Are there any Ikea-like places here to get fairly inexpensive household things - like shelves, furniture, kitchen supplies? (particularly in the Palermo Viejo area)
Unfortunately there is no Ikea in Argentina. Easy is more like Woodie's or that sort of DIY store, a dream if you're looking for screws, cables, drills etc. But their range of home products is rather basic and of poor design and quality.
For small home stuff (cutlery, pans, etc) there is GeoBazar http://www.bazargeo.com.ar it has decent stuff at a reasonable price.
Alternatively if you can make your way to the Unicenter Shopping in Martinez there is a department store called Fallabella that has nicer furniture but also blankets, towels etc.
