Bravo for Brasa! Loving This Floor Lamp!

The Ikea 365+ Brasa lamp has probably been my favorite cheepee find during my ongoing apartment redeux.  I've been endlessly frustrated at how expensive lighting is, especially when looking for something modern and sleek.  I wasn't even looking for lighting during my last Ikea trip, but I thought I'd check out the section to stave off the dreaded warehouse portion of the Ikea shopping experience.  This was pretty close to exactly what I was looking for, and for $70 it was a no-brainer.  I was also pleasantly surprised that it has two light levels...a high-end touch that even some expensive lamps don't have.  I normally have it positioned as a desk lamp, but I can easily swivel it around to use as a reading light for my sofa.  

Ikea 365+ BRASA Floor/reading light
Article Number: 901.488.27
Price: $69.99
Availability: In-store only
Colors: Chrome, Black, White

Furniture Flip: New Desk

It's been a few years since I moved into my apartment, and I was feeling I had outgrown the space: it just wasn't functioning like I needed it to, something felt off, and it had to be fixed.  What I really needed was a desk--or at least a decent work area where I can sit, surf the web, write notes, and not burn the tops of my thighs with my MacBook.  I had scouted around for desks at all my usual suspects: West Elm, CB2, Ikea, CraigsList, Housing Works, but for my tiny L-shaped room they were all much too deep.  Not to mention I would be plunking down at least $100 and it would require that I ditch my cozy red chair.  What's a girl to do!?  I had an Ah-Ha moment last weekend that my CB2 console table could function just perfectly as a slim writing/computering desk.  I had recently purchased a set of two orange folding seats (that can also function as little tables) from OneKingsLane.com and one works perfectly as a desk chair.  It doesn't take up visual space as a chair with a back would, and I can fold it up and put away if needed.  The next time you find yourself in a furniture freak-out, just think if you can repurpose pieces to fit the bill.  

Before...

(two years ago when I had just moved in)

After...

(obviously possessions have been accumulated) 

 

Images by Barbara K.