swedish wonderland.

Last week, I made an impromptu trip to IKEA. I imagine most of you have heard of {or visited} an IKEA store in your lifetime, but the experience always amazes me...even if it overwhelms me a bit too. 

Seeing as it was a spur-of-the-moment trip, all I was armed with was my iPhone camera, so bear with these photos...

I liken the entrance of IKEA to the gateway to another world...it just feels like you're taking the escalator to somewhere new and exciting!

From here until later in the post, you'll see examples of where I think IKEA has really stepped up its game. Though {cv} and I are years from owning a home {or even having to think about designing a kitchen}, I'm always impressed with just how easy they make the process. I hadn't visited a store since March of last year--and let's just say that it looked much less like IKEA and much more normal. Ok, that's not a great description...but take my word for it: there is still a good dose of modern at IKEA, but they're definitely creating a better balance between the modern and traditional...

and are likely winning a lot more fans because of it.

Love the bench with the table...

Bold blue walls + white couches = lovely {in my book!}

This sofa table was the perfect height and it seemed to be an easy color to paint over if the color didn't suit your fancy.

I've put these in my shopping bag numerous times while at IKEA, but this time, I left with them. It may be curtain wire, but as they've shown here, it's an easy way to display photos! 

Walls of sofas always crack me up.

As do walls of tables...and really a table for only $9.99? 

Why didn't I let my college roomie {si} drag me here in college?!

After my post on bookends last week, I thought it was only appropriate to capture this set!

I was dying to see the yellow end table which had been all over blogs this winter...

only to discover its now discontinued. SAD FACE.

$15 easels!? What a cute and cost-effective addition to any wedding! 

Sure, I want an antique one, but this would hold me over until I find the perfect one...

Floating shelves are my favorite. Too bad I'm too frightened to have {cv} install them for fear our cats would bring them down with one leap...in the dead of night...while we're sleeping...

and scare the living bejeezus out of me!

Hello cute craft room. I'm {av}.

Though this color of wood isn't my favorite, I couldn't help but show the closet heaven...

After a good hour roaming the showroom floor, I made the walk downstairs to where you can find what you've spotted throughout the maze of this Swedish wonderland. I could've taken a bazillion photos in the marketplace, but I needed my hands free for shopping!

phewww. After making it through the marketplace, I emerged into their giant warehouse. 

Thankfully I didn't need anything in these crazy aisles last week...

After a long day's work {ok, more like a late afternoon of shopping}, I treated myself to a cinnamon roll which cost me only $1, though I'm sure it cost me a lot more in calories ;)

On the exit, your trip ends with a ride on a shopping cart escalator--which will always amaze me.

What's your opinion of IKEA? Love it or hate it?

I hope I haven't bored you to bits. Thanks for getting to this point in the post ;) 

Crossing fingers this little jaunt to the Swedish wonderland, otherwise known as IKEA,

brought a little excitement to your Tuesday!

More tomorrow! xoxo {av}