If you’re among so many of us who have palatial tastes and a studio apartment budget, then you must feast your eyes on these uber-chic IKEA living rooms. It can be discouraging to see your favorite tastemakers posting beautiful home decor on Instagram that you’re a pile of student loans away from being able to afford. But don’t fret! We know your struggle, because it’s ours too. That’s why we’re so delighted by the sophisticated styles, tantalizing textures and light and breezy vibes of these budget-friendly living rooms. Get your Pinterest board ready, because you’re about to be seriously inspired.
1. Black and White: This color combo never fails to give the illusion of high-end (read: expensive) sophistication. And the super simple KNOPPÄNG picture ledges provide professional presentation for only $7. (via House to Home)
2. Bright and Breezy: Vivid textures and geometric shapes make this living room sing. The neutral KARLSTAD sofa provides a nice balance to the candy-coated colors. Is anyone else suddenly craving sherbet? (via The Enchanting Life)
3. Pretty Patterns: These mixed-and-matched bold patterns are all kinds of visual stimulation. And the black and white STOCKHOLM cushion that does such a great job of rounding out the look is only $15! (via Design Love Fest)
4. Pale Pink and Denim Hues: This STOCKSUND loveseat is given the royal treatment with soft patterns and gilded touches. Combine different patterns in similar colors for a pretty blend with compelling cohesiveness. (via IKEA)
5. Gray and Rose: Pretty pink pastels and soft grays spell comfort. Coupled with the shape of this NORSBORG sofa, this setup has us ready to cozy up and settle in for the day, please and thank you. (via IKEA)
6. Wicker and White: We’re loving the blend of textures atop this soft white foundation. The pair of EKTORP chairs gives symmetry to an otherwise eclectic style. (via Home Talk)
7. Pretty Pastels: These pastels look good enough to eat. The barely-there look of the VITTSJÖ end table beautifully complements the dreamy appeal of the overall vibe. (via Style Me Pretty)
8. Solid Statement: One good statement piece can make a world of difference. This IKEA PS storage table provides a focal point while delivering a bevy of organizational options. (via IKEA)
9. Light and Flowery: A few soft and colorful accents bring home this delicate design. The VITTSJÖ nesting tables are a lovely way to incorporate high style without overwhelming a small space. (via Style Me Pretty)
10. Gray All Day: Oh gray, how we love your endless potential. Various shades of gray and silver surrounding this HEMNES coffee table make this effortlessly elegant design come together. (via IKEA / The Interior Directory)
11. Bright and Zesty: This pink and orange color combination will cheer up even the grumpiest of grumps. And the stunning table is actually three beautifully hacked FROSTA stools, only $5 apiece. (via Vtwonen)
12. Openly Dreamy: We love how this minimalist design lets the beauty of the outdoors shine above all else. The matching white EKTORP couches coupled with a select few organic accents give this space a breathable, airy feel. (via Decor Dots)
13. White and Gold: This ultra-feminine design is equal parts delicate and elegant. Use minimal furniture in soft colors like this VITTSJÖ table and EKTORP couch to let your sweet accessories do the talking. (via The Everygirl)
14. Modern Romance: Using light grays and varying shades of white lets you add plenty of design elements without things getting too visually crowded. The style of the LIATORP coffee table pairs perfectly with the four matching white frames on the wall. (via Oh My Dear)
Want more high-end style on a student budget? Give us a follow on Pinterest!
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.