IKEA’S new collection has been years in the making – and it will improve livelihoods worldwide

IKEA has just made it possible to pick up home decor that not only looks good but does good too. Cue LOKALT – IKEA's ethical collection that was created in collaboration with Akanksha Deo – a Delhi-based IKEA in-house designer and local creators from Amman, Delhi, Bangkok. 

Each cushion cover, rug, basket, and bowl are handmade with textiles and ceramics by social entrepreneurs in Thailand, Jordan, and India. Together, they are working with IKEA to promote equality and improve livelihoods in vulnerable regions across the globe. The series, which took several years to create, is fueled by the Jordan River Foundation, Doi Tung in Thailand, Industry in India, and Diamond Carpets female weavers in India. 

In her discussion of LOKALT, Maria O'Brien, Creative leader at IKEA Range and Supply, shared the collection exhibits a 'modern and expressive take on traditional handicraft,' before adding how the pieces are 'full of quirky details that tell stories from the places where the products are actually made.'

'The ceramics are giving a tribute to the Thai way to serve food; there are glimpses of everyday life in Amman in the home textiles and expressive shapes inspired by the Indian heritage in cushion covers and rugs,' Maria adds. 

Meanwhile, Neelam Chhiber, Managing Trustee at the Industree Craft Foundation in India, shares that their relationship with IKEA is 'crucial,' as it brings the 'power of a big business' to their organization and will therefore benefit a more significant number of lives.

See: Take a peek at IKEA’s latest collection for the summer – including our Editor’s best picks

LOKALT has arrived just in time for the summer months ahead, as these international treasures bring hints of traditional faraway shores into any modern home, and it's all for a good cause. What more could we need? 

IKEA will launch the collection in 294 stores in 25 markets from June 2021. We can't wait to fill our blue bags with every single piece.