Get Talking - Style

We are talking style this week.
And the question is ...

Who is your style icon?

Can't say that I have one.

When it comes to clothes, I buy things that are comfortable and modest. I don't go for the latest fashion and if I don't find something one year, I will look again the next and make do with what I have (I'm pretty good at mending and getting better at altering clothes).

Furniture and home - well I'm pretty much maxed out, space wise, at the moment. I could really do with another bookshelf (or two), but there is just no more space in my room to put it. And I would love to replace my desk (I've always wanted a roll-top desk). I have all different styles, although I'm currently in a bit of a white furniture phase (except that dust shows up a lot and I hate dusting). If I am buying, I look around for something I like, regardless of the current trends (I do like Ikea ... hmm ... must plan a trip there, even if just for a look).

When you boil it down, I guess you could say I'm my own style icon!!

Flat Pack Furniture

I'm getting really good at putting flat pack furniture together.
I've put together at least 15 items from Ikea, not to mention numerous others from a variety of stores. Just don't get me started on the desk I bought from Aldi - let me just say NEVER AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My most recent experience (that is within the last 4 hours) has been crazy.
A cupboard from Bunnings. Firstly, we needed an extra shelf - which they sell - but was located about 10 aisles from where the cupboard was. Then the package was REALLY heavy - but some very helpful staff got it on the trolley for us and put it in the car. Once we got it home, we decided the easiest way to get it into the house was to open the box and carry the individual pieces in one at a time. So far, so good.

So the basics are the same with all pieces of furniture ... screws, tools needed ...
However, this time the instructions were not complete - you had to download them from the internet. What if you don't have access to the internet at home? Or wherever you are putting it together? The instructions in the box were certainly not detailed enough to put the cupboard together.

Then, there is the issue of how much space you need to actually be able to construct the piece - about 3 times as much space as the finished product will take. So, furniture was moved around so that I had enough space to put it together (which of course means I have to put it all back when I've finished).

Well, it has been finished - except that one of the hinges popped off because the chipboard split, so now we have to figure out how to fix that. GRRRRRR.

Friday Fill-Ins - October 19

And...here we go!

1. I hope I can get married before Jesus returns.
2. I don't know what to do when I see a certain person - I usually end up saying something stupid.
3. Boy I sure did enjoy the watermelon I had for lunch the other day.
4. Remind me to call someone sometime.
5. What does the local paper think, that we can read the information on the candidates on a Thursday and get our postal votes in the mail to be recieved Friday?
6. It makes me mad when the DVD I borrowed from the library is so scratched that I can't watch it.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to movie night with my sister, tomorrow my plans include going to Ikea and Sunday, I want to enjoy church and a quiet afternoon - I'm open to invitations out for lunch!

IKEA Hackers: Expedit Single Bed

IKEA Hackers: Expedit Single Bed: Materials : 2 EXPEDIT shelf units 5x1, 1x Sultan Lade 90cm, 3 purple SKUBB boxes, non-slip under carpet material.


Mmmm ... I like this idea, and if you had your bed positioned so that you can walk either side, then you could access the storage from either side too. Of course, you do have to use storage containers that fit the shelf units.

Maybe when I'm thinking about changing my bed I could consider this, although then what would I do with my existing storage boxes?

IKEA Hackers: Hot Air Balloon Decoration

IKEA Hackers: Hot Air Balloon Decoration: Materials: DUKTIG and VATE Description: I used items from Ikea to create gorgeous hot air balloon decorations for a baby shower.

I love these!! Now when can I use them?!

IKEA Hackers: Billy/Benno Cubby Unit

IKEA Hackers: Billy/Benno Cubby Unit: Materials: 6 Billy Bookcases, 2 Benno TV Benches, 18 coat hooks Description: Build the Benno TV benches, leaving out the drawers. Build the Billies, flipping all shelves and the top/bottom upside down as you go.

I chose to omit the back panel too. Do not use the shelves in what is now the bottom half of the unit.

Place 3 upside-down Billies on each Benno, anchoring them to the wall. Screw coat hooks into the sides and back wall of each cubby.

~ Melanie Ward, Muskoka, Ontario



This is a great idea. You could even put doors on it for a tidy entry way!

Quilter's Table

Ok, so I found this amazing quilter's table on Ikea Hackers.
I am a little worried that I would bump my ankles on the bottom part, and I would need the room to put it in.
Another thing for my wish list, I guess.

IKEA Hackers: Benno-Over-Bed

I've thought about doing something like this myself with a Benno CD/DVD shelf. I think I worked out that it would fit in the space I have, but the books I want to store in it were about a centimeter too tall. I could put them on their side, I suppose, but I don't really want to do it that way.

So for me, it's "back to the drawing board" for my never-ending need for more book storage.

Speaking of book storage, I recently found a very interesting book on that very subject. It is 'Books Make a Home' by Damian Thompson

There are some really interesting ideas in this book. And two quotes that I love.

"When I have a little money I buy books. And if any is left, I buy food and clothing." - Erasmus

"I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookcases." - Anna Quindlen

IKEA Hackers: Lego playhouse

IKEA Hackers: Lego playhouse

Wow! What an amazing thing to think of. I would have loved this as a kid. I played Lego a lot. Mum would have loved it too, because we used to have our Lego houses and towns spread out over the lounge room floor for days.

