ikea Archives - Emily A. Clark

Getting Back-to-School Ready with IKEA

Jun132018

I know it’s crazy to think of going back to school when we literally just got out for Summer, but I also know how quickly these next months will fly by and that many of you are already scheming up dorm room and first apartment decor for your big kids. I’m teaming up with IKEA as one of their brand ambassadors to share how we recently finished up my oldest daughter’s room and to hopefully pass along an idea or two that you can use, as well.

Our inspiration was this beautiful (and ever Pinterest-popular) studio apartment designed by Lauren McGrath featured in Domino magazine. I love this layout because it offers plenty of storage on one wall and still leaves her floor space. We used a pair of the HEMNES bookcases which were a perfect fit with her (thrifted) daybed. (The IKEA FYRESDAL is another good option.) If you have less room to work with, the single HEMNES bookcase might be a better fit.

No daybed? An elevated twin mattress will work, too, and can double as a sofa/study space.

It was important to give her some hidden storage so we added several of the gray KVARNVIK boxes on her shelves and these fabric DRÖNA cubes fit perfectly turned sideways. (We also added more under her bed for out-of-season clothing storage.)

I left the shelves pretty open so that she can add her own personal touches and just picked up a few pretty vases from IKEA’s GRADVIS collection. I also added color to her neutral bedding (the TRÄDASTER duvet is a good alternative) with super affordable GURLI pillow covers. The colors worked great with the artwork that was already above her bed.

The GÖRLÖSE rug is super affordable and does a good job of sectioning off this part of the space. (A trick that may be more needed in a shared dorm room!) I floated a KVISTBRO table (with a removable lid for more possible storage) in front of the bed that can serve as a nightstand and/or ottoman.

1. RANARP wall spotlight 2. FYRESDAL daybed 3. HEMNES bookcase

4. TRADASTER duvet 5. GURLI pillow cover 6. KVARNVIK box with lid

7. GRADVIS vases 8. KVISTBRO table 9. GÖRLÖSE rug

10. DRÖNA box 11. MELLTORP table 12. BERNHARD chair

I am a Brand Ambassadör for IKEA U.S. This is a sponsored post.

Fire Pit Friday Nights

Mar222018

I remember when my dreams used to consist of dressing up and going out every weekend. That was before kids–and before I was a full-time driver. Now, my happiest place is at home with our family. (No plans, no carpooling, no getting ready; sounds like a dream to me!) We built this little fire pit soon after we moved in, but I decided to improve the set up and initiate what I hope will become more regular fire pit Friday nights.

For the second year in a row, I’ve joined with IKEA to serve as one of their brand ambassadors for the US. One reason I go back to IKEA time and time again is that it lets me affordably turn my ideas into reality. Sometimes, my design dreams are made up of nothing more than a night off, some comfortable chairs and a few of my favorite people.

The key for me is to keep it simple. I did a quick grocery run and stocked up on s’mores supplies, hotdogs and drinks. We put everything out on this lightweight outdoor table (easy to carry and move as needed) so that everybody could help themselves. (I love these IKEA black and white windowpane blankets–for warmth and as a makeshift tablecloth.)

I picked up several of these new little bowls at IKEA. They’re the perfect size for snacks or condiments or ice cream or. . . . I think I’ll get more. I also used a tiered wire basket for s’more supplies and drinks and a metal serving tray that works great for outdoors.

Another great use for IKEA’s ever-popular utility cart: I can transport everything from kitchen to fire pit in (almost) one trip.

And finally, I sit. These chairs really are comfortable, by the way–we all agreed. An add bonus: they’re light weight and fold up for easy storage along our garage wall.

Fire pit Fridays are even better when the dads take over. ;)

A sure sign that the party’s over. . .

1. ALMALIE Throw 2. BROMMO Outdoor Chaise 3. SOMMAR 3-Tier Basket

4. SOMMAR Plant Stand. 5. SOMMAR Bowls 6. SOMMAR Tray

7. FALHOMEN Outdoor Table 8. RASKOG Utility Cart

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I am a Brand Ambassadör for IKEA U.S. This is a sponsored post.

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Our (DIY) Kids’ Backyard Theater

Jun122017

We now have a neighborhood theater—in our backyard.

This project was the brainchild of my eight-year-old and my dad after a conversation that went something like this:

SHE: I really wish I had a stage in our backyard where I could do plays.

HE: I’ll build you one!

Ask Granddaddy, and you shall receive.

My dad sketched this out and built it one weekend when they came to visit. (My parents don’t sit down when they come to see us. Can you tell??) He constructed the stage and the “marquee” and left the rest up to me.

We used a mossy green paint for the background, and I customized it with wood cut-outs from the craft store that I spray painted.

Then, I headed to IKEA for the fun stuff. Their children’s section had exactly what I needed to create a colorful prop basket and (ready-made) costumes from the LATTJO play collection for our “productions”.

I’ve teamed up with IKEA once again as one of their brand ambassadors for this project, and I love that it fits right in line with their democratic design philosophy of “life at home” and creating a playful atmosphere. Truth is, you can drag your kids to every activity and event that comes along, but sometimes, it’s just the most fun to be at home and PLAY.

It’s also an amazing thing to see something that sparks their interest more than a screen. Imagination is a wonderful thing, isn’t it? We’ve seen a few plays, several talent shows and some gymnastic demonstrations, complete with popcorn and tickets. I have this grand idea in my mind that we’re going to have a Christmas carol sing with a bunch of the of the neighborhood kids. Can you picture it?! (We’ll see how that all works out once December rolls around. . .)

I used red RITVA curtains; the 57″ length worked perfectly and they’re only $14 for a pair. I also added the SOMMAR reversible outdoor rug and picked up one of these striped toy bins for prop storage. I picked up a variety of stuffed toys for the “props”–big and colorful! The best part is that they’re machine washable so they can easily be cleaned if/when they get dirty outside.

And of course, you have to have an audience. I added a couple of outdoor FALSTER benches (with colorful pillows) for seating. They’re aluminum; I love them! As you might expect, some audience members are less enthusiastic than others.