IKEA Furniture Finds That Will Dress Up Your Home For Under $500

Ikea furniture for fall yellow toned entryway

Home decor is an essential part of any season and can make a space feel cozier than it did before. With a color palette of deep reds, yellows, and neutrals along with all the different textures, fall is the perfect time to revamp a room. These picks from IKEA are affordable, useful, and will help you create the perfect space. And to sweeten your shopping, the global home furnishing brand is having a sale this August and September on the following items:

  • 8/10 to 9/11: 20% off bundle of large appliances
  • 8/16 to 8/23: 20% off HUVUDROLL Varieties including classic meatball, plant balls, chicken balls and more
  • 9/2 to 9/5: Spend $150, get $15 off in-store and online
  • 9/2 to 9/12: 25% off STARKVIND table and floor air purifiers
Now, onto our IKEA furniture picks!

LYCKSELE LÖVÅS Sleeper Sofa ($429)

This sleeper sofa is perfect for cuddling during a movie night or providing a place for someone to crash in your apartment. The minimal checked design is a great option for fall.

RISATORP Utility Cart ($70)

This cart is the perfect place to store all your Pumpkin Spice Latte essentials or keep your DIY supplies organized. Since it has wheels, it can travel around your home wherever you need it.

IDANÄS Wardrobe ($430)

With its roomy yet sturdy feel, this wardrobe is great for entryways and bedrooms. It'll offer both extra space and a sophisticated yet cozy feel, and we're obsessed.

SUNNERSTA Mini-Kitchen ($210)

This mini-kitchen is perfect for small apartments since it fits so much into such a compact space. Your new laundry room addition: found!

BUSKBO Armchair ($219)

This wicker chair is the perfect addition to any room during fall, but the open design also makes it feel a little bit like summer.

VEDHAMN Glass Door ($180)

Not only will these glass doors allow you to see what's inside your cabinets (which is perfect for moments you need to know what's clean), but they also add more sophistication to your kitchen than regular doors do.

POÄNG Armchair and Ottoman ($189)

With all the reading we do in the living room, a comfortable chair is a must-have for fall. We can attest these chairs are super-comfy, and we like that the darker color scheme will play into the seasonal feel.

ELVARLI Wardrobe Combination ($415)

Not only will this combo make your closet feel ultra modern, but the open design will give your bedroom an airy feel during the coldest of fall days.

BAGGEBO Cabinet with Glass Doors ($50)

This versatile cabinet makes for a great side table in the bedroom or storage area in your office. Since it both opens up and features shelves, it'll help you maximize space.

BEKANT Corner Desk-Right ($329)

This desk will make the WFH lifestyle more stylish, and the right-hand curve offers extra storage and a place to rest your elbow.

OPPHEM Mirror ($40)

Since they reflect light, mirrors are a great way to make your space seem more open. We love that this mirror's ovular shape makes it stand out compared to standard circular ones.

EKET Wall-Mounted Shelving Unit ($25)

Wall-mounted shelving is a great way to display your knickknacks without taking up floor space. Since you can mix up the colors, textures, and shapes of what you store inside, it also lets you be more creative with your decorating.

IDANÄS Bed Frame ($359)

A darker bed frame will make your room feel more like fall, and you can either play into that color scheme with a darker bedspread or go with white for a stark contrast.

HAUGA Storage Combination ($330)

This combo is great for the back-to-school season because of all the storage and organization it offers for clothes, books, and accessories. Plus, the tabletop gives you room to display all your Halloween decor!

ELLOVEN Monitor Stand With Drawer ($35)

If you spend all day at your desk, chances are you have a ton of tools and knickknacks lying around. This drawer and monitor stand hybrid will let you keep track of everything *and* get it off your desk so that you don't have to work in a cluttered area.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Kitchen renovations are no joke – they're a major investment, so you’ll want to think twice before committing to fleeting trends — especially for big-ticket items like cabinets, countertops, and appliances. I’ll admit it: I’m still without a backsplash five years later because I can’t commit! While it’s perfectly fine to follow your heart if you love a particular look, kitchens can quickly feel outdated when you lean too heavily on short-lived fads. To help you create a timeless, stylish space, we’ve rounded up outdated kitchen trends to avoid — and easy ways to modernize if your kitchen is stuck in the past.

