IKEA is a brand synonymous with flat-packed furniture, eye-catching yet affordable design, and, of course, solutions for our small-space storage woes. Not only are these functional, but they are also incredibly affordable. I can think of many times I’ve been to the store for one thing and inevitably ended up at the checkout with a trolley loaded with home decor and stylish accessories.
To celebrate 40 years in the U.S, IKEA launched the Style Guide to showcase how far its product designs have evolved over the decades. But what can we expect to see going forward? To find out, I caught up with Abbey Stark, IKEA Design Lead for U.S., to chat about style inspiration, new trends, and why so many people keep coming back to shop.
Why do you think IKEA has been so popular and iconic in people’s homes over the years?
“I think there are a few reasons,” Stark says. “We lead with price and affordability; that’s where we want to bring accessible design. Primarily, we focus on being design-forward, having it based on function — so we don’t actually create a product that doesn’t have a function to it.
Secondly, the sustainability aspect is such a huge thing and has always been in our values with design. Finally, we’re really trying to bring quality at an affordable price; those things make us relevant.”
How does IKEA really know what the consumer wants and needs in their homes right now?
“We do home visits to see how people live in their spaces and situations. In addition, we do surveys to understand what people’s challenges are in their homes, so we can make products to actually solve them. Good design for me means promoting well-being.”
“From a design standpoint, design is everywhere, really. It can be influenced by a museum, a restaurant, culture, and traveling. As a global company, we all give feedback from our own countries to the product developers. This also helps with the design process.”
How does IKEA decide how to add smart home features into its products?
“We wanted to be innovative and really have these pieces integrate into the home. The design of pieces is so important in how they function in the space. For instance, products like the ‘donut’ lamp designed by Sabine Marcelis is more like a sculptural art piece that brings joy and can also be functional. Additionally, it can hang on the wall or sit on a credenza. So I think it’s a piece that is really pushing the boundaries of not just being one thing.”
“There are a lot of smart home gadgets that you just don’t want to see, and now these are becoming more integrated. Such as IKEA’s really cool, modern lamps, and the patterns that we have on our Bluetooth speakers make them fun.”
The Billy bookcase and Kallax range are classic favorites. Why do you think these pieces are so popular?
“I think these are both functional, integrate into a home easily, and can evolve based on your needs. So you might be record-obsessed and have the Kallax stacked out with records. But then you get a new solution for that, so it goes into your kid’s room, and you can add bins for all their toys.
“And with the Billy bookcase you can also add on to it, going from one singular to even have a few in a row, and it becomes this beautiful library. So I think it’s catering to your needs in your home and the different spaces you can move them to.”
What are your favorite designs right now?
“I really like the new GREJSIMOJS play collection, and think it’s so cool. One of my favorites is the giraffe LED light that I think is just fun to have in your home.
“Again, I’m always looking for pieces that look like art or sculptural pieces. These can really make an impact.”
Rebel Pink was the IKEA Color of 2026. What other trends can we expect to see?
“We wanted to add a bit more boldness and rebellion from a color perspective, and various ways to include Rebel Pink in the home, so it isn’t so neutral.
“In terms of trends, we have some really fun, new products coming out this year, which you see in our Style Guide. There are a lot of new trends that we love, such as the layering of textiles, going bold with floral and patterns, and mixing and matching. Design is really important to educate consumers, and that’s why we brought the style guide to bring them closer to our design process.”
