I’d like to think that I graduated with an advanced degree in all things Ikea.

Since the mega store opened the doors to its Charlotte branch in 2009, I have kept a steady eye on each season of clean furniture lines and simply designed accessories. The Swedish company’s catalogue has served as excellent design inspiration, especially after moving into a small space. With personal tastes that err slightly on the side of over-decorated (after all, why choose stark white everything, when you can add a fun ribbon trim! With a colorful tassel!  And a monogram!) I’ve often found great items to customize at the flat-pack retailer.

That’s why I was absolutely distraught to find out about these honeycomb mirrors via the Woolsey’s House Tour on Apartment Therapy.

Some google sleuthing revealed that the mirrors were apparently handmade by the couple (oh, the benefits of a craftsmen husband) but are literally identical to the Ikea version.

I mean, just look at that GENIUS geometric LAYOUT! Juxtaposed in such a creative way to appear TWICE AS LARGE when reflected in the rectangular MIRROR! At ONLY $15! Practically less than a NYC movie ticket!

With quirky, graphic DETAILS! And I don’t usually even LIKE textual euphemisms masquerading as accessory adornments! To perfectly accent the DOOR, a feature commonly neglected in decorating! All adding wonderful visual EMPHASIS and DEPTH without distraction!

AND DID I MENTION, $15 DOLLARS!!! 

Previous degree credentials rescinded, it looks like we’ll be be eating Swedish cafeteria meatballs in Brooklyn this weekend.

Equally late in the game?  These arrangement ideas are also pretty amazing.