Katie U.
Yelp
IKEA is like the gateway drug of home decor. It's a slippery slope of "I'm just here to buy some dishes," but you *accidentally* take the magical escalator to the showroom instead of heading straight to the Marketplace and by the time you reach checkout, you have two new light fixtures, that throw pillow you just "had to have," a bag of Swedish meatballs, a new office chair, and a partridge in a pear tree.
As an IKEA rookie, I had very high expectations for my first visit. Let me tell you, it lives up to the hype. I was greeted at the door by a smiling employee who happily offered me an iconic yellow shopping tote for my purchases. After less than five minutes, I realized the magic. I could wander here forever! So many setups and decor inspiration, smartly categorized into rooms like the kitchen, office, bedroom, bathroom, etc. The clearly marked tags have the price, size dimensions, and where to find that item in the self-serve Costo-like furniture warehouse at the end of the maze. Customer service is there if you need it, but no one approaches you asking if you need help, which I personally prefer.
The highlights for me are the affordability and durability of product, the unique light fixtures, the accessories (hello, lifelike faux potted plants!), and the general variety of offerings and price points. You could literally furnish an entire apartment or house just at IKEA. The only downfall for me is the key DIY element and logistics of transport and self-assembly. Can't wait for one to open closer to home in Fishers, IN in fall 2017!
Follow the yellow brick road of arrows until you reach the Emerald City that is the Marketplace (and cafe, of course!). You might fall into a trance in the showrooms like Dorothy did in her poppy field, but you'll leave Oz (err, I mean IKEA) with a plethora of goodies for your space.
Side note: Get the 99 cent Choklad Mork. Best. Dark. Chocolate. Ever.