Be brave, not beige...or how not to buy kitchen cabinets

Today we introduced uncle Andy and aunt Diane to Ikea..."a privately-owned, international, low-cost home products retailer that sells modern, utilitarian design furniture, much of which is assembled by the consumer." Ikea stores are an experience in themselves. They are exceptionally large, full of interesting things, and you can get Swedish meatballs in the cafeteria. As an example of what an adventure Ikea can be, this time we saw a sale where they had two fly-swatters for just 29 cents!

Since we are close to finalizing plans on our kitchen, Paul made one last ditch effort to make a compelling case for the less expensive, though highly recommended by Consumer Reports, Ikea kitchen cabinets. But viewing the cabinets again up close (for the n-th time), accompanied by the impartial vantage of uncle Andy and aunt Diane, we decided that they are not the best option for us.

A sign outside the bathrooms at the Ikea store...
...should it be taken figuratively or literally?

Enjoying the living room display...
....uncle Andy, Sammy, aunt Diane, Michele

Uncle and nephew...
...Godfather and Godson...
...hanging out...

Uncle Andy tries out the $199 POÄNG...
...will he buy one?
...stay tuned...

Aunt Diane points out why not to buy Ikea cabinets...

Aunt Diane on a $279 Holstein inspired stool...
...what will Sammy learn from this?

Uncle Andy measuring up the table...

Aunt Diane helping Sammy map out his future ambitions...

Sensing our hunger, aunt Diane takes charge in the kitchen display...

Michele at the famous Ikea cafeteria...

Our meal...
3 potatoes, a Swedish substitute for cranberries, and Swedish meatballs...

Sammy ready for eats...
...wearing his Ikea bib...

Sammy with the puppy-dog eyes...

Aunt Diane and uncle Andy relaxing in Ikea comfort...

Uncle Andy and aunt Diane on the New England Coast...

Uncle Andy and aunt Diane at the Big Apple...

You say Köttbullar...I say meatball...