Summarize and humanize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs in EnglishWe all agree that spending a Sunday afternoon at IKEA is a universally shared experience. But what makes it so enjoyable? Founded in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad, this iconic Swedish multinational – the epitome of the do-it-yourself model – has carefully crafted its shopping experience. It arranges products in environments that evoke serene, familiar scenes from everyday life. A flower vase on a neatly set table, a pair of soft slippers by the bedside—customers find inspiration, and sometimes, they end up wanting to buy everything they see. Over time, IKEA has evolved into a welcoming destination—a fun outing for the entire family. With spacious parking lots and an in-store restaurant, IKEA offers everything needed for a relaxed shopping experience. It’s an experience that, as they say, is of quality. But what does “quality” really mean?Quality is about how it feels, how it looks, how it lasts, and how it functions. For four decades, this has been the foundation of IKEA’s STOCKHOLM collection, and the 2025 reissue proudly continues this tradition with exceptional craftsmanship, carefully selected materials, and meticulous attention to detail. From statement sofas to elegant tableware, the 96 pieces of the new line—carefully designed to become true collector’s items—celebrate the exceptional quality of Scandinavian design, emphasizing timeless simplicity through harmonious colors, natural materials, and organic forms.Making life better with better products at better pricesIKEA launched the first STOCKHOLM collection in 1985, described as ‘the best of IKEA.’ Today, this legacy remains stronger than ever, combining the same high quality as its predecessors with the ability to produce at scale. As a result, the home furnishings brand is able to offer these premium pieces at affordable prices. The new collection will be exclusively showcased at IKEA’s selected location for this year’s Milan Design Week, at Tenoha, via Vigevano 18.The creative team behind STOCKHOLM 2025 consists of one passionate Creative Leader, Karin Gustavsson, and three experienced designers: Nike Karlsson, Ola Wihlborg, and Paulin Machado. “Together, we selected the materials, colors, and shapes”, says Karin Gustavsson. “I hope the pieces in this collection become ‘forever furniture,’ aging beautifully as part of a personal, living home”. Nature: the true designer of Swedish lifeNike Karlsson, Ola Wihlborg and Paulin Machado are all from Sweden, and it’s evident. “You’d expect a collection called STOCKHOLM to have a distinctly urban feel,” says Nike. “But we looked beyond the city, to the nature and islands surrounding it. That shift proved truly inspiring”. As Alvar Aalto once said: “Form must have a content, and that content must be linked with nature”. In a country where over half the land is covered by forests, nature is an integral part of every citizen’s life. Here in the north, autumns are rainy, winters are snowy, springs are unpredictable, and in the summer, the sun never sets.“I drew inspiration from my walks in the countryside,” adds Paulin Machado. “I captured colors that reflect the greenery of spring or the muted tones of winter. Nature is the best designer—every color harmonizes beautifully in the natural world, guiding this collection”. With STOCKHOLM 2025, the team captured the hues and moods of all four seasons, incorporating materials, organic shapes, and forest-inspired patterns found in the Swedish landscape.“People often view pine as a budget material, but when you choose the finest, its beauty is undeniable,” says Nike Karlsson. “The bench and sofa are perfect examples of this. The sofa is our first foam-free design, crafted with a 100% cotton weave and filled with coconut fibers and pocket springs. It produces a satisfying sound when you sit—quality that you can both feel and hear.” The forest also played a pivotal role in shaping the vision of IKEA’s founder, Ingvar Kamprad. Born in 1926, Ingvar spent his early years on his mother’s farm, surrounded by forests and barren soil. His childhood was steeped in nature, and it didn’t take long for him to recognize the opportunity that lay before him—in the forests of his youth. In the spring of 1943, Ingvar shared his desire with his family to start his own business—a home furnishings brand.Materials matter From pure wool to genuine leather, from solid wood to mouth-blown glass and handwoven rugs, every material used in the collection has been carefully selected to ensure comfort, durability, and tactile appeal.For instance, the rugs are handwoven by skilled artisans who use traditional techniques passed down through generations. The chairs are made from solid oak, a material that only improves with time. All vases are mouth-blown, and the chandeliers are assembled while wearing white gloves. “We mixed solid wood, high-quality veneer, ceramic, textiles, glass, and natural fibers”, explains Ola Wihlborg. “It was a balancing act, but the right mix gave each piece a unique story”.Solitaires that love to mingle Whether used individually or together, the pieces are timeless designs that will undoubtedly become collectibles in the future. “Each piece is unique, letting people create their own style. You can go for the full look or mix and match with your favorite items at home – each piece stands strong solo yet remains part of a bigger story”, continues Ola Wihlborg.Each item is designed to be timeless and tactile – something you can live with and appreciate for years to come. When asked about her favorite piece, Paulin Machado laughs and responds: “My favourite products are the birch rugs. There’s something special about working with handwoven materials and the skill passed down through generations. Becoming a master weaver takes years, and each rug takes two artisans days to complete. They sit side by side, each working on one side of the rug, weaving in sync. People might think it’s just weaving, but there’s so much detail involved – the choice of yarn colours, the texture, how tight to pull each thread. Every decision affects the final product”. IKEA’s exhibition at Fuorisalone 2025 will be held at Tenoha, via Vigevano 18, Milan, from April 7 to 13. The venue will be open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and on Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Monday will be reserved for press and media access only.
Keep Reading