Scroll to see if you have these outdated kitchen trends in your house right now!

Mark McCammon

1. All-White Kitchens

The all-white kitchen craze has officially run its course, often feeling cold and sterile — like say a doctor’s office. Today’s kitchens are all about warmth and character, with palettes in soft neutrals, earthy greens, or bold, moody shades like oxblood and midnight blue. Choose a color that speaks to you for a timeless, inviting space you'll love for years to come.

Pixabay

2. Granite Countertops

This early 2000s trend has been overdone and feels so dated now. Marble, sleek quartz, even butcher block are more classic choices.

Curtis Adams

3. Ornate Cabinetry

The color and detail of this traditional kitchen feels drab and dated. Instead, look for flat-panel or Shaker-style cabinets with clean, minimal lines.

Terry Magallanes

4. Farmhouse Decor

This kitchen is a lesson is don'ts. The grey vinyl flooring (especially hideous!), farmhouse stools, and white cabinetry hail from a decades-old trend that needs to disappear in 2025.

Home Depot

5. Glass Mosaic Tiles

Glass mosaics, popular in the 2000s and 2010s, tend to lean toward a transitional aesthetic, which is the opposite of an organic, minimalist, or vintage-inspired design kitchen are craving now. The grout lines are bit difficult to clean too between all the tiny tiles. Zellige tile or a slab of marble are a more sophisticated look for today's kitchens.

Level 23 Media

6. Black & White

The stark contrast between black and white can come across as harsh and overly dramatic, a look that peaked in the 2010s. The farmhouse sign doesn't help warm it up either. Soften the look with earthy, natural tones.

Curtis Adams

7. Subway Tile

Subway tile is classic, so there’s no need to rip it out if it still brings you joy. However, the white subway tile paired with dark grout has overstayed its welcome. This overdone trend became so ubiquitous that it lost its charm and individuality, leaving kitchens looking more cookie-cutter than full of character.

Amazon

8. Industrial Lighting

This nod to the past needs to, sorry, stay in the past. Look for organic, natural forms and lighting that reflects your kitchen's unique aesthetic.

Shutterstock

9. Tuscan Style

This rustic kitchen feels dated with its heavy, ornate features like dark wood cabinetry and trim. Go for clean, brighter spaces.

Shutterstock

10. Tile Countertops

Natural stone, marble, and wood are trending for 2025. Grout-filled countertops like this one are not. Time to go!

Max Vakhtbovycn

11. Moroccan Mosaic Tile

Kitchens are becoming elegant places to cook, eat, and gather. This busy design can look cheap. The white mid-century Eames-style chairs, sorry to say, are also out.

Andrea Davis

12. Barn Doors

Using barn doors between the kitchen and other spaces is a look that is officially out. They proved to be not that functional and the look is now dated and too kitschy. Buh bye!

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Amid the tragedy of the LA fires, neighbors are opening their homes to one another. In addition to AirBnb offering temporary housing and various YMCAs and Red Cross locations opening their doors, victims are finding safety with friends and family — and that includes your favorite celebrities. Like Hilary Duff and husband Matthew Koma, who opened their home to Mandy Moore, Taylor Goldsmith, and their family.

Here's what Mandy Moore and Griffin Goldsmith have said about Hilary Duff and Matthew Koma — and the LA wildfires.

Despite losing everything, Griffin is touched by Hilary Duff & Matthew Koma.

After Mandy Moore and Taylor Goldsmith's home was affected by the wildfires in Altadena (they lost their garage, music studio, and back house), Mandy's brother-in-law Griffin Goldsmith revealed the family had been taken in by Hilary Duff.

