We did an ambitious thing yesterday—we took the entire family to IKEA. That means three kids six and under, one of them being an infant who likes to stop at the Milk Bar multiple times per day.
The two older girls salivate at the mention of the word “IKEA.” To them it means hot cinnamon rolls, a trip to Smaland (the free kids area where you can drop the little darlings off) and darting through the kid bedrooms.
All in all, it wasn’t a bad trip.
Since we were there to pick up a few floor lamps and little else, I could relax and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the place. I saw a too-old-for-this guy in his late twenties giving his granny the hard sell on what she needed to buy for him. I saw at least two couples fighting. And I walked behind a woman who held court with her five kids proclaiming, “IKEA is overrated. I guess it’s a status thing.”
Jonathan, who has a Scandinavian heritage, pointed out several designs in the textiles area that reminded him of his grandmother, Elsa. And then this ironing board cover caught his eye.
Photo by Jennifer Manske
Something simple. Something under seven dollars. We talked about design, artists, family heritage and the accessibility of good art (did I mention the kids were in Smaland? Because they were occupied, we were able to actually talk—you know, have a conversation. Which is a miracle.)
We’re not snobs—a high price on an object doesn’t mean it’s better. Sometimes, it’s worse. We have an overpriced bookshelf from a modern design store that’s quite frankly a mess. It’s poorly made and barely holds itself together.
I like looking at pretty things. And I like when pretty things are reasonable priced, which means more people can enjoy them.
I love these blocks my sweet friend F. gave us for the new baby. They are from Tiny Giraffe on Etsy.
Photo by Jennifer Fenske
One of those IKEA floor lamps makes a perfect accent to the girls’ room. The kids are delighted to have something new—and pretty. In fact, as I write, they are playing “IKEA” in the family room. I have been invited to attend the Grand Opening. Have to go!
Photo by Jennifer Fenske
I Love Your Work, Jonathan Fenske 