We think of it as a go-to for so many of our household items, from furniture, bedding, kitchenware, décor and certainly for storage solutions.
At the heart of everything IKEA design however, is a thoughtful process of sustainability, longevity and their ultimate aim, “To provide a range of home furnishing products that are affordable to the many people, not just the few.”
Of course, some of the items we know and love are instantly recognisable in our homes as IKEA designs but, with new designers collaborating with the retail giant all the time, and seasoned designers that form part of the IKEA family and produce both iconic designs and little-known gems, the good news is we can proudly use and display our favourite IKEA pieces with pride, under the cover of cutting edge design.
Here’s a selection you can make work in your home without it shouting “IKEA!” on sight:
1. Dragan box, set of 3, in bamboo, $12.99
At home in any room, from bathroom to playroom to kitchen and office. Stackable for clever and efficient use of space.
2. Ypperlig shelf unit in Light Grey and Birch, $99
Excellent value with simple and stylish design by Danish design duo, Mette and Rolf Hay.
3. Pudda felt storage basket, $8.99
The soft, organic shape of this felt basket says high end designer to sit by your sofa filled with expensive interior design magazines, whilst the practical side says “I fit into the EKET cabinet and hide all of your clutter!”
4. Sinnerlig pendant lamp in Bamboo, $59.99
Designed by the inimitable Ilse Crawford and each one handmade, this pendant lamp is at once on trend and classic in its design. The bamboo falls neatly into our current love affair with raffia but the soft lines of its shape ensure it will endure.
5. Godmorgon box with lid, set of 5, Clear $14.99
Sleek, simple and stylish storage by IKEA designer Magnus Elebäck
6. Skarpö outdoor armchair in Grey, $59.99
Again designed by Magnus Elebäck, this stackable outdoor lounge chair would look at home on the rooftop pool terrace in an inner city penthouse anywhere in the world.
7. Ypperlig wall shelf in Birch, $14.99
Now this is good design. So unassuming you could walk past it but styled up with the right objects it’s a knockout as a contemporary wall display. The price tag is incredible really – what other wall art can you think of that’s this effective for under $15?!
8. Kvarnvik box with lid in Grey, $16.99
This box says French provincial to us, not IKEA – stack or slide them into your bookshelves to hid clutter and stay organized.
9. Stockholm mirror in Walnut veneer, $99.99
At just shy of $100 this mirror is designed as part of the Stockholm collection by IKEA designer Ola Wihlborg, who really knows his stuff – he has designed over 250 products for IKEA, including some you will indeed instantly recognise. Wihlborg says that a collection of furniture, “Is like a family – each piece is individual, but held together by a common thread.” We love this idea and discovering the story behind each IKEA piece.
