What happens when artificial intelligence gets total creative freedom – but is given just one real photo as inspiration?
In this post, I've shared a series of original images I captured inside various IKEA showrooms. Each photo was then handed over to AI with a single instruction:
"Surprise me."
No detailed prompts. No moodboards. Just the raw, real-life IKEA setup – and a request to dream.
What you'll see below are side-by-side comparisons of:
My original photos, taken in-store
AI-generated interpretations based on the same mood, composition, or atmosphere
It's a fascinating look at how AI envisions interior spaces – sometimes close to reality, sometimes wildly reimagined. But always through the lens of that original IKEA moment.
Let's explore what happens when reality meets imagination.
Real:
Taken in an IKEA showroom, this setup shows the KALLAX unit styled as a low TV bench with baskets, wall art, and decorative accents.
AI:
The AI version adds a dreamy glow, more symmetry, and warmer light – turning the functional corner into a serene, curated nook.
Real:
This is a real BODBYN kitchen in grey, featuring ENERYDA brass handles and EKBACKEN countertops. The photo was taken inside IKEA.
AI:
The AI version elevates the traditional look with deeper tones, dramatic lighting, and perfectly aligned objects – creating a polished, editorial feel.
Real:
A bold IKEA sofa spotted in-store, featuring a black-and-white geometric cover and surrounded by warm neutral tones.
AI:
The AI kept the contrast but softened the light, made the sofa look more plush, and added elegant decor for a modern boho twist.
Real:
Shot in a showroom, this space features a charcoal IKEA dresser, soft lighting, and a deep green accent wall.
AI:
The AI version refined the lines and symmetry, while enhancing color depth and adding more polish – turning the cozy bedroom into something out of a catalog.
Real:
Inspired by IKEA's clean, functional bathroom style, this setup includes twin sinks and muted tones.
AI:
The AI reimagines it with luxury in mind: marble surfaces, moody lighting, and a sense of upscale calm – while still clearly echoing IKEA's structure.
While AI-generated images can be beautiful and inspiring, there's something about real-life photos from actual IKEA showrooms that feels more alive. The reflections, the imperfect lighting, the way a product truly sits in a space – that can't be faked.
These AI versions are fun to explore, but for me, nothing beats the energy and authenticity of my own photos taken inside the stores. That's where the ideas start. That's where real homes are imagined.
Let me know which ones you preferred – AI or reality?
Choosing the perfect kitchen system is one of the most important decisions when designing your home. IKEA offers two popular options: METOD and ENHET. While both provide stylish and functional solutions, they cater to different needs in terms of customization, durability, and budget.
When you step inside IKEA's wardrobe displays, one thing becomes clear: the PAX system is designed to give you structure and order. As you can see in this example, every shelf, drawer and rail has its place – making it easy to imagine how it would look in your own home.
The VOXTORP dark gray kitchen from IKEA is the perfect choice for those who love modern, minimalist design. With its sleek, handle-free fronts and matte finish, it creates a clean and sophisticated look that suits both contemporary and industrial-style homes. The deep gray tone adds a sense of elegance while remaining neutral enough to complement a...
If you're looking for a sleek and stylish kitchen design, then the VOXTORP dark gray kitchen series from IKEA is definitely worth considering. The VOXTORP series is known for its clean lines and minimalistic design, which is perfect for those who prefer a modern and streamlined look.
Many people are searching for color codes for IKEA kitchen fronts, but they can be difficult to find. To ensure accuracy, it is important to rely on a trustworthy source—in this case, IKEA. At the bottom of this article, you will find color codes for discontinued METOD fronts.
When it comes to modern kitchen design, balance is everything. Clean lines, functional storage, and clever material choices all play their part. This IKEA HAVSTORP kitchen, photographed by Mauritz in Berlin, Germany, is a perfect example of how simplicity can meet warmth to create a space that feels both sleek and inviting.