IKEA Australia opened its first ever small format store at Westfield Warringah Mall last Thursday giving shoppers access to an entirely new IKEA experience. Bookings are now open, allowing customers to secure a two hour, one-on-one consultation where an IKEA co-worker will help them walk through every aspect of the kitchen and bedroom planning process, from its dimensions, through to choice of benchtop and appliances for the kitchen and wardrobe needs in the bedroom.
The Planning Studio’s design is inspired by Scandinavian modern style and the IKEA design values of sustainability, quality, form, function and affordability. The luxe bedroom environment will transport shoppers to a hub of femininity through floral scents and classic detailing, giving shopper’s access to better wardrobe storage solutions. Created with the eco-friendly shopper in mind, a soothing wellness sanctuary will host a variety of kitchen solutions, shaping a space ideal for inspiring food preparation and entertaining.
Sophisticated planning tools
IKEA Australia country manager, Jan Gardberg says “At IKEA, we know Australians are looking for new and more convenient ways to shop their favourite products. We’re excited to be bringing bespoke IKEA shopping experiences to Aussies around the country in locations that suit them. We’ve chosen Westfield Warringah Mall as our first location in order to reach even more Australians that live within urban areas, outside of the city centre.”
According to figures from the Housing Industry Association, there is estimated to be 154,759 kitchen renovations taking place in 2018/19. The average value of a kitchen renovation in Australia is $21,840, and whilst the average cost of a comparable quality IKEA Kitchen renovation sits much lower at $9,115, it’s still a significant investment.
Michael Donath, IKEA Australia, “After the purchase of a house and a car, the purchase a new kitchen is the 3rd largest investment that many of us will make in our lives. That’s why it so important that our customers have confidence in every stage of the renovation process. Our research has shown that many people generally find the process of planning a kitchen from scratch to be daunting, and that they don’t know where to start. Co-workers at the IKEA Home Planning Studio will walk customers through every step, in an intimate environment, on the doorstep of the Northern beaches.”
Donath, says “Our customers will now be able to plan a kitchen and complete their grocery shop, all in one location making for a more intimate experience with IKEA, in their local shopping mall. We’re looking forward to gaging customer response to our first small format store, with our vision to open even more IKEA Home Planning Studios in city centres and suburban shopping malls, throughout Australia.”
Daniel Hood, Kitchens at IKEA Australia says: “When it comes to planning a new kitchen in particular, it’s important that a level of preparation is completed, prior to attending a planning appointment.
One on one advice
“In a one-on-one session a dedicated IKEA kitchen consultant is on hand with advice and assistance to help solve storage needs, discuss which orientation suits the home and design a quality kitchen with the utmost functionality and intuition.”
Here are Daniel’s tips for ensuring your kitchen planning process is as smooth as possible:
– Get inspired – As soon as a customer books a kitchen planning appointment they’ll be guided to IKEA.com.au/kitchens to obtain inspiration and advice on how to choose the style and components of their kitchen, from ovens and hobs, to cupboard doors and wine racks.
– Measure up – Measuring isn’t hard to do, but it’s important to get right. Together with grid paper that can be found on IKEA.com.au/kitchens, start by measuring the floor plan. Customers should also think about whether plumbing will be moved, or if switches and power points will be added.
– What’s in the way? – Be sure to note down any obstacles such as skirting boards and sloping ceilings. Existing radiators, vents and air conditioning units also need to be considered.
– Helping hand – If customers still don’t feel comfortable taking their own measurements, we can provide a professional measuring service as part of the planning process to take away any worry.
– Ask questions – Before the kitchen planning appointment takes place, an IKEA co-worker will contact the customer to ensure they are as prepared as possible, both before and during their session. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as needed in order to feel 100% confident about getting the planning started.
Designs to suit any home
