rss-bridge 2026-01-16T12:00:00+00:00

IKEA Decor Gets a Brand-New Look With an Eastern Twist

A simple, bamboo plate gets a complete makeover thanks to a cool technique from KORZEN @korzen_hak. They wanted to reinterpret IKEA’s simple HULTET plate by giving it an Eastern facelift. The key to this transformation was mulberry stem (and a lot of patience). Mulberry stem fiber is extracted from the stems of the mulberry tree, and it’s the primary material for hanji, traditional Korean paper. The creator said, “By overlaying hanji made from mulberry stem fiber onto IKEA’s sleek and simple […]
The post IKEA Decor Gets a Brand-New Look With an Eastern Twist first appeared on IKEA Hackers.

---

A simple, bamboo plate gets a complete makeover thanks to a cool technique from KORZEN @korzen_hak. They wanted to reinterpret IKEA’s simple HULTET plate by giving it an Eastern facelift.

The key to this transformation was mulberry stem (and a lot of patience). Mulberry stem fiber is extracted from the stems of the mulberry tree, and it’s the primary material for hanji, traditional Korean paper.

The creator said, “By overlaying hanji made from mulberry stem fiber onto IKEA’s sleek and simple wooden products, I created a practical and accessible reinterpretation of Nordic furniture with an Eastern twist.”

#### What You’ll Need

- 1 IKEA HULTET plate

- Mulberry tree stem

- Ink

- Wood glue

- Water-based glue

- Water

- Gloss varnish

- Sandpaper (200 and 400 grit)

- Paint stirrer or plastic spoon (to mix glue)

- 2 bowls (one for water, one for glue)

- Paintbrushes (that you don’t mind tossing)

[Image: IKEA HULTET hack with mulberry tree stem]

Photo Credit KORZEN korzen hak | Instagram

How to Create Custom Eastern-Inspired Decor from IKEA Pieces

#### 1. Prep the Plate and Mulberry Stem

[Image: IKEA HULTET hack with mulberry tree stem]

Photo Credit KORZEN korzen hak | Instagram

Soak the mulberry stem in water to soften it while you prepare the rest of your materials. Rough up the surface of the HULTET plate using 200-grit sandpaper. Next, apply the ink to the plate to achieve a black color.

#### 2. Mix the Glue

Create a paste by mixing the wood glue, the water-based glue, and water using a 5:3:2 ratio. Mix with a plastic spoon or paint stirrer.

#### 3. Apply the Mulberry Stem to the Plate

[Image: IKEA HULTET hack with mulberry tree stem]

Photo Credit KORZEN korzen hak | Instagram

Use paintbrushes to apply the prepared paste to the plate, then attach the mulberry stem. Sand the stem with the 400-grit sandpaper. Since you’re using the brushes to apply adhesive, use something you wouldn’t mind tossing, just in case.

The hacker said that this was the most difficult part of the hack. You need to be careful to apply the glue thinly so it adheres well and the stem doesn’t peel when you’re sanding it.

#### 4. Finish With Varnish

After getting the mulberry stem how you want it, let it dry. Finally, finish with the gloss varnish and let it dry.

How long did this hack take? One week

How much did the hack cost? $20

#### From One IKEA Hack, a Custom Decor Item Is Born

[Image: IKEA HULTET hack with mulberry tree stem]

Photo Credit KORZEN korzen hak | Instagram

KORZEN calls their transformed plate DAKTET, creating an entirely new piece of decor from the basic bamboo piece. The clean, smooth lines of many of IKEA’s pieces make them good fits for this technique,

[Image: strawberry vase DIY with IKEA vase]