Ikea Furnishes Oval Office

'Embrace Change '09' Comes to Nation's Capital - Leading Home Furnishing
Retailer Issues Design Offer to Obama Family
WASHINGTON, Jan. 12 /PRNewswire/ --

WHAT: While the White House and Oval Office are off limits to tours
during the next two weeks, D.C. residents and visitors alike
can see a modern day rendition of the iconic round room at
Washington, D.C.'s Union Station. IKEA is creating a replica of
the Oval Office in the heart of the nation's capital commuter
hub, designed with IKEA furniture to allow commuters to
experience real change firsthand.

President-elect Obama's notion of change and his commitment to
fiscal responsibility match the IKEA philosophy of practical
and affordable home furnishings for all. For this reason, IKEA
is also extending a free offer to the First Family to redesign
and furnish any rooms in the White House using IKEA furniture,
accessories, and its team of designers.

WHEN: Monday, January 12th -- Wednesday, January 14th
Newly designed Oval Office will be LIVE at the Main Hall in
Union Station

WHERE: Union Station -- Main Hall
40 Massachusetts Ave., NE
Washington, D.C.

VISUALS: As the country enters a new political era, the IKEA
pre-inaugural program "Embrace Change '09" will include the
following visuals:

- A large replica of the Oval Office in the center of Union
Station
- Commuters seated at the most powerful chair and
office in the world
- Visitors signing guestbook in Oval Office welcoming
President-elect Obama and his family -- eventually to be
delivered to the White House
- Mock Motorcade (limo and two Suburbans with furniture fit
for a President strapped to the roof) -- to travel the D.C.
area on January 15th and 16th
- D.C. buses, trains and billboards to feature "Embrace
Change '09"

ADDITIONAL INFO: During the week of January 12th, visit
http://www.embracechange09.com for a preview of how
Change is Coming. Starting on the 16th, site visitors
can custom design a virtual Oval Office and sign up
for a chance to win furnishings to bring change to
their own oval, square or rectangular offices at
home. Three lucky winners will receive IKEA gift
cards valued at $1,500. The "Embrace Change '09"
campaign complements the inaugural events in D.C. and
the practical, affordable design solutions American
families seek for their home.

SOURCE Ikea

Louise Thach, +1-201-893-8813, lthach@mww.com, or Shaun Leavy,
+1-201-282-7659, sleavy@mww.com, both for Ikea