In my opinion, couches are one of the most difficult pieces of furniture to purchase. Why?
- You want something of good quality, but you don’t want to take out a second mortgage on your house to get it.
- You want something that is pretty on its own, but neutral enough to be able to pull off a variety of different of accents and colors.
- You need something comfortable, but you want it to look nice, too.
- Passes the Ryan comfort test
- About the same length as our sofa, around 83 inches (This is comfortable for 3 people and long enough to lay down.)
- Slipcovered to keep it clean and dog-smell free
- Some neutral color – probably tan
- Under $700
- First we ensured it met the Ryan comfort test. (It did.)
- Then, we had a rain-out day. We still had to go, of course. It is IKEA. But, we couldn’t bring it home because of the rain. I did buy the slipcovers on this trip, because the color I wanted was being discontinued and on clearance (Ektorp beige).
- And, finally on the third trip, we brought home a new member of the family.
Isn’t she pretty? I love the contrasting piping. Very Ballard Designs, right?
As you can see, I decided to pick up the ottoman, too. We used our old ottoman all the time, so it was worth the little extra money. Plus, they had the same color slipcover clearanced on the third IKEA trip.
And, because the post isn’t long enough…
Evolution of the Living Room
We’re still trying to decide what to do for additional seating. Ideally, I’d like to put a few smaller chairs on the right wall. But, we can’t decide on the type of chair to choose, and don’t really want to spend any more money on furniture at the time.
For now, we’re just enjoying the new look. And, the fact that it met all of our criteria makes it a success. (It even came in right at our budget, with an extra slipcover and the ottoman. Score!)
Franco and Lola approved.
What do you think?
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Freckles Chick says
That Em, she’s the olive to my martini, I tell you.
Your new couch is beautiful!! That piping is delectable–brilliant choice. And the scrumptious berry-colored pillows are perfection (Pier 1?).
Is this what you contemplated bringing home from Ikea once but the weather prevented it? It’s awesome (though I was sort of hoping you kidnapped an Ikea employee for his/her discount).
Jenny @ Anything Pretty says
Looks great! Yet another reason I wish an IKEA was in driving distance. I could do some serious damage. Love the living room evolution and the pups look like they approve as well!
Misty-Ann says
Love it!!! and I love the color. We just bought our first sectional in November and we went from dark to light as well.
Congrats on the new sofa purchase!
And I want details about that lovely glass with your last name on it pretty please? Or if there’s a previous post that I’m dumb enough to miss please lead me in the right direction… Pretty please?!
Design Apprentice says
I absolutely love your couch. Smart choice getting your slipcovers before they were gone. You really have talent for putting a room together. I’m rehabbing a house that looks similar to your beginning photo, and it really is encouraging to see what can be done from the ground up! 🙂
Laurel @ Ducks in a Row says
I want to be like Emily, too! I love the couch – my favorite part is the cute piping. I have a couch that needs a slipcover that I just need to get going on!
Whitney says
I’ve been dreaming of a new couch, too. My main issue is cat hair. I have a leather couch right now so it isn’t a problem. But that cover…that would be perfect! I love it. Maybe I should make another trek to Ikea myself!
Leigh says
It looks great. And the pipping is a very nice, “this is classy”, touch. I’ve had my eye on those ottomans- but I can never make my mind up about the lift tab. I also really like your red circle pillows.
Michael - Innkeeper says
wow. it looks so comfy and inviting. excellent, excellent pick!
PinkAdele says
One red chair with and green pillow and one green chair with a red pillow matching your furniture and and curtains!
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
I love it!!! T and I have a major disagreement on IKEA. I realize that their stuff is not going to last forever, and it’s not always made with the best materials, but I LIKE the style and the price fits our budget! I’d much rather have something fun that I like instead of waiting around for-e-ver for something we can’t afford anyways. I say job well done…the room looks great!!
kari says
Ooo… I like it! It looks great!
Sara @ Russet Street Reno says
I’ve been eyeing up the Ektorp as well….I just can’t make a decision. Yours looks wonderful in there!
Kim.Gos says
I also have an Ikea Erktop sofa and chair with the ottoman. I love them! Having the pug it is great to remove the covers, toss them in the wash and have no pet smells or stains!
Mrs. 5C says
It looks BEAUTIFUL!!!!
I think an Ektorp sofa is in our (distant) future too. I have the Rowe version of this sofa in our living room, and I love it, but the den is jealous, and one doesn’t really need more than one overpriced sofa, now does one? 😉
LizzieBeth says
it looks great! I’m telling you– You can’t beat a good IKEA deal!
LB
Cassie says
The after looks great! Moving that large chair out makes the room look SO much larger.
You did a great job combining different colors and fabrics 🙂
Kristen says
very nice!
Kristi says
Looks great, Kim! I totally know what you mean about how hard it is to buy a good sofa without breaking the bank. You done good, girl. (And who wouldn’t follow Emily and her good taste?)
Leigh @ Kesler Expressler says
Looks awesome, Kim! I love a good ottoman. I’ve been toying with the idea of swapping our coffee table for an oversized ottoman- much comfy-er on the feet.
Emily says
Oh I love the khaki! LOVE. My aunt wants Khaki but we couldn’t tell online what the piping looked like, so don’t mind if I send this off to her for her to copy you!
And I have an 8th grade yearbook with photographic evidence that I am not the cool girl. You can look at it when you fly to Colorado for real.
Jamie says
I love the new couch! Your living room looks so comfortable and cozy!
Jordan says
Very nice! Are those pillows from Pier 1? We have the same one in a yellowish orange color on our bed 🙂