How We Live @ IKEA

Thanks to an endless amounts of design inspiration (and those Swedish meatballs), we love IKEA. But there’s only so much the store can show you. We asked members of IKEA’s corporate team to share their well-decorated spaces — from posh living rooms to chic kitchens. Get inspired and check out how IKEA employees dress up their personal spaces below.

If you and your home savvy co-workers would like to be featured on The Nest, email our editor at rsylvester(at)xogrp(dot)com

Photo: Gina Briggi

Gina Briggi

Title: Interior Design Manager, Elizabeth, NJ

Inspired by: In designing my living space, I took color inspiration from a peacock feather. I love the bright colors. Also, change — I created a space that can be easily changed when entertaining or when it suits me. I feel that design goes hand in hand with function.

Favorite design piece: I have an IKEA MALM headboard that I made into an occasional table. The sides pull out on wheels and I have my bar supplies inside. It’s easy to move around when entertaining and easily hidden when not.

New additions: I’m a designer, and I have multiple projects in my head to do in the space. A few to start; new covers for my club chairs (hand-me-downs from the 60’s), new covers for my dining chairs (from IKEA), blowing up MY photography and MY art in frames, making new light fixtures above the dining table, back splash in the kitchen. The list goes on…

Photo: Peggy Kovacic

Peggy Kovacic

Title: Visual Merchandiser

Décor style: Modern White with a touch of rustic

Favorite color palette: Shades of Gray

Favorite décor piece: My IKEA BESTA storage wall unit.

Inspired by: Fashion, interior design blogs, art and travels.

Photo: Marty Marston

Marty Marston

Title: Commercial PR Manager

Inspired by: My step-mother loved interior design so I grew up with mid-century pieces and wonderful antiques and my BFA from Syracuse University helped to shape an appreciation for fine and decorative art.

Favorite décor piece: These have to be the matching antique Windsor chairs given as a wedding present from my grandfather to my grandmother.

New additions: I would like to add window treatments. IKEA has a great sliding rail system with translucent textiles panels, these would allow us to continue to enjoy viewing our beautiful garden.

Photo: Staci Byers

Staci Byers

Title: Interior Design Manager IKEA- Portland

Style: Comfortable Modern – Clean Lines – Minimal clutter

Favorite color palette: Grays, Black, Brown, small pops of color

Favorite décor piece:

1) Large Buddha head on the coffee table – Purchased from Z Gallerie. This one accessory in my home gets the most comments. “I love your Buddha” “ When you’re ready to get rid of him, let me know” ”I want that.” This piece can carry so many different looks. In my previous home the decor had an ethic feel, but now in this space with my modern expression he fits in just as nice. He stands on his own as a statement and I love it.

2) My other favorite would have to be my IKEA Clock. When this came out a few years ago I said to myself “I love that” I didn’t have room in my previous home as it was too small. Once we found our new house, this was the first thing I bought and we hadn’t even moved in yet. It’s not your typical grandfather clock …. Simple Swedish classic design that found a perfect spot in my home and I love it.

Inspired by: Design blogs, magazines, furniture catalogs and local retailers.

Photo: Christine Soner

Christine Soner

Title: Product Placement Specialist , for the U.S. marketing team. I work with national media.

Style: Old world chic or Steampunk chic.

Favorite color palette: Predominately blacks and grays, but I also love browns and various shades of purple.

Favorite décor piece: It’s a tie between my tufted, charcoal velvet sofa and my dining table that is made from an old cast iron funeral parlor gurney.

Inspired by: Roman and Williams interior design team, who are responsible for the ACE Hotel and 211 Elizabeth Street in NYC. I love Restoration Hardware, and Ralph Lauren Home. Restaurants and bars in NYC, such as Saxon + Parole, Edi & the Wolf, Smith & Mills, and places in Brooklyn like Hotel Delmano and The Wythe Hotel.

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