The genius idea behind IKEA is the furniture production process that’s been streamlined to near-optimum efficiency. If you consider having to assemble the furniture yourself to be efficient, that is. And though IKEA’s products may not be pieces that will survive for decades, it does allow the masses to get their hands on pretty decent modern design without having to put their first born up as collateral.
IKEA released its 2013 catalogue this week and it’s full of new products for the year. It includes the PS 2012 collection, which has designers revisiting favourite IKEA pieces of the past. One thing we noticed about this year’s new pieces is that there is a lot of influence from ’60s and ’70s design — bright colours, organic forms, fun ideas. Most of the pieces still look contemporary, mind you, but there are little bits in each that serve as a nod to the past. Here are eight of our favourite pieces from IKEA’s latest offerings.
The conical forms and clear blue glass of the Gavik Lamp is reminiscent of a lava lamp in some ways. Minus the fire hazard and kitchsy connotations, of course. [IKEA]
The Raskog kitchen cart has more of an industrial feel, but the rounded edges and sea green colour looks like something that would have been right at home in your grandmother’s kitchen once upon a time. And that’s not a bad thing. [IKEA]
If the use of Acrylics in the PS 2012 Drawers isn’t enough to evoke past eras of design for you, then maybe the Eames-like use of wood finishes, bold colours, and simple forms are enough to be convincing. [IKEA]
The Hylkje mirror screams “LOOK AT ME WHILE DROPPING ACID”. For that reason alone, I want it. [IKEA]
Very much inspired by the Tulip table made by Eero Saarinen in the late ’50s, the PS 2012 Sandskar Tray Table makes use of the same organic, curvy, lines that became commonplace 50 years ago. [IKEA]
The PS 2012 Rug, featuring repetitive circles, open gaps and a green that is distinctly retro has almost as much in common with ’60s fashion as it does ’60s interior design. Vaguely cosmic in appearance, it’s a quick and easy way to add quirk to your home. [IKEA]
Probably the most contemporary-looking object of the bunch, the simultaneously wavy and geometric look of the Solkullen light fixture looks like a jellyfish hanging from the ceiling, quietly waiting to sting you with it’s silhouette tentacles projected onto the walls. [IKEA]
The cold and calculated boxiness of the PS 2012 Side Table reminds me of 60s architecture. Functional and no nonsense, but still unquestionably attractive. [IKEA]