Scandinavian aesthetic is usually associated with minimalism and neutral colours. But there is a much more colourful side to the Scandi style – and that’s exactly what the limited edition IKEA OMMJÄNGE collection is drawing on and celebrating.
Released this week, the range is inspired by the traditional and rather vibrant Swedish folklore of the 19th century filled with interesting patterns and shades of red, pink, yellow and blue. The collection is an alternative take on Scandinavian living room ideas and more.
'The colours were inspired by the original vibrance of folklore furniture and clothing, but we wanted a modern twist,' explains Matilda Hunyadi, designer and co-creator of the IKEA OMMJÄNGE range. 'By adding a creamy softness, we made the palette bold yet friendly. Using non-traditional combinations like pink and orange adds to the modern feel.'
Here, Matilda is mainly referencing the pink, scalloped cabinet, one of the hero pieces of the collection which she also predicts will be one of the bestsellers. 'The cabinet is definitely a strong contender. It resonates with its decorative yet graphic look and playful personality. The size and colour seem to make people really happy, and I hope they enjoy the detail of the angular doors that open fully – an important feature for me.'
My top picks
Made with solid pine wood, this eye-catching wall cabinet is stained in a soft pink shade with an intriguing scalloped door detailing. And once those doors are opened, they reveal a pop of red interior.
Recently, IKEA's been knocking it out of the park with its rugs, including the designs from the IKEA STOCKHOLM range and now this playful number. Reminiscent of something close to a face, the mix of colours and patterns makes this a true statement piece.
While the pattern on this cushion cover is not as out there as on some of the other pieces, the unexpected colour combination of mustard yellow and baby pink paired with the textured finish make this one of my favourite pieces.
The collection even includes such small details and accessories as colourful wall hooks. But I find them particularly charming because of their flower silhouette, reminiscent of Marimekko's flower motifs.
Even though this stool is a fairly simple piece, I find that the triangle-shaped base makes it look like a real design piece. That paired with the vibrant red hue and I'm obsessed.
Time and time again, interior designers and experts recommend baskets as genius storage solutions which effortlessly combine style with function. Now, this set of IKEA baskets combines style, function, colour, pattern and playful design.
The super pared-back Scandinavian style is a more recent, modern approach. And even now, the Scandis still use colour and pattern in their own particular way.
‘Scandinavians have a long tradition of using patterns and colours, but their use has evolved over time,’ says Paulina Lundstrom, CEO of Swedish rug brand Pappelina. ‘The modern, pared-back neutral aesthetic that Scandinavia is now famous for gained traction in the past years, particularly with the rise of the Scandinavian design movement. This doesn’t mean that pattern and colour were absent, but their use became more intentional and subtle, in line with modern design principles.
'So, while Scandinavian homes today are known for their natural, neutral look, there is still a tradition of incorporating pattern and colour, albeit in a more restrained manner.’
She adds, ‘Instead of overwhelming a room with colour, Scandinavians often introduce colour through accents like throws, pillows or rugs. Colour shades include cobalt blues, forest greens, and muted pinks or reds and different yellow shades.’ The shades of the IKEA OMMJÄNGE collection, basically.
Back in the 1800s in Sweden, living in compact rustic cabins, the living space also blended into the dining room and kitchen – the home was one open, shared space. And this tradition of living small is reflected in the OMMJÄNGE range, including its name which means ‘spending time together’.
IKEA has always been one of the go-to brands for small space solutions. So it’s not entirely surprising that there is a nod to this in the new collection, be it a drop-leaf dining table with a blue base or a storage bench with a patterned fabric insert.
If you like the idea of colourful Scandi pieces, there are plenty of other brands doing it, not just IKEA. Here are some of my top picks.
More colourful Scandi picks
Ferm Living is among the most popular Scandinavian homeware brands, that also happens to love colour and pattern. The pairing of the sky blue shade with burgundy on this cushion is dreamy.
H&M is another Swedish brand. And I happen to love H&M table lamps (among other things), many of which come in vibrant shades like this sunny yellow one I'm currently loving.
HAY is the OG brand of the colourful storage crates. But the Danish design brand does so much more than that, including these uniquely patterned dinner candles.
Arket is best known for its stylish clothing. But the Swedish high street brand also makes beautiful homeware, including this bold wool throw with a illustration-style floral motif. And it comes in multiple colourways.
Tekla is a Danish brand known for its colourful, striped towels. This burgundy and pink colourway is among my top favourites. But if you can't justify the rather high price point, H&M Home sells similar striped towels for less.
One of the best ways to bring a hint of colour and pattern into your home is through your wall art. And popular Swedish artist Sofia Lind does this so well with her prints depicting women in beautifully patterned clothing.
Which piece from the new colourful IKEA collection is your favourite?
