Pretty Pegs

In an ideal world I'm sure we'd all like to own designer or bespoke furniture. However, for most of the time, we have to make do with what the high street or Ikea has to offer. Don't get me wrong, I love Ikea - I think the way they offer great design for a reasonable price is fantastic - but sometimes it's nice to own something that no-one else has got. So when I came across Swedish accessories company Pretty Pegs who make add-on legs for Ikea sofas and beds, I was quite ecstatic. The little add-on legs add a nice bespoke feel to your existing furniture and can make a mass-produced piece feel a lot more you. They come in lots of different shapes and colours from natural ash to acid yellow so there's bound to be something that suits both you and your décor style.

Above is just a selection of the different shapes and colours on offer from the pink bobble 'Siri' (for the sofa) to the yellow-dipped 'Carl' (for beds). The pegs are predominantly made for Ikea furniture, but they can fit other brands, just check the product information on-line.

Here's how the 'Estelle', with brass tips, look on a simple bed. I like the mid-century feel the pegs create.

And here's the 'Dagmar' in black on a sofa.

I know these pegs aren't going to magically transform your Ektorp sofa into an Ercol studio couch, but they will make it make it feel a lot more unique and personal. What do you think?

{Images: Pretty Pegs}

Sweet Pastels at Ikea

What a fine Friday morning it is here! The sun is streaming through the windows and I am up and about at a very reasonable hour (very unlike me). Just the perfect time to share with you some beautifully styled images from those lovely people at Livet Hemma, Ikea's sister site. I have blogged before about how inspired I am by Livet Hemma, so many ideas, tips, photos and all the latest product news. Their latest editions, below, just make me love them more.

Today's images are very 'me' indeed. A backdrop of white, brightened up by fresh colours in the bedlinen, flowers and vintage pieces. Note the lovely wooden stool and pale pink lace shirt.
These sets really remind me of the styling by Atlanta Bartlett and Dave Coote in their book Pale & Interesting, which I bought just a couple of weeks ago. So relaxed and calm, but with an overriding vintage feel. Lots of neutrals, whites, greys, pastels brought to life with a flash of colour in the soft furnishings. It's a great ideas book, get one if you don't have it already.

But back to today, key pieces from Livet Hemma's room set are the white SOCKERÄRT vase (also available in blue), the KAJSA BLAD bedlinen and the STYRSÖ simple white wire tables which come in a set of three.

{All images: Livet Hemma}

Livet Hemma

Translating into English as Life at Home, Ikea's new blog is a breath of fresh air from the Swedish giant. The blog features Ikea furniture but in a brand new light. The photographs of room sets are very 'lived-in' and don't feel as staged as the traditional room sets. There are also some bits and pieces that you can't get in your local Ikea, aiding that 'non-staged' effect. Personally I think the blog is a huge success. There are some really inspiring photographs, some great decorating tips from the staff and a marketplace where you can buy and sell second hand Ikea furniture. Eco friendly too, welldone Ikea!

Livet Hemma also provides tips on customising your Ikea furniture to make it more personal, something which I think has been needed for a while at Ikea. With the products being so accessible to everyone it is important that your furniture still says something about you, and customisation (stencilling, repainting, changing handles etc) is the perfect way to do this. Here are some ideas from Ikea.

In these images Ikea have transformed their PRÄNT storage boxes by painting them in lovely spring colours, then simply fastening them together with bulldog clips. The result is an edgy and fun storage unit.

Below, a selection of Ikea's plain white porcelain has been painted and displayed together to form a feature wall. This one looks lots of fun to do as well!

From this...to this!

This one below is my favourite. It's so simple too. They've started with a plain GÖRAN table, and simply painted on the words 'WORK IN PROGRESS' on the top. So fitting for an office table don't you think? The lovely Livet Hemma provide a step-by-step guide to making this here if you're new to the customisation lark!

These are just a small selection of Livet Hemma's decorating ideas, there's loads more to try if you're a creative type.
Another resource to try if this has inspired you is deign blog Ikea Hackers, a blog which does exactly what is says on the tin. Loads and loads of ideas on here on how to customise your stuff!

{Images: Livet Hemma}