Martin Cooper

Out of hundreds of submissions in 2020, I pick 10 of the most interesting, surprising and beautiful IKEA hacks . 2020 ranks as one of the strangest years in my 50-odd years. The pandemic brought the world together in a most tragic way and showed us that we’re more similar that we thought. It is also a year where home took center stage. Creating a home that supported our lives and livelihood was more important than ever. Many took to cooking, crafting, musical instruments and, not forgetting, IKEA hacking, for the first time in their lives. And found joy in these simple things. For that, I’m thankful. That, in spite of everything, we kept creating and growing as individuals, families and communities. No virus will ever beat that. 2020 is wrapping up in a few days. Let’s look forward to 2021 and keep hacking. Best IKEA hacks of 2020 Looking through all entries these year was fun and it reflected the times we lived in . We saw a lot of stay-at-home related hacks, even one for dayt...

I can’t end the year without our annual “Top 10” lists . It’s been an unusual year but I’m glad the IKEA hacking community kept doing what it does best — creating and repurposing even while locked down at home . For that, I tip my hat off to you guys. To kick things off, we look back at some of the best, quick IKEA ideas that don’t necessarily involve a lot of heavy lifting. (Top 10 hacks are on tomorrow!) These ideas prove that smart thinking can improve, upgrade or turn around any IKEA item. Let’s revisit the best IKEA ideas of 2020 #1 Custom 3D doors for BESTÅ Like many other hacking stories, Mare fell in love with this  gorgeous credenza from CB2 but couldn’t bring herself to part with the money. Out comes one of the easiest and cheapest way to make custom doors for the BESTÅ. See the hack . #2 Modern coat rack Seeing things differently helped Stéphanie turn a JONAXEL wire basket into a modern coat rack. It is minimalist, cute, and price friendly. Read more . #...

Wall organizer makes a fun kids rock climbing wall headboard. I’m Camilla’s daddy, a handsome 3-year-old at 12 kgs. I hacked the IKEA SKÅDIS wall organizer to become a functional headboard and at same time, a mini kids rock climbing wall.  Related: KURA bed with climbing wall IKEA item used: IKEA SKÅDIS wall organizer A kind of easy procedure with kids’ safety first in mind.  For this reason, I fixed the SKÅDIS pegboard with the original upper side fixing point. Then, I also added two more sustain at the bottom using a total of 4 Fisher wall plugs (each 4mm dia. with 20kg axial load, 80 kg total each board). I bought separately some commercial wall rocks holds and fixed them with M8 screws and crimped washers on the hidden side. I also added some random handles. The full drill and mount required about one day. The system is modular … so it is growing, is fun and adjustable. Under the wall/ headboard is the bed for a soft landing. ~ by Giacomo ...

13 Instagram posts show why the LEGO BYGGLEK should be top on your gift list. Almost three months ago, IKEA and LEGO launched the product of their collaboration — BYGGLEK in the US and Europe. (I’m still waiting!) My first thought was that the BYGGLEK was “just” a collection of boxes of different sizes: one set of three small boxes, a large and medium box. Along with the boxes, a set of LEGO bricks to kick-start the play experience. What has happened since? Did they remain as dusty storage boxes in dark cupboards? Well, I should have known better. A studded surface never remains so with LEGO fans . A check on Instagram hashtag #bygglek revealed lots of delightful creations. Oh what fun. Homage to IKEA View this post on Instagram A post shared by otaku seikatsu (@otakuseikatsu91) Play at home Many BYGGLEK creations centered around homes. Like this Grecian styled house. View this post on Instagram ...