Tag: shopping

IKEA Kansas City

Okay, I had other things on my mind for today but seeing how (by my estimations) about half of my readership lives in the Midwest, this is BIG NEWS. I hereby interrupt your regularly scheduled programming.

IKEA IS COMING TO KANSAS CITY!  (Fall 2014)

Read the full article on the Kansas City Star website.

This is huge for low-budget interior decor enthusiasts like myself. You may remember that a year ago, my cousin got hitched in Dallas and we snuck in an IKEA trip while we were there, which resulted in the long, looong boxes being slid into the car in a very tricky way–we had to fold down the passenger seat and the right rear seat and put the boxes in all the way up to the glove box. Then I had to ride in the back rear seat, single file behind Doug all the way back to Kansas (7+ hours).

Now, for those of you in central Kansas that trip is down to THREE HOURS or less! Think of the eight hours saved round trip and smile to yourselves. I am definitely smiling for you.

Have a wonderful weekend!! 

Media Unit “Maybes”

Yesterday, I showed you what our TV setup looks like (below, left). Yikes; it truly is a cord-tastrophe. In our old place, the setup wasn’t that much better, but at least it provided some storage and allowed us to use our big honkin’ speakers (below, right)…

Here’s what happened. As we moved in last September, the desk we had been using for the TV went to the office to hold our computer, and the sofa table got plunked down “temporarily” with the TV on it, and remained that way ever since. Please tell me the same thing has happened to you…?

Since the size was right, we kept it throughout the winter months, shopped around a bit in the spring, but kept putting buying an entertainment center on the back burner. For the past few months, we have been thinking about (and finally deciding to pursue) moving, so at this point it doesn’t even make sense to buy one until we are in the new space.

So! Assuming we both quickly secure gainful employment, we should be getting a new media unit sometime before the end of this year. I’m really putting a priority on it since it’s such an important part of the living room (that, and the sofa table has been sold so we won’t have it as a crutch anymore).

Here’s what we’re looking for:

  • Attractiveness
  • Ability to stand the test of time
  • Eclectic appearance
  • Hidden storage
  • Height negotiable

Here’s numero uno: 

We almost bought the IKEA PS in Dallas last September when we bought our dresser, wardrobe and kitchen carts. Although we got to the store early, it wasn’t early enough and all the units they had on site had already been snatched up. I have always loved the locker look, and it would be a good counterpoint to some of our natural textiles. The price is right ($100) and we like its quirkiness and concealed storage. This is definitely still in the running.

Numero dos:

I love the look of this World Market apothecary unit. It’s got the look of an apothecary or librarian’s card catalog, without the annoyance of a bunch of tiny little drawers that aren’t all that useful. So, on the one hand it’s kind of a cop out (there are just two doors that open up with the façade of an apothecary chest) but on the other hand it’s a nod to a classic look. Not a steal at $359.99, it’s still pretty cool.

Numero tres:

I thought West Elm could do no wrong, but I was not blown away by their media unit selection. This Industrial Metal TV Cart ($399) stood out to me though, because I love the strong look of metal and glass working together in perfect harmony. My reservations are that it’s a little too high (31″) and too skinny (30″). As you can see above I lean toward the low, extended models. I am however diggin’ those wheels. This is a good option if space is at a premium and I need to find something with a smaller footprint.

Numero cuatro:

Crate & Barrel had the best selection, by far. Of all the online shops I visited, their options were most diverse, attractive, and yes, expensive. Anyway, the item you see above is actually three pieces of the “ascend” system used together ($249 + $349 + $399). This system has a ton of options and the Crate & Barrel website has lots of pictures for ideas. I love our crisp, white dresser in the bedroom so much I would love to use another crisp white piece of furniture in another space.

Bonus 1:

Wal-Mart really surprised me today. While I was there grabbing some essentials, this unit from the Better Homes and Gardens line grabbed me. The price ($179) makes it a great option for someone on a limited budget who doesn’t want to sacrifice style… but admittedly, the finishes did feel a bit cheap. Still though, for only $179 it is a good option!

Bonus 2:

Isn’t this World Market Easel unit cool? I don’t think it goes with my style, but I think it has the potential to be something really special. I’d love to see an example of this used in someone’s house… I also think it would be awesome in a learning environment!

Weigh in: which is your favorite? What do you do as far as your TV and DVD storage is concerned? 

Like my product selection process? Click here for some coffee table candidates. 

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Dorm Room Decor

Hey, youngster. I know your graduation party is coming up and you’re gonna have some money burning a hole in your pocket. Did you know that dorm rooms are boring, personality-less spaces? With white walls and tile floors? Well, they are… unless you use your graduation money to spruce things up! Better yet, stretch your dollars as far as they can go by shopping exclusively in the clearance section! 

That’s right, I placed a random and completely unnecessary parameter on my inspiration board. Everything pictured is on sale at Urban Outfitters. RIGHT NOW! Which means that it won’t be terribly long until these links are obsolete, I admit this. I believe that you, future Dean’s List scholar, can figure out how to do the same with other clearance objects in the future. (Note: I was not perked by UO to shop specifically on the one site. I just felt like it.)

All of these items can be pictured for less than $200 total.

  • Save yourself a ton of money and stuff your current well-worn comforter into this new Diamond Stamp Duvet Cover instead of buying a whole new set. Now you have more money for video games textbooks. $29.99.
  • This sweet cream-colored crochet curtain can help add a bit of warmth and texture to your sterile white abode. $39.99.
  • You know what’s expensive? Rugs. You know what’s cold? Tile. Use this budget-priced 60″ round rug (a pretty good size) to protect your delicate feet from the icy floor. $39.99
  • Think outside the box. This cute bike basket can be strapped around a wood slat on your standard-issue dorm bed and act as a bedside table, since finding a bedside table 3+ feet tall is… not easy. What? You haven’t lofted your bed yet? Kid, that is the surefire way to create more floor space for hanging out and watching Netflix doing homework. Get on it. $34.99.
  • Lastly, get a couple of cool prints to put on the wall. The light one comes already framed–isn’t that nice? $9.99 and $19.99.

Okay, now that I think about it… I want all of this stuff for my place! 

Please share with your favorite high school grad.