20 Must-Haves I Always Shop For (& Avoid) At IKEA As A Home Editor

1. Wood Paneling (But Make It Chic)

If you shudder at the thought of ‘70s wood-paneled basements, don’t worry — today’s take on this trend is far more refined. Think sleek slatted wood walls, painted paneling, and natural finishes that add warmth and texture to modern spaces.

Kirsten Blazek, founder of a design firm A1000XBetter, designed this office for her friend Jennifer. “She is a thrifter and nothing makes her happier than treasure hunting for vintage items,” says Kirsten. “She especially loves mid-century ceramics and both she and her husband have a special love of 1970’s inspired design.”

2. Tuscan Kitchens With a Twist

Remember the warm, earthy tones, wrought iron details, and heavy wood accents of early 2000s tuscan kitchens? They're making a return — but in a more refined way. Instead of ornate finishes, today’s take on this trend embraces natural stone, terracotta tiles, and a softer, more Mediterranean aesthetic. These rustic pendant lights from Wayfair are a great example of that!

3. Brown Is The New Neutral

Gray reigned supreme for years, but rich browns — think chocolate, caramel, and coffee hues — are reclaiming their spot as the go-to neutral. Whether it’s a moody brown wall, a cognac leather sofa, or dark wood furniture, these shades are bringing warmth and depth back into interiors. This moody bathroom designed by Amanda Leigh and Taylor Hahn of the celebrity-loved design firm House of Rolison is case in point.

4. Checkerboard Floors

This design staple of the ‘50s and ‘60s is stepping back into the spotlight. Whether it’s classic black and white marble or a softer version in muted tones, this pattern brings timeless charm with a modern edge.

5. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting

I've always loved the cozy feel of wall-to-wall carpeting in bedrooms — it instantly makes the space more inviting! But to get it right, quality matters. Today’s options are far more refined, with high-end textures and durability that help prevent wear and tear. Flor carpet tiles are an especially smart choice — not only do they add warmth, but if a stain happens, you can simply swap out a single tile instead of replacing the entire carpet.

6. Grandmillennial Still Reigns

Florals, chinoiserie, ruffles, pleats, and fringe return again and again as we embrace cozy, curated spaces with a timeless, classic touch.

7. Bold Wallpaper (Again!)

Wallpaper went from must-have to outdated and back again. Right now, bold patterns, oversized florals, and Art Deco-inspired designs are dominating walls, turning them into statement pieces rather than simple backdrops. This House of Hackney London Rose wallpaper is so gorgeous and romantic in a bathroom designed by Karan and Sapna Aggarwal of L.A. design firm Bungalowe.

8. Cozy Canopy Beds

Ultra platform beds are falling out of favor as canopy beds, once considered old-fashioned, are making a major return. From minimalist four-poster designs to draped, romantic styles, they bring a sense of drama and coziness to bedrooms.

9. Vintage-Inspired Bathrooms

After years of sterile, all-white bathrooms, vintage-inspired bathrooms with a bit more soul are coming back. Clawfoot tubs, pedestal sinks, and pretty shower curtains instead of harsh glass doors are turning modern bathrooms into nostalgic escapes. The key? Mixing vintage elements with sleek, modern fixtures to keep the look intentional rather than outdated.

10. Banquettes Are Back + Better

The kitchen trend everyone’s loving right now is the banquette for their cozy “stay a while” vibe. They come in styles to suit any aesthetic, from cottage to modern, and you can find ones from West Elm, Pottery Barn, McGee & Co., Target and more in our latest banquette roundup.

11. Wicker Furniture, For Real

I never thought I'd say this, but wicker is back from your mom's 80s porch in an elevated, refined style. "I wanted this outdoor lounge to feel like a Southern veranda — inviting, layered, and effortlessly elegant," says Shea McGee, whose lovely Haviland Outdoor Sofa is designed in wicker and new for spring.

Melrose Striped Tablecloth

This linen tablecloth, featuring a charming green and ivory palette, makes every outdoor occasion feel just a little more festive and special. Celebrate from spring to fall!

Alcott Melamine Dinner Plates (Set of 4)

The scalloped edge and delicate border on these melamine plates bring a perfect blend of charm and playfulness to your outdoor table. It also has a bit of a vintage Euro vibe.

Crosley Indoor/Outdoor Pillow

Make your space super cozy with thoughtfully designed pillows, like the Crosley Indoor/Outdoor Pillow, featuring a classic plaid motif and playful fringe. Ah, so cozy and pretty!