Craft Table with Storage

Guess where I've been looking again! Yes, Ikea Hacker!
This time the whole article was found on the original blog.

So, now I just need a craft room and this would be great. There is one thing though, this craft table is designed for someone to be standing up, while I prefer to sit while crafting. At least you can get to all your supplies easily.

On the original blog, they said that the shelves didn't fit their scrapbooking storage containers, so it may need some tweaking for your specific needs.

Great Use of Space

Once again I have been inspired by something at Ikea Hacker. (Click on the photo to see the whole story.)
I love how they have totally used the space. Now I just wonder what the view is like out the window!

New Year Clean and Declutter

What is it about the new year that makes people suddenly have a desire to clean and sort through everything?
Is it the desire to declutter things from the previous year in preparation for re cluttering this year?
Is it that you have no room for the gifts you received at Christmas and need to find a spot for them? I have a friend who has her kids get rid of the same number of toys as they received.

I have to admit that I am doing the same. Part of it is because I have purchased a couple of things for my room - a new desk, desk chair and another bookshelf. I've also removed the armchair that has been in my room. It was taking up space and removing it has made room for my new bookshelf.

I still have some things to organise, but this gives you an idea.

I needed accessible shelf space for folders and larger books, and my new bookshelf does just that. Yes, it is another Billy from Ikea.

I've also been filling bags to go to the Op Shop and have a nearly filled up garbage bag.

Part of sorting has me going through magazines that I've bought/collected. I'm cutting out the pages I want to keep and the rest of the magazine is headed for the recycle bin.

I think I'm getting rid of at least one thing for every day of the year so far, probably more.

With regard to my new desk, it's not perfect. I wish I had been able to see it made up before I purchased it (I got it at Aldi). The drawers aren't as deep as I wanted, only taking up about half the actual depth of the desk. And they don't come out as far as I need - especially the file draw. But I'm working on other things to make up for these deficiencies.

And I'm certain to be making another trip to Ikea because there are some things I saw on my recent trip but didn't purchase and I forgot to use the gift card I had been given for Christmas.

Using the Space

First, just let me say I want this in my room!!
Once again I have been looking at Ikea Hackers and found inspiration.
I love the way they put the unit between the wardrobes.

If I was doing this, I'd put a cushion on the bench and make it into a window seat.

Tight Space Office

I found this desk made from Akrum kitchen cabinets on Ikea Hacker and I think it's a wonderful idea.

It got me thinking about my desk and how I haven't been happy with it for a while. Now I'm wondering what I could do in a similar vein.

Hmmm ... the cogs are turning.

IKEA Hacker: Upscale Wood Cubbies

I love what has been done with this. In fact, I would love to have something similar on the wall above my desk for all those little things that I need handy, but don't have room for anywhere else. Plus it looks amazing.
For full details of the hack, check out the IKEA Hacker link below.

IKEA Hackers: Upscale Wood Cubbies: Materials: Moppe or Fira Wooden Box Set Description: I base coated the cabinet and drawers with a spray paint. Then I taped all of the ...

I just saw these ...

... in the latest IKEA catalogue and loved them, but I never thought of using them this way! So have a look and enjoy.

IKEA Hackers: Skurar Pendant lamps: Materials: Skurar pots Description: I've made two pendant lamps of two tin-pots named Skurar.

A Matter of Perspective

I thought my book wall was pretty good, and everyone who has seen it says, "WOW!", but this place blows my mind!
I recommend looking at the whole post, but I am putting in a picture for you to see if you don't have time to check it out right now.

IKEA Hackers: French Country House Library: "Materials: 60 Billy / Benno Bookcases Description: Faced with a 11m x 4m landing which had been curtained off at either end as bedroom..."

IKEA Hackers: Hot air balloon Regolit

I love seeing novelty lamp and light shades. I've been trying for a while to work out how to use a parasol as a light shade ever since I read it in Sisterchicks Down Under by Robin Jones Gunn. So, now here is another one I like. I think it would be perfect in a child's bedroom!

IKEA Hackers: Hot air balloon Regolit: "Materials: Regolit, paint, box, string, fabric scraps. Description: We got some Regolit light shades and have been decorating them to s..."

Friday Fill-In #143

And...here we go!

1. One week ago I was planning a trip to Ikea.

2. I had very curly hair when I was young.

3. Mama told me you can't hurry love.

4. Let's talk about you and me.

5. Take your time - stop and smell the roses.

6. This, too, will pass!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing, tomorrow my plans include going out somewhere so I don't have to watch the AFL Grandfinal and hear my dad and brother yelling at the TV because they think the umpires made a bad decision and Sunday, I want to do some normal Sunday stuff!

Friday Fill-In #142

And...here we go!

1. My car in called Pearl because the official colour is silver pearl.
2. A trip to Ikea is coming up next.
3. Lately, things seem very overwhelming.
4. In the bottom of my wardrobe is one of my favorite 'hiding' places for presents and other things.
5. What happened to some of the soft toys that I gave away? I wish I hadn't given them, but I hope whoever got them loves them.
6. Saving money is not impossible! Look out for bargains and have a regular savings plan.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a quiet night at home, tomorrow my plans include a trip to Ikea with Mel and Sunday, I want to enjoy the time of worship and fellowship and church and then maybe work on holiday plans for my Tassie trip!