Whether you’re a first-time customer or are addicted to the build-it-yourself lifestyle, everybody recognizes the name IKEA. Between the 310,000-square-foot store in Frisco and the click and collect point in Grand Prairie, North Texans can’t get enough of IKEA's extensive furniture inventory filled with thousands of options. Thankfully, we no longer have to drive 30 minutes, because we have IKEA’s latest Plan and Order concept right here in Park Village.
As the first of its kind nationwide to include a pickup point, this compact and efficient design studio equips you with all of the resources to plan and execute your project from start to finish. With the help of creative professionals on staff, it’s never been easier to share your vision of a dream closet and bring it to life.
One-Stop Shop
IKEA Southlake might be smaller in scale compared to the larger department stores in Grand Prairie and Frisco, but that works to its advantage. The 10,809-square-foot space has access to everything the big stores carry without the overwhelming sensation of navigating through packed crowds. Plus it’s close enough to avoid a commute if items are forgotten, measurements are inaccurate or exchanges need to be made.
“We’re focusing on one thing, and that’s making sure the customer has everything they need in regard to their plans and designs,” sales and design leader Terry Lee explains. “It’s just more intimate [with] the customer and planner, and we’re able to get more things done [without] being distracted by the hustle and bustle of the big store. A lot of the customers that have been coming in actually love it. It’s quieter [and] you can actually concentrate.”
While strolling through the store, you’ll notice its layout is intentionally built to assist with decision-making. Numerous showrooms emulate kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and closets that act as a guide for inspiration, from structure and style to paint shades and hardware.
“This is a one-stop shop,” Terry says. “You’re able to pick up your countertops, kitchen doors, the color that you want, even handles. “Then, in your consultation, we’ll be able to get all of those things gathered up and sell it to you.”
Completely Customizable
When it’s time to start planning, schedule an appointment with an IKEA designer and have your closet measurements ready. Once you arrive for the initial consultation, a staff planner will help execute your vision in the wardrobe planning bay, where a virtual blueprint will be developed.
“There are two monitors — one the planner actually does the work on, and another monitor where the customer can look and see exactly what the planner is doing,” Terry explains. “You can switch things out, change things around and everything.”
The designer will start from scratch and work with you through every detail. With measurements in hand, you can then choose layout and storage options before adding customizable features such as lighting, color, organizers, doors, frames and shelves. If you want to work off of a template, wardrobes can also be modeled after one of the store’s displays.
“Our units are designed to fit pretty much any space,” Terry explains. “If you want one of these in a specific size, we can customize that.”
The biggest benefit of having an in-person appointment with a staff member is that they can coordinate with other IKEA retailers to ensure products are available and accurately fit your space.
“During planning, [we] literally go through everything to make sure that everything is in stock because things happen. Sometimes things are discontinued. We’ll look to ensure that it’s a pretty good stock,” Terry notes. “If it’s not, then we’ll let you know. That way, you can change and we can tweak in that moment right there, and you don’t have to worry.”
Planning With PAX
Prefer to skip the retail stores? Use IKEA’s online wardrobe designer PAX. Through the online 3D system, you can start a design from scratch, browse for inspiration with IKEA’s pre-designed wardrobes or have the program generate customizable recommendations based on your preferences. Since the PAX system is used both online and in person at the IKEA planning bay, you can start a project at home then bring your virtual blueprint to the design professionals for some creative direction.
Any closet combination is available, including hallway, sliding, hinged, corner, mirrored, fitted, open, narrow, reach-in, walk-in and children’s wardrobes. Once a selection has been made, you can customize the layout, size preferences and storage needs, whether you’re folding or hanging clothes, stacking shoes or building insets for accessories.
Upon completing the structural portion, you can customize the wardrobe with interior options, including shelves, trays and cases, drawers, organizers, motion-sensored or dimmable lights, metal accents and more. Exterior adjustments feature solid, wood or glass doors, frames, handles and even more color options. As materials are added to your cart, the total cost of the project will stay updated so you can follow along and track your budget.
“The most important thing is ensuring that you have the accurate measurements because when it comes down to the final price, that will definitely make a difference,” Terry advises.
Regardless of whether you design a wardrobe at IKEA’s Plan and Order point or online with PAX, pickup is right around the corner at the Southlake store. When reviewing the delivery process online, select Southlake as the pickup point and you’ll be able to see when the order arrives.
From Start To Finish
Unlike retailers specializing in one aspect of a home remodel such as the floors, countertops or cabinets, IKEA Southlake helps with everything from start to finish so you don’t have to manage all the moving parts. They even take their customer care a step further by coordinating with third-party contractors for installment. You can have products delivered to either your home, business or the Southlake pickup point, and upon arrival, IKEA’s trained contractors will be scheduled and deployed for assembly.
“It’s more economical, more cost-efficient than a lot of times [when] you go into an actual custom builder. You can get everything right here,” Terry says. “We do everything for you. All you have to do is pick whatever you want, how you want it and we’ll do the rest.”