I’ve been to an IKEA once, a long time ago, but I still remember it vividly–probably because I was experiencing sensory overload from wanting to look at and touch EVERYTHING even though I knew I shouldn’t (I was like 10 at the time). And I must admit to fantasizing about going on an IKEA date like the one in (500) Days of Summer. IKEA is a wonderland of decor and storage, practically a playground for interior designers. More importantly though, IKEA is a ripe feeding ground for DIY’ers who have vision. These are the people who invented the IKEA hack; and, we are forever in their debt. These are to people who see not simply a bucket, but potential to be, say, a lampshade. Ok, clearly I did not inherit the vision; but thankfully, those who have it tend to post their DIY home decor and storage projects on this beautiful medium we call the Internet.

Here I have gathered 12 great IKEA hacks from those mystifying people with vision. One of the greatest things about IKEA products are their simplicity and versatility. These DIY’ers have exploited that versatility. These projects range from simple makeovers to upcycle a piece of furniture into a better piece of furniture–for much less than the original inspiration for the project–to transforming and re-purposing things entirely. With IKEA hacks, you can live in high-fashion without paying the price. Check out these fabulously frugal hacks that cost only a fraction of the price that inspired them.