Concealed Comfort: A Custom IKD Media & Bar Design

Confidence Built Through Referral

Word of mouth played a big role in Ryan’s decision to move forward with IKD. Hearing about the flawless process from a trusted friend made all the difference—especially after seeing the finished result in her own elegant home. It wasn’t just casual remarks; it was tangible proof. Watching how smoothly everything came together and how elevated her space looked gave Ryan confidence that this was a process that truly worked. It felt less like taking a risk and more like following a recommendation from someone who had already been there and succeeded.

That referral reinforced everything Ryan was hoping for. Moreover, the pricing felt reasonable and transparent, and there was comfort in knowing the approach didn’t require “reinventing the wheel.” The system was proven, the expectations were clear, and the results spoke for themselves—deciding to move forward felt easy and well-informed.

A Clear Vision Meets a Complex Challenge

Ryan knew how he wanted the room to feel: comfortable, polished, and a place where people naturally wanted to gather. What he didn’t know was how to make all the pieces work together—especially with a ductless A/C unit sitting right in the middle of the plan. That’s where the skillful IKD team stepped in, handling the full design while a trusted private contractor took care of the complicated installation. Suddenly, the pieces began to fall into place, with IKD serving as the vital link.

The “Ninja A/C” Moment

From the beginning, the main goal was to make the visually unappealing A/C unit disappear. The solution involved carefully modifying three wall cabinets, resizing the surrounding cabinet boxes, and using custom doors so the unit blended seamlessly into the design. Guests often look for it, only to realize it has vanished into the cabinetry like a ninja. Ryan was thrilled that what could have been a visual distraction quietly faded into the background—exactly as intended.

From Shelving to a Personal Gallery

As the sophisticated design took shape, thoughtful details began to elevate the previously underutilized space. Double-thick vertical and horizontal panels were added above the base cabinets, sourced from a third-party door company, and paired with an integrated countertop to give the whole installation a built-in, furniture-like presence. What started as a plan for simple shelving changed course once it became clear there was an aspiring artist in the family. The tailored shelves gave way to art niches, transforming the wall into a personal gallery that highlighted meaningful pieces and added character to the warm room.

Navigating IKEA’s Ordering Obstacles

While the design process itself was smooth, the real test came during the ordering and delivery process. Unforeseen problems appeared at every turn. IKEA’s logistics brought the usual challenges—backorders, partial shipments, and missing small parts that arrived without much explanation. Ryan found himself making calls and extra trips to IKEA, but IKD’s detailed material list and expertise became his lifeline. It helped him track inventory, identify what was missing, and keep the installer moving forward without major delays. IKD’s specialized knowledge became the crucial connection between logistical shortcomings and Ryan’s dream space.

Designing Around Architectural Quirks

The cozy room had its own quirks, too. The different ceiling heights between the media center and the bar area meant nothing could be handled with a one-size-fits-all approach. Custom panels and trim were carefully used to bridge those differences, creating a finished space that felt cohesive, balanced, and intentional.

A Finished Space That Delivered

All IKEA materials totaled $2,246 – right on budget, with no surprises. Ryan was delighted. The finished space exceeded expectations, blending function, personality, and a custom feel. Clear planning, precise measurements, and realistic 3D renderings kept the process on track from start to finish. For Ryan, IKD proved that a truly custom look doesn’t require custom pricing—just smart design and a well-executed plan.

Get a Professional IKEA Media Center Design – All Online

Work with our certified kitchen designers to get a personalized Media Center designed around your needs and vision. If you’re interested in learning more about our service, make sure to check out our IKEA Media Center Design Services.

“Thoughtfully designed. Precisely planned.”