I Used IKEA Kreativ to Redesign My Living Room & It Transformed the Space

When I first moved into my apartment, I was so excited to create a space that truly felt like mine. Having the opportunity to design my own space is something that I’ve always longed for. Questions like, “What kind of lamp do I want?” and “Which TV console fits best?” flooded my mind the moment I signed the lease. However, as time passed, it became increasingly challenging to envision how everything would come together.

To bring my vision to life, I turned to sources like Apartment Therapy, TikTok, Pinterest, and one that I hadn’t used before: IKEA Kreativ. I was already a fan of IKEA, so I was excited to try the visual shopping companion to help me with the design process.

What is IKEA Kreativ?

Launched in 2022, IKEA Kreativ is a virtual room planner that’s available online and in the IKEA app. It allows you to explore their entire range of furniture, storage, and home essentials, all while letting you visualize them in your own space. It’s a game-changer, especially if you need extra help bringing your vision to life. And you don’t even need to leave your home to do it!

Using IKEA Kreativ is simple and straightforward. First, you scan the area you want to furnish. Next, you search for and add products to your space and place them in IKEA Kreativ. Finally, you design your living space in IKEA Kreativ by arranging the items and experimenting with different placements to see where they fit best. Once you’ve finished, you can order your items.

I live in a studio apartment with a square-shaped living area. The living room’s layout is definitely unique. There’s a wall that sticks out, which helps me separate the “bedroom” and “living room” areas. Because the “living room” and “kitchen” are combined, the measurements for both the living room and kitchen are 17’8” x 22’7” (which is a decent amount of space).

I scanned my living area without entering any measurements, as the scan showed how much room I would be working with. After scanning, I searched for items I needed at the time: a TV console and a lamp. Choosing the right items took a little longer, because I had to try out a few options to decide which pieces and colors would best suit my space. But I enjoyed this part of the process because it let me play make-believe with IKEA products before buying them.

I knew I wanted a functional TV console that would also complement my apartment’s modern aesthetic. While testing out different options, I realized that shapes and styles significantly impact the vibe and energy they bring to the home.

Initially, I considered a dark brown console to add color to the space. However, after placing it in the IKEA Kreativ platform, I realized it didn’t complement my tan cabinets. I decided to go with a white console instead, which was a much better fit.

I also knew I needed a rug, so I tested out a pink and orange one. Because I decided on a white console, I thought it would be nice to add color to my space with a rug, but the pink and orange rug didn’t pair well with the rest of the room. While I was disappointed because the rug was cute, this saved me a ton of time and money.

How IKEA Kreativ Helped Me Pick Out the Perfect Pieces for My Apartment

After scrolling through various options, I chose the BESTÅ TV unit in white and the brass-plated UPPVIND floor lamp, which IKEA graciously sent me. Both pieces were exactly what I needed — they keep the space both functional and stylish while matching the modern aesthetic of my apartment. I couldn’t be happier with the end result. Once I actually put the items in my space, I was pleasantly surprised to see that it looked exactly like it did in IKEA Kreativ. Everything fit perfectly, and I didn’t have to move anything around once the items were built.

One Super-Helpful Tip When Using IKEA Kreativ

Make sure to scan your space thoroughly, even if it takes multiple attempts, and step back far enough to capture some extra floor space. This will help create a complete picture of your room and allow you to have accurate measurements while shopping. When I used this approach, it made all the difference in having a clear vision of what the room could hold, even though I didn’t enter any measurements.

In the end, IKEA Kreativ transformed how I approached designing my space. It helped me make smart buying decisions, reduce returns, and avoid extra trips to the store.

If you’re like me and you need a visual aid to make decisions or don’t live near an IKEA, then IKEA Kreativ is a great new way to shop. Whether you’re buying new furniture or working with what you already have, it helps you mix and match pieces. Plus if you’re unsure, you can collaborate with friends and family to get their input and exchange ideas. 

I highly recommend IKEA Kreativ as a new way to furnish and decorate your space — I can’t stop talking about it to family and friends.

Further Reading

We Tested (and Rated!) Every Sofa at West Elm — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need

We Tested (and Rated!) All the Sofas at Pottery Barn — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need

We Asked 8 Pro Travelers What They Never Pack in Their Carry-On, and Here’s What They Said