"All of this so overwhelming," he said on Instagram. "Our dear friends @matthewkoma and @hilaryduff thought it wise to set up a gofundme for us to help with everything moving forward. Not to mention they are currently housing my brother’s family. They’ve taken care of my entire family from the moment this began. I will never be able to thank them adequately. This is the kindest act any human could do for another. They are the most beautiful, selfless people we’ve ever known."

"I’ve never been so moved in my life," he continues. "We are completely blown away. I can’t talk or think about it without crying. Like I said there aren’t words to describe how I feel. I’m doing my best. You all have completely changed what the picture of our future in Los Angeles looks like."

Mandy Moore shared the GoFundMe for Griffin and Kit on Instagram, writing in a since-deleted post that the couple "lost their home and everything they own in the Eaton Fire."

"With their first baby on the way in a matter of weeks, they need our support now more than ever," Mandy says (via People). "Griff is a touring musician and also lost his entire arsenal of drums/percussion he uses to make a living. It’s all so much. So many have asked how to help during this unimaginable and stressful time … Please consider donating and sharing to help them rebuild."

And when people criticized her decision to share the GoFundMe link? "Kindly F OFF."

"People questioning whether we’re helping out our own family or attributing some arbitrary amount of money Google says someone has is NOT helpful or empathetic," she continues. "Of course we are. Our buddy Matt started this GoFundMe and i’m sharing because people have asked how they can help them. We just lost most of our life in a fire too."

And the main part of Mandy Moore's home is still "mostly intact."

The Princess Diaries actress shared photos from her family's property, revealing that the main part of their home is still standing. "It’s not livable but mostly intact," she said on Instagram January 10. "We lost Taylor and griffin’s studio with every instrument and piece of equipment they’ve ever owned. We lost our garage and back house. Everyone we know lost everything. Every house on our street is gone. My in laws. My brother and sister in law- 6 weeks from welcoming their first baby. Our best friends. Feeling weird survivors guilt. We love this community and will do everything we can to help rebuild and support. Thanks for everyone for checking on us and offering us help. Altadena strong."

Resources and more information on the LA fires can be found here.

My home is nearly clear of holiday clutter and that means I'm in major nesting mode. I returned from my holiday vacation with visions of crossing off my home decor to do list, including refreshing my daughter's vintage dresser (I already have the new pulls and walnut stain), repairing my favorite chair that my boyfriend's puppy used as a chew toy, painting my lower kitchen cabinets, and many other tasks. But I'm also on a budget (with design caviar dreams). So I'm taking it slow, looking at what I have around the house that I can rearrange to satisfy my nesting fix for free.

Here are easy, low-cost ways to upgrade your home in not a lot of time for not a lot of money.

Anthropologie

New Pillowcases

I was ready to completely redo my daughter's room, until I realized that I had bedding stored away that would be perfect for her tween room. (I ordered her a dragon pillow at her request too). For my guest room, I decided to refresh with just pillowcases vs. a whole new sheet set. I adore this color palette from Anthropologie, and I'm in LOVE with all of the colorful options at Society of Wanderers.

Lulu & Georgia

Wallpaper

I'm in love with this Sarah Samuel Sherman Painterly Stripe Wallpaper. I looked at more affordable options, but I decided I'm going to go with what I really want if I'm going to make a permanent commitment like this. Never settle when it comes to home decor is my motto! It's going in my small bath in the hallway so I only need one roll. For more affordable ideas, check out Rebel Walls and Chasing Paper's Peel and Stick wallpapers.

Etsy

Cute Table Lamp

I purchased this Etsy lamp and it instantly made my entry console feel refreshed and kind of adorable. I thought about ordering two for my bedroom side tables, but my budget only allowed for one and I'm glad I managed a little restraint. One was enough. Magnolia's Farrah Table Lamp has a similar vibe. Here's a similar and affordable one from Amazon too.

