How to Create a Stylish Room for Under $1,000 at Ikea

Ikea stores are open around the world and were originally founded by Ingvar Kamprad, who was born in Sweden. As a young entrepreneur, Kamprad started out selling pens, wallets and jewelry at discounted prices. Eventually, he added furniture to the equation, called each piece by a quirky Swedish name and successfully expanded his business worldwide. The idea of reasonably priced, quality furnishings and accessories, sold in a warehouse type setting, was born.

Today, Ikea stores make it possible to furnish any home economically without having to sacrifice color, style, flair, quality or comfort. With over 10,000 products available, the possibilities are not only endless but also impressive and inspirational. With a little creativity, a little cash and a few hours in an Ikea store, anyone can build an original living space on a budget.

For a contemporary living room, start with a lipstick red sofa from the Ektorp series priced at $499. Toss in a few black and white patterned throw pillows for $14.99 apiece. Add a fashionable side chair for additional seating. The Lunna series provides a swivel arm chair with a charming black and white floral design for $129. Bring in a couple of red cushioned cubes for fun foot stools priced at $30. Pull the room together with a warm area rug like the durable Bettan Linje design. It has a white background with black wavy lines and measures about six feet long by four feet wide. It's very reasonably priced at $39.99.

Ikea also advertises some sturdy end tables that are economically priced as well and extremely easy to assemble. Try two of the Lack side tables at just $12.99 each. They come in an array of colors that include: red, white, blue, green and beech veneer. They are a sleek square design with four chunky legs that simply screw into the main base. The white tables will surely pop while flanking the bright red couch.

Illuminate your new living space with some chic lighting from the Final line which provides a set of two upright floor lamps at $10.99 for the pair! Each light has a white base and shade with a silver steel tube in between. One shines upward for a soft glow, while the other curls over for reading. For your T.V. viewing, the Lack T.V. bench costs $29.99 and mimics the white chunky end tables. It also has a small shelf for additional media units.

Speaking of shelves, to neatly house all of your family pictures, books and cds, purchase a couple of the Stodis/Spanis white wall shelves for $2.50 each. Don't forget to also adorn your wall space with Ikea's decorative pre-framed artwork. Choose a few colorful floral prints for just $7.99 apiece. Finally, dress up those end tables and shelves with groupings of curvy vases in red and black for $2.99 each from the Raffel line.

Now, step back and take in this funky design, rich with bold reds, whites and blacks, softly lit and warmed with trendy textiles. The end result is complete with ample seating, storage and style and all of this for just under $1,000. Fantastic!

On a side note, when visiting your local Ikea, you must stop in the food court where they serve 50 cent hot dogs and warm, gooey cinnamon buns that melt in your mouth. Or try the Swedish meatballs, chicken marsala or herbed salmon each priced under $6.00.

If there's not an Ikea in your neighborhood, you can still take advantage of their incredible savings. Many items are available online at www.ikea-usa.com and can be shipped for a fee directly to your home!