Home decor: all this week!

Ikea is, and always will be, the student standard for furniture, kitchen wares and home decor. And they do have some lovely things, but it is important not to turn your apartment into an Ikea showroom; instead, showcase your individual style with one-of-a-kind pieces. This week I'll be showing pairings of great Ikea items with complementary hand-made pieces. Let's start with some retro-spotted spice jars from Serajay Designs, available in green & yellow or blue & white, and only $10 for a set. (Photo copyright Serajay Designs.)


Let's match these with some textiles: the Lisbet tablecloth (or table runner ($6.99), or placemats ($1.99); but these are alternatives, you don't need to pile them all on together) from Ikea, just $14.99.