DeVOL Kitchens

Painting Kitchen Cabinets

UK-based DeVOL kitchens are so dreamy and the perfect inspiration for a kitchen refresh. I painted my lower kitchen cabinets a dark blue five years ago and they are desperately in need of a refresh. I'm leaning toward this Benjamin Moore's Oak Grove color for an earthy look.

Amazon

New Drawer Pulls

I bought my daughter's rough-around-the-edges vintage dresser a few years ago, but never got around to fixing it up. I bought these affordable wood drawer handles on Amazon and plan on sanding and staining it for a much-needed upgrade. Excited for this weekend's DIY!

Soil to Studio

Throw Pillows

I love the swoon-worthy pillows in this Soil to Studio collection. They are such an easy way to instantly upgrade your living or bedroom space without spending a ton of money. Quality vs. quantity! Greenrow also has fun cabana striped ones.

Etsy

Vintage Art

Scouring thrift stores for art that you love is an affordable way to upgrade and personalize your space. Like the frame, not the art? Grab it and find affordable art on places like Etsy and Desenio for a colorful wall upgrade.

Anthropologie

Picture Frames

Preserve your favorite 2024 photos in picture frames you can hang on the wall and leave on tabletops around the house. It's such a personal and lovely way to upgrade your space. You can DIY vintage frames or buy at places like Anthropologie and TJ Maxx.

Black Sheep White Light

Seat Cushions

Since my favorite desk chair suffered a puppy chewing attack, I haven't been able to find an upholsterer to mend the rope seating. Instead, I decided to buy a $50 sheepskin seat cushion and I love it! It's cozy and hides the eyesore underneath.

Kaboompics.com

A Good Deep Cleaning

Sometimes a good deep cleaning can cure the nesting itch. Check out our 2025 Cleaning Guide for all the things you'll want to watch out for in your annual deep cleaning. A clean home feels like new.

West Elm

Refreshed Shower Curtain and Lining

My shower lining has seen better days. I'm going to try soaking it in the tub with vinegar or tossing in the washing machine on gentle cycle with warm water and a mild detergent. I don't currently have a curtain with it, so I may opt for this affordable one from West Elm, giving my bathroom a sweet little refresh.

W Concept

New and Clean Rugs

Whether you invest in a rug cleaner (I purchased this affordable one recommended by Wirecutter) or replace your old (dog-worn) rugs like I just did, there's nothing better than refreshing a clean room with a clean and/or new rug. While you're at it, upgrade your bath towels too!

Mustard Made

Get Organized

Organizing your drawers and closets is a great way to kick off the new year. These Mustard Made containers are cute and practical for everything from kids' toys to bathroom essentials.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Jessica Simpson and her husband Eric Johnson have decided to go their separate ways. After 10 years of marriage, Jessica revealed on January 13 that they've been "navigating" a "painful situation" that arose in their relationship, three months after sources told TMZ the singer reached out to a divorce attorney. But despite the shift in their relationship status, there's one thing Jessica and Eric are focusing on.

Here's what Jessica Simpson had to say about her split from Eric Johnson.

Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson are "focusing" on their kids amid their split.

Jessica Simpson explained her decision to split from husband, former NFL tight end Eric Johnson, with whom she shares three children: 12-year-old Maxwell Drew, 11-year-old Ace Knute, and 5-year-old Birdie Mae.

"Eric and I have been living separately navigating a painful situation in our marriage," Jessica told People. "Our children come first, and we are focusing on what is best for them. We are grateful for all of the love and support that has been coming our way, and appreciate privacy right now as we work through this as a family."

The popstar celebrated her kids' return to school in September with a super sweet Instagram post. "Maxwell, Ace and Birdie y’all make your Mom beam with smiles and grace !" she says. "Keep on showin’ up for yourselves with each step of the way through this new school year! I’m so very proud of y’all for individually shining your light so that in return others feel the glow."

Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson met in 2010 through a mutual friend, and ended up getting engaged six months after they started dating. They were married in July of 2014, where Maxwell and Ace were the flower girl and ring bearer.

The "I Wanna Love You Forever" singer celebrated their 10th anniversary with an Instagram post in May 2020, saying, "I fell head over slippers in love with this perfect man 10 YEARS ago today! By chance he knocked on my dreamy cottage door (sigh), I let him in and never let him leave. He is mine, I am his…forever."

And the couple's decision to announce their separation comes after Jessica posted about "putting up with everything I did not deserve" and about how "life is short."

"SMILE while you still have teeth," she jokes.

We're sending Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson lots of love. Check out Brit + Co's Weekend Newsletter for more celebrity updates.

Every January, I commit to a Whole30 month and throughout the year follow the low-carb program for a week or even a day. This year, 2025, I'm going to try to adhere to a low-carb diet all year long. My body just doesn't react well to carbs and it's generally a healthier way to live. I recently tried True Story's Whole30 Approved Bundle, which has been a great starter kit to get back in the swing of a low-carb routine, especially at lunchtime when I don't have time to cook from scratch.

Now there are tons of Whole30 recipes that you can enjoy without breaking the rules. The creativity of these dinner recipes make you feel like you're not giving up on dairy, grains, sweets or fun, but instead are venturing into a style of cooking that's healthy and *delicious.* Enjoy the adventure and experiment with these versatile mains that you can add to your monthly cooking routine.

Easy Paleo Chili Recipe

Make this easy Whole30-compliant dish that's full of healthy veggies (no beans!) and so simple to make. (via The Endless Meal)

Meatballs Without Breadcrumbs

For an easy dinner, try these meatballs without breadcrumbs made from ground beef or pork. Just add a veggie and your favorite sauce! (via Where Is My Spoon)

Sweet Potato Toasts

Sweet potatoes are low in calorie and high in fiber and a good swap for your toasty cravings. There are endless topping combos to turn them into a delicious and savory meal. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Sheet Pan Chicken And Asparagus

This Sheet Pan Chicken and Asparagus recipe is Whole30 approved and ready in less than 30 minutes! (via The Girl On Bloor)

Creamy Chicken Mushroom

Serve over cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash, this Creamy Chicken Mushroom recipe is made with garlic chicken thighs and a delicious mushroom sauce that's made creamy with healthy cashew butter. (via The Endless Meal)

Chicken Artichoke

This chicken smothered in a creamy spinach and artichoke cream sauce is Whole30-compliant and so delicious! (via Clean Cuisine)

Whole30 Chicken Zoodle Soup

Whole30 Chicken Zoodle Soup

If you’re looking for a soul-soothing dish that’s still diet-friendly, you’ve come to the right recipe. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Hearty comfort food isn’t always compliant with the latest food trends, but this loaded baked potato soup just happens to be Whole30 approved. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Animal Style Burgers

Whole30 Animal Style Burgers

Crunchy lettuce leaves replace traditional buns to make burgers that are Whole30 compliant. You’ll be able to stop your drive-thru dreams after just one bite. (via Brit + Co)

Chicken, Pesto, and Sun-Dried Tomato Egg Pizza

Instead of a wheat crust, this pizza is made on a high-protein egg base. A creamy pesto made with pine nuts and cashews will make you forget all about cheese. (via The Whole Smith’s Good Food Cookbook, photo via Michelle Smith)

Whole 30 Salmon Avocado Salad

The most unexpected bite in this salmon salad comes not from creamy avocado, but rather from bright bursts of tangy grapefruit that liven up the entire dish. (via The Whole Smith’s Good Food Cookbook, photo via Michelle Smith)

Whole30 Broccoli Chicken Twice Baked Potatoes

Thank goodness white potatoes aren’t off-limits with Whole30. Turn them into an entire, satisfying meal by stuffing them with broccoli, chicken, fresh herbs, and spices. (via The Whole Smith’s Good Food Cookbook, photo via Michelle Smith)

