ikeahacker interview

Today I’d like to feature an interview I did with Jules from Ikeahacker, a great site where you can find all sorts of hacks on ikea furniture. Jules has a great personality and has brought all of us ideas on bringing new life to people who bought furniture from ikea. Ok, let’s get started.

Fun w/Furniture!

Eric: Jules, thanks for taking the timing to do this interview. My readers will enjoy your responses to know more behind the story of Ikeahacker and hearing about you directly. Tell us a little bit about yourself, your background or what you do.

Jules: I am a freelance writer, living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I started the blog in 2006 when I started noticing hacks popping up on various decor blogs and magazines. It’s been a wonderful journey so far.

Eric: From your blog, you show yourself to be passionate about decorating and using Ikea products to its fullest potential. When was your first encounter with Ikea and what was it like?

Mr. Ikea

Jules: My first encounter with Ikea was many years ago, when they opened their store near where I live. It was eye-opening! And a little depressing as I was fresh out of school, earning very little and couldn’t afford all the stuff I wanted. But that pretty much started a love affair with Ikea, that has continued to this day. If Ikea was a man, I would marry him. Organized, perfectly groomed, colour coordinated, fun, versatile and smelling like Swedish coffee – what’s not to love?

Eric: Having all these great decorating and do it yourself ideas from avid Ikea hackers, how many pieces of Ikea furniture do you own?

Jules: Large pieces – 3 bookcases, media unit, wardrobes, storage and bed. Innumerable smaller items – from lights to kitchen stuff. Perhaps 50 – 60% of my home is ikea.

Eric: What is your favorite piece of Ikea furniture? And Off the top of your head, which Ikea hack was the most memorable to you?

Jules: I like the Expedit range a lot. Clean lines. Very hackable. O, i have too many hacks that I am very fond of, so it is hard to pick just one. Every year, I list my top 10 or 20s. These were last year’s: http://ikeahacker.blogspot.com/2009/01/vote-for-hack-of-2008.html

Top Ikea Hack for 2008: Fabric Wall Art

My Fav 2008 Top Ikea Hack: Salad Bowl Speakers

Eric: Ok, last question. You mentioned on your about me page that you love to travel. Is there a place you’ve haven’t been and would love to go? Will we be seeing you at an Ikea near us anytime soon?

Jules: I would love to visit South Africa, Egypt and see the Northern Lights in my lifetime. I will be visit New Zealand in September. Unfortunately will not be in US anytime soon. There is also a little crazy part of my brain that says I should make a trip to all the Ikeas in the world. That would be something!

A fun trip to visit all Ikea stores would involve, 296 IKEA stores in 36 countries/ territories. The other stores are owned and run by franchisees outside the IKEA Group in 16 countries/ territories.

Eric: Well, thanks again for taking the time to answer my questions and sharing your story with us. On behalf of my readers and Ikea fans on the net, I thank you for creating Ikea hacks and bringing inspiration to mankind on everyday unique designs!