I suspect I am not alone in this, but my local IKEA branch in Red Hook, Brooklyn, has saved me from a mini breakdown on more than one occasion.
IKEA is the opposite of a breakdown.
It’s happy. It’s affordable. It’s almost like going to Sweden if you squint your eyes a bit and avoid both the parking lot and the bathrooms. In any time of personal turmoil, it is a faithful reminder to Think Nordic!—aka: pare down/tap into nature/go full hygge—and all will (presumably) be well.
The Code of IKEA, from top left: 1) Opt for the basics w/ some Scandinavian ✨✨ 2) stylishly suit up for schlepping 3) thrift the vintage classics whenever you can 4) go w/friends (a solo trek is mega restorative, too).
Not least of all, the jumbo yellow floor arrows are a powerful reminder that if we don’t feel like thinking or using our internal GPS for about an hour, we 100% do not have to.
This story wasn’t even on our editorial calendar, but knowing IKEA’s latest special Konstrunda collection was dropping today—22 pieces of décor/objects/textiles designed by seven artists + designers with an aim to broaden the art-fueled touch-points in our homes (Konstrunda translates to Art Tour)—I had to do it. And so, that’s what we’ve got today—my most favorite pieces from this brand-new limited collection, as well as a handful of other new releases absolutely worth adding to your IKEA watchlist (I did, too:). Before we get into it, a very tiny bit of ATA partner 🏆…
Thank you, Helix, for being one of our favorite ATA partners/supporters here. It’s the last call for their most excellent Labor Day special w/up to 30% off Helix’s select ultra-cozy mattresses (take their clever quiz if you’re curious which one might be right for you). Their mattresses have made a big difference in our home + lives, not just at bedtime...which is truly worth every penny ♥️. #Helixpartner #ad
OKAY…let’s get into it/låt oss komma in i det!🇸🇪…xxCb
1. KONSTRUNDA Vase, $39.99
This comes in a tall version, too, and I’m torn between using this wider one for pens/magic markers or the taller one for kitchen utensils. Designed by Emanuele Stamuli, the style is reminiscent of Ettore Sottsass and the best high-contrast bits that make the Memphis Design Movement still so influential and timeless.