2018 IKEA Collections To Look Forward To

In memory of the late Ingvar Kamprad, founder of the world’s largest furniture retailer and pioneer of flat-pack furniture, we’re looking ahead at what IKEA has in store for us this spring. From the clean, minimal lines of the highly anticipated Tom Dixon collaboration Delaktig, and the stripped-back Scandi-inspired Ypperlig range by Danish design company HAY to Bea Åkerlund’s maximalist Omdelbar collection, IKEA have come a long way since the Billy bookcase. Here are three of our favourites looks from their Spring / Summer 18 collection.

DELAKTIG

Tom Dixon needs little introduction. His designs are coveted the world over, finding their way into some of the chicest hotels, restaurants and homes. So we were thrilled when we heard that he’s the creative vision behind one of IKEA’s upcoming furniture ranges. The two design names have joined forces to create a fresh solution to compact living; DELAKTIG. Think versatile, adaptable modular style furniture, but with fluid lines and modern lighting.

The word Delaktig means ‘being involved’ in Swedish, which is exactly what this range aims to achieve. The designs are customisable, encouraging involvement from customers in making each piece their own.

The conversation between the two household names got off to an unusual start, with Tom Dixon pitching an idea for a cot and coffin (which IKEA deemed inappropriate), and which eventually resulted in a design for a super-versatile customisable bed sofa. The collection includes heavy-weight task lamps, coffee tables and magazine racks that can be clamped, slotted or bolted on at will, to mutate the sofa into a work or entertainment space. Just clamp on a lamp, swap the backrest around, add an armrest, clip on a side table, and change the cover completely.

YPPERLIG

The YPPERLIG collection is cut from very contemporary cloth; the raw, minimal aesthetic being a clear nod to the brand's Scandinavian roots.

Created by Danish design company HAY, the minimalistic designs have simplified functional products with an urban, industrial edge. This raw style is inspired by young modern life, and celebrates the beauty of basic.

Stand-out products include the chic floor lamp (pictured below), a steal at £45, the slender wall shelf (£12) that can even tuck behind doors, and theGräsbo black-blue textured sofa (£275) that has an extra deep seat and a handy removable and washable zip-up cover.

OMDELBAR

On the complete other end of the interiors' spectrum, IKEA’s collaboration with fashion activist Bea Åkerlund is all about embracing the maxixmalist trend.

This playful range certainly doesn’t take itself too serious, featuring eye-catching pieces like large glass hats, red lip-shaped pillows, 3D printed hands for decorative jewellery display, crown-shaped bowls and leopard print rugs. Each piece is vibrant and daring. Think Hollywood glam meets urban goth.

The collection focuses on injecting energy and fun into the home by creating pockets of colour and texture through soft furnishings, striking patterns and large, bold pieces of furniture.

Clotilde Passalacqua, Interior Design Leader from IKEA UK and Ireland says: “A great way to create this look at home is to step away from an all-white space and introduce colourful and striking patterns. Quirky designs such as those seen in the new OMEDELBAR collection, and playful colours shape this trend to create an environment of energy and fun within the home.”