What used to be one of the design world’s most reviled institutions is now earning a reputation as an authentic design house, committed to investing in original talent. And their efforts at the recent Salone del Mobile 2017 were aimed at emphasising this new era for the brand and for design democracy.
I know, I know – it was a hard pill for me to swallow, too. But the time of judgment and sneering has past, and we can no longer ignore the facts – IKEA is awesome. I totally get your cynicism – I really do. But IKEA is well on its way to becoming (and I’m going to get controversial here) a bit of an industry champion.
Yes – in design circles, IKEA has traditionally always been synonymous with a very grey area of debate: is their product “inspired by” or is it “replica”? And to be fair, it wasn’t an entirely unfair question to raise. IKEA has spent years pumping out affordable product that has at times bared a shocking resemblance to existing original designs, particularly that of Scandinavian design houses like artek, where for example you can walk into any IKEA around the world and pick yourself up a few Stool 60s (or “Frosta Stools” ask IKEA calls them) for half the price of one original.
The “inspired by” or “replica” debate is still very much alive, but in the last few years however, IKEA has really turned a corner – investing in original and authentic designers to deliver accessible design to the masses. Tom Dixon, Jasper Morrison, Naoto Fukasawa, Patricia Urquiola, Walter Van Beirendonck, Studio Truly Truly – these are globally established and celebrated design icons, contributing to widening the scope of design democracy under the IKEA banner.
It seems that IKEA is very keen on continuing this path, having recently teamed up with the world’s greatest designers at the recent Salone del Mobile last week.
Dubbed The IKEA Festival, the Swedish brand launched their newest furniture collaborations alongside daily workshops, talks, musical performances, all focused round the idea of the living room and what it means to us today.
From morning yoga to robotic painting, this warehouse in the Lambrate district became one of the highlights (and most Instagrammed) of Salone. On show were collaborations with Tom Dixon and with Hay as well as room concepts created by Faye Toogood for IKEA. Rounding off with a flash sale on Sunday in which classic IKEA furniture items were discounted by 40 per cent, visitors were invited to take home their own piece of the Festival.
Though admittedly, there are still some problematic aspects to the house of IKEA, but it’s a more than encouraging step in the right direction, particularly on the authentic design front. And while it might seem frivolous and even a bit unfair, it should be acknowledged that anything which opens our industry up to being accessed by the wider public is a good thing, maybe even – dare I say it – beneficial.
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Sub-Zero and Wolf’s prestigious Kitchen Design Contest (KDC) has celebrated the very best in kitchen innovation and aesthetics for three decades now. Recognising premier kitchen design professionals from around the globe, the KDC facilitates innovation, style and functionality that pushes boundaries.
In the pursuit of an uplifting synergy between the inner world and the surrounding environment, internationally acclaimed Interior Architect and Designer Lorena Gaxiola transform the vibration of the auspicious number ‘8’ into mesmerising artistry alongside the Feltex design team, brought to you by GH Commercial.
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
Designer Ross Gardam recently teamed up with Stylecraft to present a series of events that focused on select Ross Gardam designs and new releases, all available at Stylecraft.
Available exclusively via K5 Furniture, Bosnian brand Zanat’s exquisite new range of unique hand-carved furniture reveal the story of the people and materials, namely wood, that are weaved into them.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Caring for our mental health is paramount these days and architecture and design can lead the way as Hassell shows in its latest project in Queensland.
Archie Moore’s kith and kin unveiled in the Australia Pavilion at the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia.
Overcoming pandemic hurdles to redefine guest experiences amidst Sydney’s bustling entertainment precinct, The Darling has undergone a two-year restoration that melds Art Deco interiors with the necessities of hotel living.