• by Tanya Gazdik , April 3, 2014

Ikea hopes to capitalize on the popularity of home design reality shows that seem to be multiplying on HGTV and other channels.

The Ikea Home Tour Squad will help homeowners across the country tackle common home furnishing and design challenges. Five home furnishing and design experts have been recruited from Ikea stores. They are hitting the road to meet with homeowners, evaluate their real-life design challenges and implement smart solutions using Ikea product offerings.

Ikea will document and share these makeovers, along with additional design tips, allowing homeowners across the U.S. to take part.

The squad also will share live updates from the tour via Twitter (@DesignbyIkea) and Instagram (@IkeaUSA) with the hashtag #IkeaHomeTour.

At each stop, the squad will undertake two makeovers, starting by evaluating a current challenge in the home, developing a plan, and then working together with the homeowners to implement solutions using Ikea product offerings.

“We believe that people can do simple things that make a big difference to make life at home better,” said Julie Foor, Ikea Home Tour project manager, in a release. “With the tour, we’re tackling home challenges that are universal, so there are smart ideas and inspirational tips from the makeovers that can be helpful for anyone.”

The Ikea Home Tour Squad will visit Atlanta, Charlotte, Washington D.C./Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York City, with additional markets to be announced.  Homeowners in tour markets can apply for a chance to receive a makeover by submitting a video about how Ikea can help improve their life at home. 

Consumers can also meet the Ikea Home Tour Squad in person and get personalized design advice at local events in each tour city.