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.