Ikea Summer Catalog Launch Party

There's nothing like going to the mailbox only to discover the brand spankin' new Ikea catalog inside. It's like a wish book for grown-ups, filled with inspiring room designs and products designed to help your home and family run more smoothly.

Imagine my excitement when I had the opportunity to attend my local Ikea for their "Summer Catalog Launch Party." Seeing as Ikea is one of my favorite inspiration field trips, I was totally on board and couldn't wait to check out their newest products.



We all arrived at Ikea bright and early with people waiting to enter as early as 8:45 a.m. I appreciated that Ikea offered tickets for families with children who wanted to attend. Always a great place for a family outing, I was happy to see that children were allowed and encouraged. The crowd began to grow after 9 a.m. and soon there were almost a hundred people waiting to get in.


Upon the doors opening, we were ushered into the main entry of the store where event hosts Tauni Everett and Ikea Ambassador Celeste welcomed us to the event. Each blogger received an Ikea gift card, and a coveted Ikea bag filled with some of Celeste's favorite Ikea products. Celeste shared the new catalog with us and told us to watch for some of their new products on the second floor of the store (including a few new rooms that were still in the process of being set up).



Before shopping we were served a delicious breakfast of sausage, eggs, bacon, french toast, pastries, and fruit. I had the opportunity to sit with Tauni from SNAP! who happens to be dating my cousin (small world), Jen Hadfield from Tater Tots and Jello, and Ruthie from a popular cooking blog (she laughed that the microwave is my favorite kitchen tool). It was interesting to hear how long the girls have been blogging and to take a few photos with them. It is always amazing to meet other people from the blogging community. They are kind and open and helpful. I guess it's just nice to be with people who "get it."



After breakfast I wandered the store to look for items for our new home. Honestly I was kind of overwhelmed with all the ideas and decided to just focus on a few items that I knew that I wanted. The boy has requested a "juicy blue" bedroom. It turns out that means a cobalt blue bedroom. Now that is a very strong color, and I'm trying to find a way to both incorporate it but also tone it down a bit so he doesn't tire of it too quickly. So we're compromising with a navy and cobalt bedroom. I found a few things that could work including this fun print of Hong Kong in just the "juicy blue" he's been wanting.



I also loved the new cover option on the popular EKTORP chair and sofa. A soft, greige linen finish, it looks both woodsy and natural. I would love to incorporate a few of these chairs into my design somehow:


I was more than a little worried when I heard Ikea was discontinuing the popular EXPEDIT shelving units. As a crafter, I own several of these; and I mourned the loss of these fantastic pieces when the announcement was made. However, not to worry! Ikea has created an entirely new shelving unit called KALLAX which has the same interior dimensions but uses slightly thinner pieces of wood on the exterior of the shelves. One trend this year is the introduction of bright and bold colors to this collection. If you're looking for a pop of color for your home, check out some of these options:


 (this shelving unit is a very light mint green)



While I only left with a few new pillows, including two "juicy blue" ones, I already have several concepts for updating areas in our new home. I can't wait to return with my husband's truck and fill up with some fabulous new furniture.

I want to thank Ikea and SNAP! for the amazing opportunity to see the new catalog and the new product releases up close. I feel inspired and can't wait to get decorating.


9 comments

  1. I got my catalog in the mail yesterday too. Heading out today to spend the day at IKEA and next door at the Mall of America. :) A fun day out with the kids. I love my expedit too. I have a few. I also love my Extorp chair. I have one in my living room. I also have the loveseat sleeper in the basement. I love that new cover! That would be perfect for our basement. I may even get another chair for down there (once we finish the basement).

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  2. So Jealous! My whole crafty space is Ikea!

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  3. Never been to an Ikea, but it looks like fun!

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  4. I love Ikea! My studio is mostly Ikea. Hope you had lots of fun!

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  5. Jennifer, I really have enjoyed your blog, and this post made me miss Ikea! I'm going to have to do some finagling to get to an Ikea when I finally find my home!

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  6. I got my catalog yesterday, always a fun way to spend an hour or two checking out all the new goodies! I am glad my Ikea just over an hour away. Close enough if I really need something, far enough away to resist too much temptation :)

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  7. Our new store opens "in the FALL" and I am chomping at the bit for them to do it. I am so getting the Kallax in the mint green................love it!!! Love the containers to fit in the Kallax, especially the yellow. My scrap area is at the end of my living room and the paint colors are yellow and olive green ( rented house). This will work beautifully!!!

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  8. I love IKEA! That was such a fun day.

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  9. Great photo of you! I had no idea that Ikea did fun events like that!

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