This IKEA VITTSJÖ is a stylish storage unit in a Manhattan apartment

IKEA’s most famous staples are beloved for their versatility and style – and our latest makeover crush combines them both – and more. 

The latest IKEA hack comes courtesy of New Yorker Carly Fuller (@mycityapartment), who transformed her IKEA VITTSJÖ into a striking statement piece in her Manhattan apartment. The designer used her VITTSJÖ unit to create a multifunctional (but indisputably stylish) focal point: a storage unit with a voguish twist.

The unit in question demands attention in Carly’s urban home – but how can you recreate its fashionable aesthetic far beyond the concrete jungle. Here, the designer reveals the modern decorating idea behind our current storage crush.

In her discussion with Livingetc, Carly revealed that though the VITTSJÖ had moved around her living room frequently – its purpose remained the same.

‘[It has] has always been used for extra storage while keeping it decorative. In the baskets, I keep extra accent pillows covers and bedding – that’s how low I am on storage in my apartment,’ Carly says. 

After picking up a VITTSJÖ, Carly revealed that she wanted to use it as a storage unit – without sacrificing style. So, she epitomized Manhattan-sophistication by turning the piece into a talking point – with an emphasis on multifunctionality. 

The secret? Baskets. This simple hack is based on baskets, bowls, and other storage items that turn the VITTSJÖ from a minimalist structure into the storage solution we all need. 

‘I believe everyone needs a catch-all bowl in every room; this wooden one holds the tv remote and other bits and bobs that we generally reach for when we’re in here,’ Carly says. 

Perhaps most crucially, Carly based this stylish storage idea around the large VITTSJÖ – a unit that is big enough to house everyday items without them getting lost – in an aesthetic way. 

‘I like using large decor pieces for the shelves rather than small little ones. I feel smaller pieces can get lost,’ the designer emphasizes. And, whether you’re in a New York apartment – or another urban home – or anywhere in the world – this VITTSJÖ is for you.

Here’s to the season of combining multifunctionality with high fashion in the most beautiful way possible.