Whole30 Chicken, Lime, and Avocado Soup

Don’t forget the avocado. It adds a cooling, creamy effect to your bowl. (via The Whole30 Slow Cooker, photo via Ghazalle Badiozamani)

Whole30 Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore

This Whole30-compliant chicken cacciatore is comfort food at its best, made by swapping zucchini noodles for pasta. (via The Whole30 Slow Cooker, photo via Ghazalle Badiozamani)

Whole30 Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken

Make this sesame chicken at home in your Instant Pot so you don’t give in to your take-out cravings. (via The Whole30 Slow Cooker, photo via Ghazalle Badiozamani)

Taco Salad Bowl + Sautéed Plantains

Dig into this hearty salad served with sautéed plantains and a homemade Whole30-compliant taco seasoning for a totally satisfying dinner. (via The Real Food Dieticians)

Twice-Baked Sweet Potato Egg Boat

Twice-Baked Sweet Potato Egg Boat

Roasted sweet potatoes, eggs, and the toppings of your choice (bacon and avocado, for example) create a hearty base for your day. (via Brit + Co)

Hashbrown Egg Cups

Sometimes nothing hits the spot like a cozy hashbrown egg cup. Opt for only shredded sweet potatoes in this dish to keep it compliant. (via Siriously Deliciousby Siri Daly / Time Inc., Books)

Sheet-Pan Shrimp Fajitas

Tangy, spicy sheet-pan shrimp fajitas can be wrapped in lettuce taco “shells.” (via Brit + Co)

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

This Greek-inspired whole chicken cooks fast and tasty in an air fryer. Add roasted potatoes for a complete meal! (via Vikalinka)

Green Egg Shakshuka

If you’re not famished after work, treat yourself to a pan of mixed greens topped with baked eggs. (via Brit + Co)

Spring Chicken Salad

Chicken, potatoes, and greens are always a choice grouping. Here, the addition of a pesto dressing transforms them into a vibrantly flavored dish. Use snap peas instead of English peas to keep things Whole30-compliant. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Shepherd’s Pie

Topped with a creamy cauliflower-potato mash, Whole30 shepherd’s pie is just one way to satisfy your comfort food cravings. (via Brit + Co)

Halibut en Papillote

Made with halibut, shiitake mushrooms, and a touch of sesame oil, this homemade fish dish is oh-so-memorable. Serve it with cauli rice to help soak up the extra sauce. (via The Clean Plate: Eat, Reset, Heal by Gwyneth Paltrow)

Instant Pot Salmon Dinner

Instant Pot Salmon Dinner

Sweet potatoes, broccoli, and orange-covered salmon cook up all at once in an Instant Pot within minutes so hanger doesn’t have time to strike. (via Brit + Co)

Keto Vegan Alfredo Zoodles

We think Whole30 will forgive us since alfredo sauce isn’t something people tend to binge on. Top it with shrimp or chicken for extra oomph. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Mashed Potatoes With Mushroom Gravy

Make a big batch of this and serve it alongside a steak. (via Brit + Co)

Sweet Potato Egg Boat

Twice-Baked Sweet Potato Egg Boat

Don’t knock it till you try it. Egg, bacon, avo, and sweet potatoes surprisingly go very well together. (via Brit + Co)

Paleo Dressing

This bowl combines roasted root vegetables and sausage for an earthy, filling combo. Serve it with some cauliflower rice for a complete meal. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Chicken Salad

This easy grilled chicken salad, ideal for the nights when you want to quickly throw something together, happens to be Pinterest’s top recipe. (via Brit + Co)

As you already know if you've made it this far, getting through a month of healthy meals is all about the meal plan! We hope you've found some inspiration for easy, flavorful, colorful, and tasty meals that we imagine might land in your regular meal rotation beyond your Whole30 month? Find more inspiration in our weekly newsletter or enjoy a free month of our on-demand baking and cooking classes.

Main image via The Endless Meal