1. Ikea
1475 South Coast Drive, Costa Mesa; 888-888-4532; ikea.com
With its mix of modern staples and on-trend pieces at budget-friendly prices, Ikea is Orange County’s top destination for furniture. The Swedish brand’s emphasis on clean lines and space-saving designs make its pieces suitable for both tiny and ample spaces, as well as a variety of aesthetic tastes.
Over the years, Ikea has unleashed items that have gone on to be cult hits, such as its Kallax line of shelving units, which are a favorite among DJs in need of storage for their record collections. Still, there’s a steady influx of new designs at Ikea, as well as reissues of now-retro pieces, like the Trubbante pendant lampshade.
The company has also made steps towards more sustainable products. According to Ikea’s website, the company intends to rely solely on renewable or recycled materials by 2030. Right now, 60% of Ikea products are made with renewable materials. Ikea began phasing out single-use plastics in 2020. Last year, it also introduced a new plant-based version of its incredibly popular meatballs.
If you find a trip to Ikea overwhelming, make sure to check out the store’s website first for decorating and organizing inspiration. Ikea also offers delivery and in-store pickup options and partners with TaskRabbit for assembly services. If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen with Ikea products, the store offers measurement, planning and installation services.
2. Living Spaces
Huntington Beach, Irvine; livingspaces.com
“Consumers are still working from home,” Cynthia Diaz, product manager for Living Spaces. That’s reflected in what shoppers are buying at the home goods store.
The special order upholstery department at Living Spaces, where customers can have the sofas they purchase reupholstered to their tastes at no extra cost, has been rising in popularity over the past year. The bedroom department, which Diaz manages, is the store’s second biggest department, bringing in “record number” sales over the past year. While neutral hues are trending in upholstery, accessories like pillows are selling in colors like melon, as well as prints and textures like tweed and Mongolian lamb.
Living Spaces’ collaborations with designers Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent on the Nate + Jeremiah line, as well as Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Home collection, do particularly well at Orange County stores. Nate + Jeremiah is the top selling designer collection in Irvine.
3. Jerome’s Furniture
Multiple locations; jeromes.com
In Orange County, shoppers are heading to Jerome’s for sofas and seating, as well as home office and outdoor furniture.
“We’re seeing a lot more demand this year for outdoor furniture than we have in the past,” says Jim Navarra, executive vice president of marketing at Jerome’s.
One relatively new feature to the 67-year-old family business is the store’s Urban Outlet collection of budget-friendly, fashionable pieces geared toward smaller living spaces. With pieces like ottomans that double as storage units and beds with drawers underneath, it’s attracting customers who tend to be first-time renters and first-time homeowners.
Jerome’s has also expanded its offerings for children’s furniture and carry whimsical items like bunk beds that resemble ships and houses. Going forward, the store is increasing the amount of products that are available online. Navarra says that this will help cater to “more particular tastes,” and offer more creative items.
