The family-owned Vanaposti auto repair shop faced a challenge that many service businesses encounter: how to create a client area that is a space where people want to spend time, not just endure the wait. Additionally, the open space needed to accommodate the company's own employee workstations. And let´s be honest – a good cup of coffee makes both waiting and working so much better. IKEA interior designer Heily Kaarna accepted the challenge.
Before – repair shop´s customer area in need of a small repair
The room was spacious, but it lacked comfortable spots where customers could wait and read the news or get some work done while their car was being serviced. A large leather corner sofa provided seating for both customers and the family, who often held meetings there. The accountant didn’t have a separate office — just a desk in plain view of the customers, which offered little privacy. The small kitchenette, where the family heated their meals and served coffee to customers, was also in need of an update.
After – a functional and cozy space for both the client and the employees
Since it's a car repair shop, Heily wanted to maintain the masculine look of the space, but at the same time it also had to be comfortable and cozy."I was inspired by the logo's choice of colors, which is black and red. Black represents masculinity and red stands for strength. To balance this combo, I used natural oak veneer that brings softness to the room," says the interior designer.
Setting up an office space
A more closed office solution
Since building partition walls wasn't in the plans, acoustic screens were used as dividers. They not only to divide the office into separate zones but also dampen disturbing noises. Interior designer notes that the best benefit of acoustic screens is that they can be rearranged with ease for any events or new members joining the team.„For the accountant´s corner, I chose the GALANT office furniture because both the cabinets and drawers are lockable. The NYMÅNE table lamp is indispensable for the darker seasons,“ says Heily.
Where funtion meets coffe break
The kitchen is from METOD series and features a sink cabinet with waste-sorting containers, a dishwasher, a refrigerator, drawers for dishes, and wall cabinets for cups and glasses. It’s a practical and welcoming space — perfect for grabbing a fresh cup of coffee or warming up a meal in comfort.Kitchen
A little nook of privacy
One of the most eye-catching features in the client area is a pair of cozy corners separated by MITTZON acoustic panels. Each nook has a comfortable red OSKARSHAMN armchair, a handy MITTZON laptop table, and a soft glow from a NYMÅNE floor lamp. For anyone who enjoys a bit of privacy, it’s the perfect little spot to sip coffee or work on a laptop without anyone right beside you. Heily arranged the panels in a gentle S-shape, but they can easily be positioned however you like.Armchairs & accessories
Designer tips
- When planning a room, start by measuring the space and thinking carefully about its layout. Don’t forget to consider the placement and size of the windows.
- Make a list of all your needs and start imagining how to bring them to life.
- And don’t be afraid of color! A few well-chosen pops of color can really make a room come alive. For example, if here we´d gone with only black and oak, it might have felt a bit dull — but the bold red adds personality and a real “wow” factor. Just keep in mind not to overdo it.
What was done before?
In previous seasons, IKEA interior designers shared their tips on how to furnish odd spaces, adapt homes to changing life situations, and organise all belongings. We have organised kitchens, children’s rooms, and bedrooms, set up a home office in the living room, furnished a tiny one-room apartment, upgraded premises for family business, and so much more.Previous makeovers
You could use some help?
If you'd like to renovate your home without a big investment or major repairs, you can always ask our interior designers for help. With your input and home furnishing style preferences, whether it be traditional or modern, our professionals will help you navigate our wide range of products and create a complete furnishing solution for one or multiple rooms, or for your entire home.Interior design service