To IKEA & back

10.29.2004

After a short sleep, I woke to a six-hour morning shift at The Rocket Star. Not too busy, since it's Friday & there was a phenomenal combo of low clouds & lightning, w/ some dewey rain tossed in. It was quite nice. And w/ the quiet, I got to re-read the essential chapters of Imagined Communities while listening to the now-defunct Spring & Brittle Stars. Also a surprise visit by Megan Red & Dave.

Then. The long haul to IKEA north of Chicago. I forgot I'd promised Dan to accompany him there & back again. Things got hairy when we spent a half hour w/in eyesight of the giant blue & yellow IKEA building trying to figure out how to get, from our off ramp, to the parking lot.

I'd never been to IKEA, but was very skeptical — expecting overpriced crappy kitsch. Yes, I know many of you out there love IKEA. And while I share a taste for minimalist Scandinavian décor, I tend towards "vintage" (i.e. "thrift store") 70s stuff. I've rarely seen IKEA stuff I've actually liked. And, too often, it just looks like the Sauder-esque goods I can find at Target or Meijer. But since IKEA is trendy, I expected grossly overpriced pressboard junk. Nicely designed pressboard junk (if you're into that aesthetic), but pressboard junk nonetheless.

I'll admit it; I was pretty impressed.

I bought a dozen glasses for six bucks. Even sprang for a new quilt w/ button on/off cover (perfect when you live w/ cats). Nothing else really jumped out at me, though I saw at least a decently-priced items that may've struck my fancy.

In the end, though, I was too tired to really actively look for anything. Plus, I was there to help Dan pick out a couch, chairs, and other things for The Rocket Star. I'm always impressed by how much will fit into the back of a Volkswagen Golf (a couch, six chairs, and then some).

The trip there & back was filled w/ interesting conversation, something I've not had w/ one of my best friends since I came back from Bolivia since, well, he's crazy busy w/ his business.

Oh. Did you know there's a restaurant in the third floor of IKEA? I appreciate the convenience (since we arrive hungry). But it's just weird. They're clearly not just selling you furniture & household goods; they're selling you an entire lifestyle. I'm not sure how I feel about that.

Posted by Miguel at 10:18 PM

Comments

IKEA's furniture is a sleek choice to broke ass college students yet - it's similar to what i picture "The Sharper Image" would produce if they made furniture.
"Hey, that looks cool," but look at it from another angle and "oh, that's cardboard isn't it?"

Where IKEA really excells for me, is exactly what you liked about them. Incredibly cheap (but attractive) dishes, lights lamps... you know, like, knik knak stuff.

Posted by: Scott at October 30, 2004 04:55 AM

"they're selling you an entire lifestyle. I'm not sure how I feel about that"

Yes, I guess they are. But, hmmmm doesn't McDonald's sell a life style as well? Or Nike?
actually most fashion brands? they seem to sell a lifestyle, too.

Anyhow, what I always hated about IKEA is it always seems quite a drive to get there. I don'T know a single person who claims to live just a few blocks from an IKEA store. :-)

Posted by: Marco at October 30, 2004 07:43 PM

Yep, all those things sell an entire lifestyle. And they all make me uncomfortable (on different levels).

Posted by: Miguel [TypeKey Profile Page] at October 30, 2004 11:03 PM