• by Sarah Mahoney  @mahoney_sarah, April 11, 2023

Ikea U.S. is moving into design services, offering virtual consultations for as little as $100.

The furniture retailers says the one-on-one meetings are aimed at helping people redesign solutions that work in any space.

The process starts with a questionnaire so that consumers can develop a wish list. Ikea then matches them with a designer in their region and sketches out the room of their dreams in three virtual one-on-one sessions.

The Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, company says it's a way for people to rethink their homes and offices in ways that are easy, convenient and affordable.

After meeting with customers, the designers work from inspirational mood boards and floor plans, then deliver detailed 3D renderings, a lighting plan, a list of products and other tips.

Once customers have that material in hand and are ready to start shopping, Ikea then helps coordinate delivery and installation. In case the customer dreads the assembly phase -- something plenty of Ikea shoppers find traumatic -- designers connect them with TaskRabbit for help.

The service costs $99 per room for consumers and $299 per room for businesses.

The company says the service builds on existing interactive tools, such as Ikea Kreativ, a smartphone design tool launched last year. The effort is part of the company’s aim to keep its digital growth spurt going.

Last month, it reported a slight increase in U.S. sales, with revenues rising to $5.9 billion in 2022. Ecommerce sales shot up 19%, attracting 494 million online visits.

It also launched two new Ikea Planning Studios in Arcadia and Long Beach, California.

Facing growing criticism that its low-cost furniture adds to the world's landfill woes, Ikea is also stepping up its sustainability efforts.

Last year, it expanded Buy Back & Resell services to 37 stores. This week, it announced a new online store called As-Is, which allows loyalty club members toshop for used products online. They can later purchase and pick them up at an Ikea store.

To celebrate Earth Day, the company is hosting in-store events, including scavenger hunts. It's also taking 25% off all As-is items on April 22 and April 23.