IKEA Raskog Trolley: The most versatile item for your home

THE RASKOG TROLLEY.

First and foremost, this is not an ad for IKEA. I just really really really love this trolley I bought from IKEA about a year ago. When I first saw this on Weylie's channel, I knew I had to get it just cause it is in this lovely blue colour and also because I had this idea of using this as a coffee table instead of getting an actual coffee table (cause I'm hipster like that). But really, I am a practical person and I figured a coffee table on wheels would be much easier right? And if it really isn't suitable then I can always use this for something else because it's sooooo versatile. Here are 13 ways to use this awesome trolley (i initially wanted to say "10 ways" but I couldn't narrow it to 10 cause it is that awesome). 

In the kitchen - which is basically the "official" function of this trolley as IKEA calls it a "kitchen cart". But who knew, it can do so much more!

In the bathroom. We all have a lot of junk on our bathroom sink (admit it!), so this is perfect to stash all your junk in and keep the sink area clear... It holds toilet paper tooo!!

In your make up room / vanity / walk-in wardrobe etc etc. Fashionistas rejoice. With this, you can do your make up anywhere in the house that has the best lighting. Just remember to prop a mirror on the top shelf so you can look at yourself too. 

In the craft room for those craft lovers out there. I actually did use this as my make-shift "craft trolley" when I was in my DIY moments (speaking of which, I hope to share some of my mini projects on this blog sometime soon!). 

For the home office. Never lose sight of those bills anymore... 

In a dorm room / your teenagers bedroom. 

As a bedside table. I personally think this is brilliant!! It can store much more than your regular bedside tables.

As a barcart / coffee station. For those who love entertaining, this is a perfect and inexpensive replacement for an actual bar at home.

As a coffee table / side table in the living room. Which is what I am doing with mine now. 

For those expecting little ones, you can use this in the nursery too as a diaper changing station. Once your little one grows up this can be used to store books / toys or just revert to the 10 other ways to use it mentioned above.

In the laundry room.

Or even for your plants. Perfect for those living in a condo with limited balcony space.  

Last but not least, if any of the above usages doesn't tickle your fancy.....you can always use it for your pets :)

Did I mention how inexpensive this cart is now? I bought it last year at RM229 and now it's only RM149 at IKEA! (Honestly, I was a bit upset when they dropped their price but oh well!). 

p/s: it's available in beige and grey too but obviously blue is the cutest colour :)

Home decor trend #5: Southwestern Charm

To understand what is Southwestern Decor all about, we must first understand where is the southwest? Southwestern in decor context basically refers to the Southwestern states of USA (Colorado, Nevada, Texas, Utah etc). As you may know, these states are basically filled with deserts and this "desert vibe" with a modern twist is what Southwestern decor is all about. Think Kilim rugs, taxidermy animal heads and loads of cacti...

Quick tips to this look

Colours: White, black & brown as the base colour with colourful accent pieces in rugs & cushions usually in shades of pinks, purples, red and turquoise. 

Patterns: Kilim or aztec patterns is a must. Use this as your accent piece for the room. An easy way to incorporate this pattern is via a rug or a wall art (TIP: or you could hang the rug as wall art).

Decor elements: Kilim rugs (yes, I do realise I am repeating this, but it's basically THE item that makes the most difference), bull skulls / head as wall art (don't worry, there are plenty of chic fake ones available), cacti (the more the better, plus they help detoxify the air in your home), faux fur rugs, dreamcatchers and teepees which works really well in the nursery (and your kid will thank you for it).

Have fun decorating!

Home decor trend #4: Shabby Chic

The Shabby Chic scheme has been around for the longest time and it's a really traditional English cottage look. This scheme is definitely not for the masculine as it is represented by pastel colours, florals and lace. Another important element of this look, in which the name "Shabby" came about, are the distressed furniture. No shabby chic look will be complete without at least a distressed table or dresser in view. Lastly, this is the only look where being cluttered is acceptable. Of course, you got to be selective with your clutter - think of displaying beautiful China, pots, vases , vintage books and basically anything that looks distressed and old in open shelving or glass cabinets.

Quick tips to this look

Colours: White, light pinks, light blues and teals. 

Patterns: Florals & lace - think floral wall paper / sofas / bedding and lace curtains. 

Decor elements: Flowers, distressed furniture (dressers are the easiest to find or DIY and they make a huge statement), old books, kitchenware display like pots, cups, glasses etc and baskets.  

Home decor trend #3: Palm Springs Mid Century Modern

Mid Century Modern is one of the many popular decor trends in recent years. Basically, this trend originated in the 1950s-60s when modern design elements were introduced into interior design. Unlike other decor themes that can easily be characterized by the colour, finishing details and decorative items, this theme is strongly characterized by its furniture. For example, most furniture during this era have a very sleek and modern design for its "legs". Metal hardware on furniture is not uncommon either. Having said that, the desert town of Palm Springs in California is where this trend was very popular back then. Fast forward half a century later, this trend has made its comeback and today I will be sharing some Palm Springs Mid Century inspired decor, which in a nutshell is a bright, minimal look with mid-century hardware and desert vibes.

Quick tips to this look

Colours: White for the walls. White or neutral colours for the furniture with pops of colours here and there. For metal hardware, silver or gold works best. 

Patterns: Palm leaves and cactus patterns would definitely help with the desert vibes but don't go overboard with the patterns as this look has to be somewhat minimal. 

Decorative elements: You don't need a lot of decorative elements here, what you do need are mid century furniture that have:

1) Sleek wooden legs (usually seen on chairs, study tables, TV cabinets)

2) Hairpin legs (usually seen on chairs, bedside tables, TV cabinets) or 

3) Angular metal legs (usually seen on sofas, coffee tables, bedside tables)

Lastly, bring in a few pots of desert plants like palm trees, succulents and cacti for the finishing touches. 

Home Decor Trend #2: Vintage Industrial

Vintage industrial have been all the rage the past couple of years. Every other coffee house or restaurant seem to be following this trend and even some homes too! If you are into a bold and different look for your home, this style will definitely set your home apart from the rest. Industrial furniture / decor is basically stuff that you would expect to see at factories / construction sites. Yes, that doesn't sound too appealing but when tastefully done it can work beautifully.

Quick tips to this look

Colours: Black is a must, dark browns, cement coloured furniture / floors / walls, anything that looks like rusty metal.

Patterns: Generally an industrial look doesn't require a lot of prints or patterns as it clashes with the look. Instead, brick walls (or faux brick wall prints) are an easy way to look industrial. For linen, you can get those with vintage typography printed on neutral coloured cloth / burlap. Subtle stripes are also fine. 

Decorative elements: Wire baskets, wooden pallets, furniture with wheels, PVC pipes and vintage items like typewriters, storage boxes, luggages. If you could find an apothecary cabinet, that would be great. Lastly, the most important decorative element for this theme are the lighting fixtures - look for one with vintage metal hardware.