Room for You

Becoming a first-time home buyer is an exciting (albeit daunting) journey that tends to come with a whole slew of other firsts. And when you’re a millennial who’s previously lived in and around New York City for the majority of your adult life, those firsts usually look something like: the first time you mow your own lawn, the first time you have to fix your own drafty window, and the first time you realize you need to fully furnish a place with more than two rooms (bedroom included). This is where we met Mike and Talia, a couple who recently purchased their very first home and were in the process of figuring out how to best utilize their newfound space. Follow along as they begin to redesign their new house—room-by-room—with some help from IKEA®.

Photography : Andrew McCaul/Styling : Maggie McKenna

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Enter: IKEA®. We partnered with the home furnishing company to help Mike and Talia reimagine their close quarters. On their wish list: 1) two standing desks arranged with Talia’s by the window, in a way where she can enter and exit without crossing into Mike’s background, 2) backgrounds suitable for video meetings, 3) plenty of storage and 4) space for a TV. With the help of an IKEA® designer and a little TLC, here’s what Mike and Talia did to take their shared office from a cord-cluttered white space to a bold design they can’t wait to show off on Zoom.

Before & After

How One Couple Designed a Shared Office Space (While Keeping the Peace)

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“Since we both work from home most of the time, a dedicated office was a must—but even after upsizing, we didn’t want to devote space to two separate offices,” says Mike. Instead, the couple shares one office that needs to support their different work styles: Mike’s packed schedule of virtual meetings and Talia’s solo writing as a commerce editor. Beyond work, it also pulls double duty as a place where Mike can unwind with video games and the cats can lounge by the sunny bay window.

the office

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BILLY / OXBERG

With panel and glass doors you can display items and hide clutter.

Sustainable Solutions

MITTZON sit/stand desks feature a cable management tray, making them a no-brainer for aesthetics and well-being.

Design Tips:

BILLY is a versatile bookcase that can be configured in multiple ways to give the effect of custom cabinets (without the custom price-tag).

Adding integrated lighting to your BILLY bookcase is a great way to highlight collectibles and create a warm and inviting effect.

FÖRNUFTIG air purifier features an unassuming design that can be hung on the wall or placed on the floor, depending on your style.

Sustainable Solutions

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MITTZON

This sit/stand desk features both ergonomic comfort and clever features.

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BILLY / OXBERG

Pair a set of three with the Billy bookcase to get the same look.

the office

The Dressing Area

THE GARAGE

THE GUEST ROOM

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TÖRNBÄR

Hand-woven in banana fiber and made by Industree in India.

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PALMMIX

You don't need to be a gardening expert to care for this low-maintenance plant.

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FÖRNUFTIG

A handle makes it easy to move this air purifier between different rooms.

Room

for

Room

You

for You

In Partnership with

presented by

before

after

room for You

The Dressing Area

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LOMMARP

Get the look of traditional carpentry with modern features.

THE GARAGE

THE GUEST ROOM

The Dressing Area

the office

Photo Credits: Photography : Andrew McCaul /Styling : Maggie McKenna

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KUGGIS

A practical box for storing papers, gadgets or hobby items.

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TOLKNING

This bench has a secret—it comes with hidden storage space.

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RÖDALM

This picture frames series combines a high quality finish with a modern style.

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BRYNET

Directional light allows you to highlight a picture or other objects.

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BLODFLÄDER

A Claude Monet motif, printed on high-quality canvas

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SILVTJÄRN

For make-up remover pads, cotton balls or jewelry.

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ALEX

The perfect vanity drawer inserts

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HULTARP

Use these rails to display a collection of handbags.

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AKTERSPRING

A simple, yet sweet table lamp brings warmth to the space.

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BJÖRKBERGET

Adjustable, washable and with a touch of retro style.

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JÄRNVÄG

Pastel tones feel modern, but with inspiration from classic oriental rugs.

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KVARNVIK

Great for scarves, belts, sunglasses and any other small accessories.

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LAGKAPTEN / ALEX

We love how Talia used this desk as her vanity set-up.

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TORSJÖ

An elegant and classic side table, that can fit in a variety of rooms.

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BAGGANÄS

Knobs and handles are like icing on the cake.

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BERGSHULT / RAMSHULT

We love the clean lines and flexibility of this open shelving.

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STOCKHOLM 2025

An eye-catcher with glass cylinders and brass-plated details.

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“The built-in organization is the standout for me. Having designated zones for clothes, accessories and shoes makes the whole room feel tidy and put-together. The open shelving highlights my favorite purses and heels, while the PAX System doors conceal my clothing and seasonal storage. Altogether, it’s elevated and luxurious without sacrificing function,” says Talia. Read on to find out exactly what she did to take her space from a couple of open shelves to an area she can’t help but show off.

“I wanted this area to feel less like a catchall and more like a space that makes my daily routine easier by streamlining all my items with dedicated spots. I also wanted it to be beautiful—a place that genuinely inspires me to put my best foot forward when I’m getting ready each day. The goal was to create something functional, aesthetic and intentional,” says Talia. So with the help of an IKEA interior designer, they got to work.

