A sneak peek at IKEA furniture and homeware for Spring 2021

In most modern homes (opens in new tab) you'll likely find IKEA furniture, lighting or homeware. Even if you've long outgrown a Billy bookcase, you may have been seduced by the Ilse Crawford or Tom Dixon collections in recent years? And who hasn't emerged from the Marketplace without some Duralex style tumblers, storage jars or a picture frame they didn't know they needed?

Yet the brand that once famously instructed Brits to 'chuck out their chintz' and replace it with its clean lined Scandi flat pack is now adopting a more sustainable approach to furniture and homeware, and is working towards its goal of becoming a fully circular and climate positive business by 2030.

For Spring-Summer 2021, rather than launching a host of new trend-led collections, IKEA (opens in new tab) is introducing 'Transitions', which encourages us to take a longer term look at our homes, and adapt them by investing in quality products that stand the test of time. 

Rather than a frenetic race to keep pace with the myriad trends on offer, 'transitions' is about waving goodbye to the quick fix and welcoming longevity into the home with sustainable choices that will last. After all, who has the time, inclination or cash to change their sofa every few years, let alone the environmental impact?

In this vein, IKEA will also soon be launching its Buy Back scheme, whereby the brand will buy back unwanted IKEA furniture from customers, so watch this space for more on that. 

A spokesperson from IKEA comments: "IKEA believes that home is the most important place in the world and last year more than ever it has played a vital role in catering to our emotional and physical needs. 

We want to show how easy it can be to ensure your home serves the multiple purposes you need by building on what you already have with small, simple and affordable updates to help people live more sustainably at home."

Ultimately, it's about creating a home you love that works for you, rather than being dictated to by fickle fads - and it's a move we welcome. 

So here are IKEA's transitional pieces and looks for SS21:

HOME SANCTUARY

According to IKEA, Home Sanctuary caters to our desire to set up a zen haven and sense of harmony in our homes. Taking inspiration from “Japandi”, it focuses on simplicity, functionality and fluidity, with storage for our most treasured belongings, sculptural and sleek shapes and decorative touches celebrating texture and asymmetry.

Clotilde Passalacqua, Interior Design Manager at IKEA UK and Ireland, says, “Many of us have grown to know our homes more intimately during this unusual period, presenting us with a unique opportunity to adapt our homes to new needs.

More of us are sharing the same communal spaces and working from home than ever before; with small space living providing many challenges, but also plenty of creative opportunities. Multifunctional rooms and limited space demand separate areas to switch off and unwind, with clever and flexible solutions removing clutter, and the negative impact it can have on our mental and physical wellbeing.”

She continues, “An organised environment reduces stress, increases self-worth and comfort, and nurtures peace of mind. It not only fosters a sense of security and greater quality of life; but helps to achieve better sleep and allows more time for doing the things we love. Storage is a wonderful enabler for this, with flexible and multitasking solutions both saving and creating much needed space.”

OUTDOOR ESCAPISM

Connecting with nature and our surroundings has never felt more important, providing a comforting and energising retreat for our body, mind and soul. 

Rosheen Forbes, Commercial Activity & Events Leader at IKEA UK and Ireland, says: “Never has our need for escapism been more pronounced, with a desire to establish and enjoy our own little slice of paradise as we approach the warmer months ahead. Everyone has their own version of paradise, and all you need is a little creativity and some inspiration to achieve this. Whether your outdoor space is big or small, a garden, balcony or patio, there are countless possibilities to create something that is truly unique to you.”

“Textiles are a quick, easy and affordable way to transform your space and express your personality. Emulate the feeling of a summer blue sky with the handmade SÖTHOLMEN crochet cushion cover. For a bold statement piece, add some fun with the striped FUNKÖN cushion.”

“Extend your chill out zone out and enjoy the fresh air with small and simple updates to your outdoor area. The perfect chair will provide hours of delightful lounging and relaxation, with the ÄPPLARÖ reclining chair being adjustable to five different positions for maximum comfort. Made from sustainably sourced acacia wood, it’s extremely durable with its traditional style being both timeless and adaptable."

EVERYDAY CELEBRATIONS

As the warmer months draw closer, celebrating the small and wonderful everyday moments will take centre stage. Rosheen Forbes, Commercial Activity & Events Leader at IKEA UK and Ireland, says: “Most people feel good when they are present in what they do. Yet being present is a tough challenge in a super-connected world, especially over the past few months. There’s a beautiful simplicity in preparing a meal and enjoying it together, switching off from digital distractions and focusing on the here and now.”

Rosheen continues: “Cooking is a wonderful way to unwind, particularly in the sunshine and open air. Create the ultimate outdoor chef’s station with the portable GRILLSKÄR kitchen.

Made from durable stainless steel and featuring a charcoal barbecue, it is the perfect combination of a practical area to prep your ingredients and dish up a delicious feast, and a healthy cooking area to create the most delicious recipes. It also has plenty of shelving which is perfect for storing cooking utensils, bins for recycling food waste and containers to put dirty items in for washing up later.”

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