I’m into modular furniture. In that sense, I’m a fan of Besta and the like. Simple and straightforward design and lots of combination options. The carcass, for example, comes in 3 colors, doors in 6, etc. Doors can also be installed as drawers. Then the doors are just covers. Assembly goes relatively fast once you’ve gotten the hang of it.
I would also buy the Pax if I needed it. I find most of the furniture very nice, though only the simple ones. I used to have the country-style furniture (earlier), also from Ikea, but that has since gone. The Ivar system, painted white, decorates our dressing room and offers enough space at 50 cm depth, even under the sloping ceilings.
The great thing about Ikea is, and I’m probably speaking for many others here too, that you have several sizes and widths available, which you can put together in a complicated room: just use graph paper and get started. But there are also some people who are totally overwhelmed when it comes to being creative themselves or putting together the individual components, like handles, hooks/wall rails/legs, and shapes. They’re just not cut out for implementing multifunctionality.
The pans from the 365+ series are, for example, the best I’ve ever had. The pots also keep their promise and after 10 years are still in great shape.
If you’re not that into Danish design (and I don’t mean those wooden things), then Ikea is probably not for you. Candles, sets, doilies, “Tupperware,” dishes and glasses… boxes in all sizes and materials, etc.—all nice design. The colors are well coordinated. Many things are combinable, so that everyone somehow has the same stuff at home but still different. I’ve also been able to grab bargains on rugs for a fraction of the price you’d pay elsewhere.
Ikea is always an experience. You don’t have to have the hotdogs, but I like the whole concept.
Take a look at Ikea on Pinterest: you’ll see furniture that has been turned into unique pieces using simple craft techniques.