IKEA's Little-Known $99 Design Deal

First, Costco started offering tiny houses. Now IKEA, a brand synonymous with modern, affordable furniture and those famous Swedish meatballs, has a newer, little-known offering: a full-service interior design package. Priced at just $99 per room, this service is a game-changer for anyone looking to infuse professional design elements into their living spaces without breaking the bank.

As someone who has personally experienced the benefits of this service, I can attest to its remarkable value. It's not just a service; it's an opportunity to work with skilled designers who can transform any room into a beautifully curated space tailored to individual tastes and needs. This innovative offering from IKEA opens up a world of design possibilities, making professional interior design accessible to a broader audience than ever before.

Here's everything you need to know about IKEA's little-known $99 interior design deal.

What's included in the $99 interior design service

While IKEA might be known as a DIY brand, the interior design service is all about a detailed, client-focused process. Once you start, you'll be guided through a comprehensive journey akin to hiring a typical interior designer.

It begins with an online questionnaire designed to give your assigned designer a clear understanding of your vision and needs. Then, your designer will delve into every detail over three one-hour virtual meetings. Expect more than just product suggestions; this service includes mood boards, 3D renderings, layout ideas, lighting plans, material recommendations, and even elevations. The level of detail is astounding.

For instance, while planning my house, the designer's keen eye identified a costly flaw in my kitchen layout, saving me thousands of dollars. The cabinet sizes were incorrect and the original designer had a kitchen island in the plans that wouldn't fit in the space. We were about ready to pay for all of that, but she caught it in time.

The beauty of this service lies in its execution. Once you approve the final design, IKEA handles everything else. The company orders all the products and can even arrange installation and assembly through TaskRabbit (if you live within a certain distance). This seamless approach removes the usual stress of managing multiple vendors and contractors, making your design journey enjoyable and hassle free.

How to book it

Booking IKEA's interior design service is way easier than putting together the company's furniture. First, visit IKEA's U.S. "Ideas" page. There, you'll find a banner titled "Need an interior designer for your home?" Clicking on this will lead you to another button that says "Book now." From here, you fill in some basic information (like your ZIP code) and choose a date to meet with your designer virtually.

You'll also be asked to fill out an online questionnaire. This questionnaire is your first step to a beautifully designed space. It's where you share details about your project, helping IKEA prepare for the initial meeting.

After submitting your questionnaire, you'll be paired with a professional IKEA designer, who will then schedule the three virtual meetings with you. These meetings allow you to explore, suggest, and fine-tune your design ideas. This is where the moodboards, 3D renderings, and ultimately the shopping list and order take place.

Is it worth it?

IKEA's $99 Interior Design Service is the ultimate budget-friendly option for those managing their personal finances and needing design help. It's super easy to book, and you get the full package. I mean, they even spotted a mistake in my kitchen plans that saved me a bunch of money. It's like having a design genie at your fingertips. This service isn't just about affordable furniture; it's about making great design accessible to all of us.