This week’s hero, Rima, is at the beginning of a new chapter. She lives alone in the house she once created together with her husband. Over time, life changed, the interior grew outdated, and the furniture wore out, so she decided it was time for a refresh – starting with the living and dining room. Will our interior designers be able to turn this room into more than just a dining space – a cosy place to relax, read a good book or enjoy morning coffee? Take a look!
Interior designers‘ task:
- Create distinct zones within the shared space: for storage, dining and hosting, as well as for relaxation and personal time.
- Make smart use of the long, narrow room with its unusual niche and many windows.
- Ensure the new interior works well with the distinctive wall colour, the kitchen and the fireplace.
Spot the transformation!
Room function. After the family circumstances changed, the large dining area was used less often. So instead of keeping a traditional dining room, we created a cosy relaxation corner where Rima can spend her free time.Lighting. We added different types of lighting so she can set the right atmosphere whenever she wants. Floor lamps by the sofa and armchair provide light for reading, a main ceiling lamp offers general lighting, additional wall lamps add warmth, and the cabinet lighting not only makes it easy to see what’s inside but also enhances the overall look of the room.
Textiles. Decorative cushions add a sense of comfort, while curtains bring elegance and warmth by helping to block the cold coming from the windows. Rugs act as striking design elements and help divide a large space into clear, functional zones. In Rima’s updated room, three rugs neatly outline the three different areas.
Fancy borrowing this idea? All the solutions you need are here:
For breakfast, relaxation and fun
From now on, Rima’s dining area meets a variety of everyday needs, with each piece of furniture chosen to make the space functional, comfortable, and cosy:- We placed the extendable NÄSINGE table in the dining area, which can easily adjust in size depending on needs and the number of people dining together. This dark-stained table comfortably seats 4–6 people.
- The versatile BILLY bookcase can hold books for leisure reading or be repurposed entirely. In Rima’s room, it serves as a sideboard, with doors to hide personal items neatly out of sight.
- The TV cabinet provides practical storage for various small items. It becomes even more convenient if used with drawers, making it easier to find everything quickly.
NÄSINGE
extendable table, 130/190×80 cm199 €
NÄSINGE
chair49 € /pc
BILLY
bookcase507 €
Just sit down and relax
Since the living room won’t be used for sleeping, we chose the HYLTARP sofa for the relaxation area – a classic design is easy on the eyes and perfect for sitting comfortably or stretching out after a long day. The chaise longue includes a spacious storage box, ideal for extra throws or anything else to keep neatly tucked away.
HYLTARP
3-seat sofa with chaise longue819 €
Empty walls can make a room feel unfinished, as if something is missing. Decorate them with artwork you love or frame your favourite photos to create a warm, personal touch.
A new favourite spot
When we think of a living room, the sofa is usually the first thing that comes to mind — but don’t underestimate the power of a good armchair. In this room, the spacious and comfortable STRANDMON armchair with a footstool plays a special role. It will be Rima’s everyday place to sit back with her morning coffee and enjoy the view outside the window.
HEKTAR
floor lamp59,99 €
STRANDMON
armchair with a footstool258,99 €
“Don’t be afraid to change the layout of your space when it no longer suits your needs. Life doesn’t stand still — and neither should your furniture. Give more attention to the areas you use most and make them as comfortable as possible.”
Alantė Zubrytė and Gabija Petkevičiūtė, IKEA interior designers
What was done before?
In previous seasons, our interior designers transformed a wide range of home and business spaces, offering practical tips on how to adapt interiors to personal needs and keep everything well-organised. We renovated kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms, created a children’s room in an attic, refreshed office spaces, redesigned a compact one-room apartment and so much more.Previous makeovers
Would use some help?
If you'd like to renovate your home without a big investment or major repairs, you can always ask our interior designers for help. With your input and home furnishing style preferences, whether it be traditional or modern, our professionals will help you navigate our wide range of products and create a complete furnishing solution for one or multiple rooms, or for your entire home.Interior design service