a lot of money and IKEA fit the bill!

"Pure Michigan"

@ID2 you've always told us to buy only USA made products.

I'm surprised you would of purchased from IKEA as most of the designs of IKEA products are made in Sweden, manufacturing has been outsourced to China and other Asian countries. Not USA made products!

Re: IKEA is Fun to Visit

ScrapHappy — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 15:24:09 GMT

I was just at IKEA last Saturday. I don't care for it. The furniture is just okay. It's like a huge Home Depot for help yourself and build yourself furniture.

Re: IKEA is Fun to Visit

nycalady — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 17:48:54 GMT

Some of their merchandise is cute, the store layout is nuts imo - so I never shop there

Re: IKEA is Fun to Visit

Linda0215 — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 19:04:31 GMT

Love IKEA. When I go, I make a day out of it. I love to meander through the showrooms getting ideas. Love their Swedish meatballs and then ready for round 2 downstairs in the Marketplace. I have to say their Marketplace housewares rival those of the best companies. My last dinnerware was from IKEA and I only donated it because I was tired of looking at it after 10 years.