As a professional photographer, graduate-level designer, and EIC here at the Hudson Valley Style Magazine I had the pleasure of attending the IKEA Open House event at Studio 525 in New York City just a few days ago. At the Hudson Valley Style Magazine, we often cover topics of sustainability, design, and social responsibility, so I was thrilled to see how IKEA was showcasing its renewed commitment to human-centric and democratic design along with bringing cultural vibrancy and art into the fold.
The event was a grand affair with a live mural painting by Trini Guzman and live music by Quarantine Quartet, as well as delicious drinks and Hors d’Oeuvres. The deserts were particularly delicious, and of course, there was no shortage of Swedish meatballs (including vegan version), I might as well write a separate article for my Restaurant Reviews Series.
Just from first glance, the new home collections showcased by IKEA were mostly made from wood, paper, metal, textiles, and glass, indicating how brands around the World are moving toward eradicating planet-destroying plastics from households.
IKEA Taps into Millennial Trends to Create Sustainable and Culturally Vibrant Collections – Open House Event Photo Report by Maxwell Alexander
One of the collections that stood out to me was the ÖMSESIDIG collection, which is a collaboration with nine Latin American creatives from the fields of design, fashion, food, architecture, and art. The collection pays homage to various cultures, crafts, and expressions in Latin America through designs by local creatives. The collection name "ÖMSESIDIG" means mutual in Swedish and represents the mutual curiosity to create and learn from each other.
The collection includes a garland, two lampshades, and three new panels for the SYMFONISK picture frame Wi-Fi speaker. The ÖMSESIDIG rice paper lampshades by Mexican designer Liliana Ovalle and the ÖMSESIDIG garland by Trini Guzmán share personal takes on how to bring life and light to any gathering. The ÖMSESIDIG garland for a table setting is also designed by Trini Guzmán and comes with blank pages made to be colored in.
Another collection that captured my attention was the BASTUA collection, which is a collaboration between IKEA and Marimekko. The collection includes 26 products with vibrant prints, ranging from furniture, glassware, and textiles. The collection is inspired by Nordic nature, wellness, and self-care rituals, and it is designed to be embraced whether you are enjoying time by the lake over warm summer months or winding down after a long day with your favorite self-care rituals.
IKEA's commitment to sustainability is evident in these and other collections presented during the event. The products are made from sustainable materials, and the designs are aimed at creating sensory experiences that connect with the millennial generation's trend toward wellness, care for the environment, and sustainable living. The collections highlight how we, as consumers, can make a big difference by avoiding plastics and choosing sustainable products that promote wellness and care for the planet.
The Open House event was an excellent showcase of IKEA's commitment to sustainability and human-centric and democratic design. The event truly inspires us to think about how we as consumers can contribute to a sustainable future. The ÖMSESIDIG and BASTUA collections showed how IKEA is collaborating with creatives from different fields to create unique and inspiring designs that align with the millennial generation's trend toward sustainable living. The event was a reminder that we all have a role to play in creating a sustainable future, and it is heartening to see brands like IKEA leading the way to a brighter tomorrow.
