In 2022, I was given the unique opportunity to be a guest interior designer for a prominent kitchen and living “dream space” at IKEA Calgary. IKEA is a brand that I have been collaborating with since 2019 with projects throughout my own home, but the opportunity to design a space that would be open to the public for an indefinite timeline was the opportunity of a lifetime.
Like any design client, IKEA had a few specific requirements for what I must use in the space, such as the cabinet doors, living room storage and the sofa. Working around these presented a few challenges, but also allowed me to be incredibly creative and work outside my own design comfort zone.
IKEA gave me the freedom to dictate my own plan to a design and construction team who made my vision come to life. I was involved in the project from the earliest planning phases to the staging of the final design. I had a hand in every detail of the space including writing all the copy found on the info cards that are featured in the space, explaining the intentions behind design decisions to inspire potential customers.
I was able to design a space that I would want in my own home: a large kitchen with ample cabinetry, stone countertops and a comfortable yet stylish living room with touches of mid-century modern décor combined with classic Scandinavian style.
My goal for this project was to show customers that a space can offer ample storage and high functionality across a variety of situations without compromising on style and high impact design. Living with young kids shouldn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or any design aesthetic at all – it just means you must figure out a way to blend the two worlds that works for your life.
This space will be open indefinitely at IKEA Calgary in the Living Rooms Showroom.
Stay tuned as I share my favorite items from the space and a behind the scenes look at the design process!
