We finally made it back to Ikea this year to check out the new collections and pick up a catalog in person after waiting ages for it to arrive. It did not disappoint. We took a handful of photos of the displays that inspired us most and wanted to share the highlights. First up: an office display we loved. While dedicating that much space to an office isn’t possible in our current home, it’s fun to imagine a future house with room for one.
We also lingered over a beautiful butcher-block island. Islands have always been on our wish list, even though the layout in our home never made one practical. This island felt both sleek and warm — the kind of piece that could anchor an open kitchen in a new house.
One of the kitchen displays was mid-renovation, and we couldn’t help but smile. While some might see a construction mess, we found it oddly nostalgic and enjoyed remembering our own kitchen remodel.
We loved a warm, cozy gallery wall arrangement and snapped a photo for anyone looking for a semi-balanced, not perfectly symmetrical layout. Tip: cut paper or brown-bag rectangles to represent frames, tape them to the wall with blue painter’s tape, and move them until the composition feels right. You can then hang the actual frames through the paper placement.
We were charmed by a compact bathroom setup that makes a strong case for one-wall design. It packs tons of storage and function into a small footprint. Bowl sinks soften the look and prevent the space from feeling overly boxy, and the seeded glass on the central cabinet added a surprising and attractive texture in person.
We couldn’t resist photographing a large modern mirror that brightened the display and reflected a geometric white chandelier. The contrast between the mirror’s clean lines and the soft curves in the lighting created a pleasing interplay of shapes.
One of the big thrills of the visit: Ikea’s faux sheepskin rugs. For those who don’t want to DIY a version at home, Ikea has them ready-made — and affordably priced. We grabbed a few because they’re perfect tossed over chairs, draped on a bench, or even used under a Christmas tree as a cozy alternative to a tree skirt. (Note: the throwback photo of Clara is from an older post and included for nostalgia.)
Another standout was a stately gray, glass-fronted cabinet. Elevated on slim legs, it reads lighter and more refined than a heavy piece would, and the molding and hardware gave it a polished, classic look.
We also liked a bold New York City map print. Its high-contrast, graphic style delivers strong visual impact and would work well as a focal point in a modern living space.
A playful moment came when we spotted a rug whose pattern briefly read like our last name — a small, silly thrill that made us grin. It’s always fun when something in-store gives you a laugh.
In several showrooms we noticed plaques listing room dimensions and paint colors. That’s a thoughtful touch for shoppers who want to recreate a look at home — seeing the wall color name right there makes it easy to match.
We were also impressed by a large chandelier that dominated its space. It would be a dramatic centerpiece in a lofted dining room or great room and can be styled casually or more formally depending on the setting.
While I admired the faux sheepskins, John tried out a generous walk-in closet display that included shoe storage details like cable-tied pairs on the shelf for staging. It’s the kind of closet system we dream about having one day.
Finally, these smoky acrylic chairs caught our eye. They also come clear, and paired with a chunky wood table they create a compelling mix of textures—modern, rustic, and practical. They’re especially kid-friendly since they’re easy to wipe clean.
So that was our little Ikea tour. Have you been to a showroom lately? Did your catalog arrive? Anything you’re especially excited about this year or items you’re glad they brought back? Let’s chat about Ikea — no umlauts required.
Psst — we couldn’t find names, prices, or links for every item we photographed, so check ikea.com or pop into a store for full details. We weren’t paid or given freebies for this visit; we just genuinely enjoy Ikea window shopping and wanted to share our favorites.