Amherst Handwoven Indoor/Outdoor Rug

What I love about McGee & Co.'s outdoor rugs is that they look just as elegant inside. The Amherst Handwoven Indoor/Outdoor Rug in a golden yellow plaid is actually soft and is easy to clean — perfect for high-traffic indoor/outdoor areas.

Nola Paper Mache Vase

Give your outdoor space the living room treatment with details like potted greenery. The Nola Paper Mache Vase elevates your table with a modern rustic aesthetic.

Berkeley Handwoven Indoor/Outdoor Rug

This navy and white gingham rug with brown natural stripes is another soft indoor-outdoor rug made from recycled materials, and perfect for high-traffic indoor and outdoor areas.

Haviland Outdoor Sofa with Striped Cushions

Bold cabana stripes get me every time. This weather-resistant sofa is just as comfy as it is cute.

Cadie Outdoor Chaise

Lounge the spring days away with a good book on this teak-framed chaise and weather-resistant fabric.

The Market Umbrella

Fringe makes everything better. The Market Umbrella can withstand spring's fickle weather while bringing vintage vibes to your space.

Sanibel Acrylic Goblets (Set of 4)

Elevate your outdoor drinkware with these break-resistant ribbed goblets. Spring mocktails are so close.

Fontaine Melamine Dinner Plates (Set of 4)

Embrace spring 2025's romantic trend with these floral dinner plates, paired with dainty Wilkie Floral Napkins.

Bonjour Doormat

Set the stage for an inviting escape with this charming welcome mat. Très chic!

Classic Pool Float

Cannonball! Make the most of the warmer months with the classic pool float in navy and white stripes. It has a hanging hook for storage too!

1. Forrest Gump

One of the most memorable quotes from this widely-praised classic comes from Forrest Gump himself, where the titular character repeats a phrase often used by his late mother: “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”

That’s just one of the inspirational lessons you will take away throughout the film. Serving as an adaption of Winston Groom’s 1986 novel of the same title, Forrest Gump follows an Alabama man who doesn’t let his intellectual shortcomings stand in his way. From fighting on the front lines of the Vietnam War to captaining a shrimp boat, Forrest Gump is living his life to the fullest.

But he yearns to be with his childhood love, Jenny, who goes on to live a troubling life. Not only was Forrest Gump a box office success (garnering a whopping $678.2 million worldwide during its theatrical run, btw) but it was admired by critics and fans alike, earning an 8.8 out of 10 rating on IMDb and a 75 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. While this Tom Hanks movie has faced some controversy over the years, its redeeming qualities make it one of the most iconic movies of the 90s.

2. Toy Story

Woody is the true definition of best friend goals. Woody’s unwavering fearlessness and ability to go to infinity and beyond for Andy (AKA his owner) and his fellow toys is quite endearing. It’s hard to picture anyone other than Tom Hanks voicing the iconic vintage doll. From the moment Woody is first introduced on screen, Hanks brings a story of charm and je ne sais quoi to the character that can’t be replicated.

While the Toy Story movie franchise consists of four movies (with a fifth movie currently in the works, ICYMI), the first Toy Story movie will always be a fan favorite, earning an 8.3 out of 10 rating on IMDb and a perfect 100 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes.

3. Philadelphia

Moving, poignant and unforgettable. Those are the three words that describe Hank’s phenomenal (and don’t forget Oscar-winning!) performance in 1993’s law drama Philadelphia. Meet Andrew Beckett, a lawyer working at a prestigious law firm in Philadelphia. In a desperate attempt to save his career, he keeps his HIV diagnosis and homosexuality a secret from his co-workers.

However, an employee discovers his secret, and as a result, Beckett is let go from the law firm. Angered by the firm’s decision, Beckett enlists the help of a Black lawyer named Joe Miller (played by Denzel Washington) and sues his former employer for discrimination.

From the talented ensemble cast to the film’s underlying message of social injustice and prejudice, Philadelphia is an absolute must-watch from beginning to end. And the ratings speak for themselves: Philadelphia has a 7.7/10 on IMDb and 81 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

4. ​Big

If you ask me, Big is like the big brother to 13 Going on 30 and 17 Again. Directed by Penny Marshall (who you may recognize from the TV sitcom Laverne & Shirley!), Big follows a 12-year-old boy named Josh Baskin, who wishes he was “big.”

