Pimp my Ektorp

We at Sidekick are big fans of the furniture retailer Ikea, what with its ultra-reasonable prices and its funky Swedish product names - from the Lillesand bed frame to the Kramfors sofa. Alas, the minimalist products themselves, while sturdy and functional, aren't very funky. But we've recently learned that it's possible to have your funk and function, too, thanks to Ikea Hacker (www.ikeahacker.blogspot.com). The brainchild of Mei Mei Yap, a freelance copywriter in Kuala Lumpur, Ikea Hacker features innovative uses and upgrade ideas for Ikea furniture - including pictures and how-to guides. To wit: An Ivar shelving unit becomes a home for four degu rodents; a bland Klippan sofa is dressed up with a sassy skirt; a Fniss wastebasket turns into a photographer's light tent; and two desk lamps are transformed into a clever hands-free music stand.