An Upgraded Dressing Area You Didn’t See Coming

Before & After

the dressing area

before

after

Sustainable Solutions

The BJÖRKBERGET swivel chair has a removable, washable cover—great for removing makeup stains.

A storage bench stands out with soft seating comfort and beautifully concealed storage.

BERGSHULT / RAMSHULT shelves coupled with KVARNVIK storage boxes allow you to display your favorite accessories, while tucking others away.

IKEA® makes it easy for you to configure your own PAX wardrobe system with their simple five-step process.

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Design Tips:

Coming Soon!

stay tuned

THE GARAGE

buy now

RÖDALM

This picture frames series combines a high quality finish with a modern style.

buy now

BRYNET

Directional light allows you to highlight a picture or other objects.

buy now

BLODFLÄDER

A Claude Monet motif, printed on high-quality canvas

buy now

KUGGIS

A practical box for storing papers, gadgets or hobby items.

buy now

TOLKNING

This bench has a secret—it comes with hidden storage space.

buy now

LOMMARP

Get the look of traditional carpentry with modern features.

buy now

TÖRNBÄR

Hand-woven in banana fiber and made by Industree in India.

buy now

PALMMIX

You don't need to be a gardening expert to care for this low-maintenance plant.

buy now

FÖRNUFTIG

A handle makes it easy to move this air purifier between different rooms.

buy now

BILLY / OXBERG

Pair a set of three with the Billy bookcase to get the same look.

buy now

BILLY / OXBERG

With panel and glass doors you can display items and hide clutter.

buy now

MITTZON

This sit/stand desk features both ergonomic comfort and clever features.

Shop the Look

Lorem Ipsum Dolor Sit Amet

Learn More

Enter: IKEA®. We partnered with the home furniture company to help Mike and Talia reimagine their close quarters. On their wish list: 1) Two standing desks arranged so Talia can enter and exit without crossing into Mike’s background, 2) backgrounds suitable for video meetings, 3) plenty of storage and 4) space for a TV. With the help of an IKEA® designer and a little TLC, here’s what Mike and Talia did to take their shared office from a cord-cluttered white space to a bold design they can’t wait to show off on Zoom.

How One Couple Designed a Shared Office Space (While Keeping the Peace)

Before & After

the office

before

after

Sustainable Solutions

FÖRNUFTIG air purifier features an unassuming design that can be hung on the wall or placed on the floor, depending on your style.

Adding integrated lighting to your BILLY bookcase is a great way to highlight collectibles and create a warm and inviting effect.

BILLY is a versatile bookcase that can be configured in multiple ways to give the effect of custom cabinets (without the custom price-tag).

MITTZON sit/stand desks feature a cable management tray, making them a no-brainer for aesthetics and well-being.

tip 01

tip 02

tip 03

tip 04

Design Tips:

stay tuned

Coming Soon!

THE GUEST ROOM

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STOCKHOLM 2025

This handwoven wool rug is reversible with the same pattern.

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BLODFLÄDER

This striking print works well in a gallery wall.

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BORGEBY

A side table that doubles as a bedside table.

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CHILISTRÅN

Hang these planters from your ceiling for a welcoming touch.

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BONDIS

This clock is silent (no-tick!), so guests can sleep without being disturbed.

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SKOgskovall

This bedspread is jacquard-woven from 100% cotton.

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VARMBLIXT

This smart lamp can be mounted on a wall or placed on a table.

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OMMJÄNGE

These trays are great for corralling bedside objects.

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GRÅFJÄLLET

When closet space is limited, a clothes rack (with shoe storage!) is key.

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KIVIK

An extra sleep solution that won't overcrowd the room.

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STORKLINTA

Having a dedicated spot for guests' belongings is a game-changer.

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TÄLLÅSEN

A modern bedframe that combines easily with other furniture.

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At the beginning of this design process we asked the couple what they loved about their guest room. Their first response? “That we have one.” For the newlyweds, living in upstate New York means that the majority of their family and friends are from out-of-town, so having a place where those folks can stay was a top priority for the couple.

A Guest Room Transformation Designed for Style and Function

Before & After

the GUEST ROOM

before

after

Sustainable Solutions

The GRÅFJÄLLET clothes rack offers storage without the bulk of a traditional wardrobe.

The KIVIK sleeper sofa converts into an extra pull-out bed for overnight guests.

Pro tip: Using two 3-drawer STORKLINTA dressers opens up layout options as needs change.

The TÄLLÅSEN upholstered bedframe is ideal for a room with low ceilings.

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tip 02

tip 03

tip 04

Design Tips:

stay tuned

Coming Soon!

“This could range from our 70-year-old parents to siblings with a dog to couples with young children,” says the pair. The only problem? The space is 140 square feet with a low, sloping ceiling and minimal storage. Enter: IKEA. With the help of an IKEA designer, here’s how Mike and Talia took their spare room from a blank slate (literally) to a welcoming guest bedroom they can’t wait to share.