One day, he wakes up as an adult. However, Josh longs for the days of childhood. But what makes this film so great? Hanks brings such a childlike innocence to the role that you can’t help but smile whenever he appears on screen. Whether he’s playing with toys or gleefully playing a sonnet on a life-size piano keyboard with his feet, Big makes you feel an enchanting sense of nostalgia, where you can think back to a time when life was so carefree and being a child wasn’t a distant memory. Also, it has a 7.3/10 rating on IMDb and a whopping 98 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

5. Sleepless in Seattle

As someone who has watched Sleepless in Seattle more than once, I can’t say enough how much this timeless rom-com deserves a spot on this list. From the undeniable chemistry between Hanks and Meg Ryan to the talented ensemble cast, this is a movie I put on whenever I’m in the mood for a genuine, heartwarming romance. What’s not to love?

Following the death of his wife, Sam Baldwin and his son move to Seattle for a fresh start. One night, Jonah calls into a radio station to find his dad a new wife. While driving late at night, a journalist named Annie Reed is listening to the same radio segment and she falls for Sam, but—get this—she’s engaged.

Unable to get him off her mind, Annie takes a leap of faith and writes to Sam, asking him to meet up on top of the Empire State Building on Valentine’s Day. If that doesn’t scream romance, then I don’t know what does. Though Sleepless in Seattle received a 6.8/10 rating on IMDb and 75 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, it remains one of my fave Nora Ephron films and Tom Hanks’ swoon-worthy portrayal of Sam is chef's kiss.

6. ​Cast Away

If you were questioning Tom Hanks’ range as an actor, just put on Cast Away (which has a 7.8/10 rating on IMDb and 88 percent on Rotten Tomatoes) one time and you’ll see for yourself. I mean, the man is acting alongside a volleyball named Wilson for most of the movie, for crying out loud.

Hanks is a force to be reckoned with in this film, where he plays a FedEx executive who survives a plane crash and becomes stranded on a deserted island. As he fights to survive, he dreams of one day reuniting with a person he holds near and dear to his heart: his soon-to-be fiancée.

7. ​Saving Private Ryan

The first time I watched Saving Private Ryan was in Social Studies class. Middle school, to be exact. Set during WWII, Saving Private Ryan follows Captain John Miller and his regiment as they embark on a journey to locate Private James Ryan, whose three brothers have been killed in combat.

This movie will stick with you after the screen fades to black and the end credits roll. And Hanks’ ability to capture Captain John Miller’s sincerity and valiantness with so much authenticity was nothing short of spectacular. But that’s not the only reason why it deserves a spot on everyone’s watch list. While it’s certainly not an easy watch, this film tells an impactful yet inspiring story about resilience, loss, and the disastrous conditions of war. Not to mention, it has an impressive 8.6/10 rating on IMDb and 94 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Need I say more?

8. ​Catch Me If You Can

What do you get when you put Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio in a crime-action comedy? Catch Me If You Can, that’s what! Serving as a live adaptation of Frank Abagnale Jr.’s autobiographical book of the same name, Catch Me If You Can revolves around the young conman, who becomes the most successful bank robber in the history of the U.S. before the age of 19.

Frank has done it all: he’s worked as a doctor, a lawyer, and as a co-pilot for a major airline. In a cunning game of cat and mouse, FBI Agent Carl Hanratty (played by Hanks) tries to bring Frank to justice, only for Frank to be one step ahead. It garnered an 8.1/10 rating on IMDb and a 96 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. And don’t even get me started on Hanks and DiCaprio being the ultimate on-screen duo.

9. ​Apollo 13

“Houston, we have a problem!” If you heard this iconic phrase before, I bet you didn’t know that it came from the 1995 docu-drama Apollo 13. Aside from its stellar ensemble cast, the film was also praised for its accurate retelling of the Apollo 13 lunar mission.

The year is 1970. A crew of three astronauts boarded a NASA spacecraft in hopes of landing on the moon. When an oxygen tank explodes during their mission, the crew must find a way to survive and make it safely back to Earth. Not only is it regarded as one of the best movies of all time, but it also received praise from critics, earning a 7.7/10 rating on IMDb and a 96 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

10. Splash

Last but not least: Splash. Sure, the plot may be a bit cheesy. But it has everything that makes an '80s rom-com great. Strong chemistry? Check. Quirky humor? Oh, there’s a lot of that! Splash follows a man who's reunited with a mermaid that saved him from drowning 20 years ago.

Now, as an adult, he falls in love with the mermaid after she ventures onto dry land to find him. However, their perfect love story is cut short when a scheming scientist tries to expose her secret to the world. Now, I know what you’re thinking: This movie has a 6.3/10 rating on IMDb and it somehow received a 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes (with an audience rating of 65 percent.) But Splash is an overall good time. If you’re looking for a chuckle or two, you’ll get it with Splash. (And can I just say that Tom Hanks is so charming and funny in this film?!)