It’s very rare that I visit Ikea or specify something from Ikea for a client. Primarily because my clients have usually grown out of it by the time they’re ready to work with me. But this week I visited my closest store to help clients with their kitchen specifications and realised that a visit to Ikea equates to good design.
Ikea have a free kitchen design service, so my clients were able to provide me with a drawing which I could then use to specify the cabinets, benchtops, splashback, handles etc.
Every time I visit Ikea or look at their website or magazines, I find ingenious things.
Ikea’s ingenious design
There is a reason Ikea is so successful, and that reason is good design. Scandinavians are renowned for their design ethos where they seamlessly blend function with aesthetics.
On my recent visit, the stand-out piece for me was this kitchen island. I just love how much storage capacity they pack into this piece and I love the black and timber industrial feel it has. It’s not an obvious Ikea piece.
Walking through the store there were many other things I thought were beautiful, and just plain clever. Without doubt Ikea has design merit and some pieces can last a life-time. I think if you shop at Ikea with attention and intention you can curate a style that isn’t temporary.
Iconic Ikea Pieces
Some of their iconic pieces, such as the Hemnes range have really stood the test of time.
The budget furniture and homewares market has grown and, if you’ve just moved out of home, you can find amazing pieces at Kmart, online stores like Zanui, and Amart Furniture. So, Ikea doesn’t have to be your first port of call anymore.
Unless, of course you do love the Scandinavian style, if this is the case, it might also be worth investing in better quality pieces after getting your inspo from Ikea. Remember a visit to Ikea equates to good design so you can definitely find great ideas you can make your own.
