A Midweek Switch Up

I am a Brand Ambassadör for IKEA U.S. This is a sponsored post.

Hi Everyone!

So according to the weatherman we’ve FINALLY made it over the cool weather hump and my beloved warm weather is here for the long haul. This is my season yall.  I’m so darn thrilled. I moved to CA for work, but Ive definitley stayed for the weather and with the ushering in of our glorious weather, comes our desire to head outside.

I LOVE our little bungalow, but right about now we really start to feel the space crunch and we eagerly start to look forward to many months of hanging outdoors. It gives us the opportunity to expand our living space and entertain lots more than our limited interior space allows.  As soon as the warm weather approaches I start scouting out all the outdoor living things!  Furniture, accessories, gardening bits…basically anything that gives me a reason not to have to be indoors, and it should come as no surprise that one of my favorite places for outdoor is IKEA. I can’t be the only one who goes to meander the showroom at the changing of the seasons (or really just bc its a Tuesday and the kids are in school so you’ve got some free time) to see what’s new and to get inspired! If you dont have a store near you, count your lucky stars.  It’s a dangerous thing I tell you!

I’m a huge fan of IKEA and have been for years, so when I was approached with the opportunity to become a brand ambassador with them it was like a dream come true. I’ve gained so much education about the brand, thier history and how they operate.  I didnt actually think I could possibly love them any more, but after learning specifics about the mission and vision the company was founded on I stand corrected.  I’ve shared on IG alot of fun facts I’ve learned about the brand (its saved in my “Brands I Love” highlight reel in my profile), but the two that stand out to me most are: 1. The vision of IKEA is to create a bettter everday life for the many people. And 2. That EVERY product is created with democratic design in mind, which means it MUST meet form, function, quality, sustainability, and value standards.  Im so excited to be working with IKEA throughout the year and to share that the Swedish retailer is so much more than just delicious meatballs and college furniture!

The new IKEA Summer 2018 collection is all about the staycation and finding pleasure in seeking joy at home, which inspired the idea to switch things up and have an impromtu weeknight bbq. We usually pull together a quick 30 minute meal dinner plan during the week, but I thought it may be fun to do something a little different now that its warm out and the days are just a bit longer. Plus this would be a great opportunity to take a moment to come together as a family and change up the pace a little. It was exactly what the Dr. ordered! Nothing too fancy or formal, just a casual dinner outdoors to celebrate life as it stands amongst the imperfection and daily grind.

We have grandios dreams of a fabulous outdoor living area comprised of  pergolas and a water feature, and a gorgeous patio with dedicated areas for dining and relaxing, surrounded by a perfectly manicured landscape one day….but guess what?  We aint there yet!  Not even close. We dont even own outdoor furniture at this point! But here’s the thing…I truly believe in elevating the everyday and embracing life where you are. Right now we are busy with work, school, sports, activities, and renovation projects, which make for long exhausting days and little time for anything else.

I like to scope things out online first before going into the store because it helps me focus.  I’m like a kid in a candy shop in IKEA so I need to have a very clear mission when I go in with the intent to purchase! I knew I’d be able to find some great pieces that would also be perfect additions to our everyday life. We definitley needed seating and when I found the YPPERLIG armchair online it immediately caught my eye.

I love the bentwood inspired style of them and that they are  easy care. They are wipeable, stackable, and super functional! The molded material is perfect for either indoor or outdoor.  They are also much larger in person than they appear online so its nice and comfortable for both adults and kids. Plus I think they look great paired with our Panton chairs!

I was shocked to find that IKEA offered a grill, and I was super skeptical about it, but its pretty amazing.

It looks great, is a nice size, is super sturdy, and cooks wonderfully.

Naomi always makes fun of me because even when we order in pizza I like to set the table as if we are having guests over!  I just think there’s something wonderful about dressing the table. Even if its burgers or pizza on the menu things seem to taste better when you use nice dishware and set the table. It’s my favorite way to make an everday moment a little special. One can never have too much storage, especially in a small house, so when I saw this serving cart it was a must!! I love how portable it is and its a nice stand alone piece or its also a great prep/cooking space to accompany the grill.EVERY room in our house has at least one key element from IKEA incorporated into its design … and for good reason. IKEA makes it so easy to create meaningful spaces because its incredibly affordable, and every piece is designed with inention. And as a small home dweller I love that so many products are multi funtional and adaptable to limited space or limited storage situations. Perhaps my favorite thing, though, is how easy it is to incorporate IKEA pieces into ones you already own.This was a really fun little midweek switchup for us here in #thecottagebungalow. The kids have asked that we do it more often.  Not sure HOW much more often, but I’ll definitley be more intentional about finding ways for us to celebrate home where we are in our downsizing journey.Have you done anything impromptu to change up the weekly grind at home recently? Id love to hear your ideas…totally asking for a friend!

Until next time friends…

 

SOURCES

Serving Cart

Grill

Chairs

Wine Glass

Colorful Drinking Glass

Dinner Plates

Placemat: Old IKEA, similar here

Drink Dispenser: Already owned, but GREAT IKEA option here

*I am a Brand Ambassadör for IKEA U.S. This is a sponsored post. I received product and payment for this collaboration. IKEA is a registered trademark of Inter IKEA Systems B.V. and is used with permission. As always the views, ideas, and opinions expressed here are my own.

Posted By: Shavonda Gardner · In: interiors, small space living, thecottagebungalow