Ikea used to be in the mall where I worked last year. Every now and then I go there to vent off anger (after a visit from my old boss) and at the same time check out bargains. In Abu Dhabi, where space is luxury, Ikea is a treasure chest of ideas on maximizing space.

IKEA relocated to Yas Island earlier this year.  It is said to be the biggest in the entire Middle East. It took me a long time to convince my husband (who is not an Ikea enthusiast) to go there.

Here are a few of my favorite things.

My mom would love this. There was one time, she hammered more than a dozen nails on my sister’s room to hang all their bags. It was like a bag boutique.

Laundry area is rare in Abu Dhabi. Clothes are mostly hung inside the house. These rods above the shower tub is a nice idea for towels and dripping cloths.

For trinkets, collectibles and junks.

This makes it easier to find accessories.

I like unconventional lamps.

Now that I’m married, I find this more appealing than normal hangers.

For socks, undies or knickknacks.

Just one glance and you find what you’re looking for.

I love hanging baskets.

We bought one of these. I recommend them, especially for us Pinoys who love re-using plastic bags.

When I was a kid, I hated wiping water under the dish-washing drain. If only we had this before…

Suspended shoe rack.

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I’d like you to meet my model husband who happens to defy all camera angles. I could not get a decent photo of him.

He has tactics.

Instantly turning away…

Or swiveling around…

Or bowing…

Or hiding..

Or kicking me…

Even the lamps are on his side.

Still I had a fun time looking around and taking all these stolen photos. Visit Ikea if you got time and transportation!