This is part 1 of a new series I’m starting in which I interview the owner of a interesting blog that’s hot in the blogosphere right now.

Jules is the owner of Ikea Hacker, a blog that highlights mods you can do to Ikea products.

1. When did you start your blog and why?

It was some time in May 2006. I was googling for ikea hacks after i stumbled upon this fantastic sliding door hack on apartmenttherapy.com. I knew there had to be more ikea hacks out there. I found a few here and there, scattered all over the world wide web. that’s when it hit me that “hey i should compile all these ikea hacks in one site.” june 2006 was when i posted my first entry – the sliding door hack. to date, i’ve posted almost 200 hacks.

2. Where do you get the inspirations for the ikea hacks that you’ve done?

My inspiration is desperation! :) When it comes to decorating my home, i do have rather clear ideas on how i want it. But for some reason, i can’t get it because they don’t make it, or i can’t afford it. That is when i turn to hacking. I look at a piece of furniture (not necessarily just IKEA) that can potentially fulfil that need and then think of ways how to achieve it. Personally, I’ve not done major hacks like some as seen on my site. but i’m happy with the little hacks i’ve done.

3. What’s your favorite ikea hack?

here is a link to my top 10 favourite hacks posted last year. my all time favourite is the sliding door room divider. the hemnes daybed is a close contender. while these are favourites, i do see some thing i like in most of the hacks i’ve posted – whether they are cute, whimsical, practical, useful, original or just plain far-out. i guess they just amaze me. and i am amazed at how creative people are. and how far they’ll go to make their home unique and personal.

4. Any advice for people looking into modding furniture or doing other craft related projects?

i can’t say that i’m an expert in modding furniture or crafting. but from what i’ve seen, i think firstly is to keep an open mind. If Plan A doesn’t work, be flexible enough to adapt and work out Plan B, even Plan C, if necessary. Secondly, don’t give up easily. It takes a lot of leg work – to find the right parts and pieces – and energy to put things together. Lastly, have fun. If you really dread sawing and painting and getting your hands all dirty, it is better to buy furniture off the shelf or pay to get it done.

5. Can you recommend other websites you enjoy?

I read apartmenttherapy.com and designsponge.blogspot.com almost on a daily basis for my design fix. curbly.com is also a great diy community which i drop by on and off. i also check other ikea fan sites regularly to be updated on ikea happenings such as positivefanatics.com, and http://www.verybigdesign.com/ikea/.

Visit Ikea Hacker.

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