IKEA's New Line Of Latin American Designed Products Is A Maximalist Paradise
IKEA's new, limited-edition collection is called ÖMSESIDIG, meaning "mutual" in Swedish. If you're a maximalist who often uses bright colors and bold patterns, you're sure to love the 30 pieces that will be released in April 2023. The release of this collection will also mark the opening of IKEA stores in Chile, Colombia, and Peru.
Created by nine Latin American designers, ÖMSESIDIG showcased all their unique talents and interests and was heavily motivated by their cultural backgrounds. When talking about the inspiration behind some of their pieces, designer Liliana Ovalle says, "I have drawn a lot from my personal experiences and enjoying celebrations throughout my life in Mexico, from having family dinners and hanging out with friends in middle school to getting older and going to the cantinas," via Brit+Co. As you'll see, these pieces are more than just a maximalist's dream, as they also tell a beautiful story about the importance of gathering with others and the joy that can come from expressing yourself through your home's design.
Picture frame speaker cover
While most of the collection will be launched in the specified month, one piece was released earlier. Interestingly, it's a picture frame cover compatible with IKEA's SYMFONISK, a Wi-Fi-controlled speaker created in collaboration with Sonos. The main appeal of this cover is that it hides your speaker, which can sometimes look clunky or out of place, by making it look like a regular piece of artwork (albeit with a connected white cord). Further, the fabric cover can easily be replaced, so you can quickly switch up your room's design anytime.
Currently, three covers from the ÖMSESIDIG line are available on IKEA's website, all created by Chilean designer Trini Guzmán and all with a maximalist aesthetic. The first is pictured above showcases branches growing over a brightly-colored, striped backdrop. The second option is a yellow spotted plant on a white canvas, and the third has a mesmerizing graphic design with free-flowing shapes and a black background.
Throw pillows
Chilean designer Trini Guzmán also created throw pillows for the collection, each with vibrant tones and show-stopping elements. The above image showcases one of the designs, a mostly black piece with a curved leopard print stripe and a bright blue border. Another design that IKEA will soon release features blue branches on top of a colorful striped and polka-dotted backdrop. These textiles could be layered on the couch, placed in armchairs, or simply used as décor pieces and leaned against furniture on the floor.
When referring to the line, Guzmán says, "When you dare to empower creatively there are no boundaries, you push the limits of possibilities, open up for new opportunities and pave new roads," (via Brit+Co). If you're a maximalist, you know all about breaking décor rules by mixing things that don't normally go together or using bold elements that make a statement. This is precisely what Guzmán has done with her unique designs.
Dishes and tablescape items
There will also be plenty of dishes and other tablescape items available in the collection, including the above asymmetrical green bowls. Created by designer Liliana Ovalle, these pieces were heavily inspired by limes, and she also crafted a set of Mexican-inspired drinking glasses through blowing glass. "I created a speckled confetti effect with colorful spots, which made that product development an exploration of a new process itself," Ovalle says, per Brit+Co.
Other images on IKEA's website tease bold trays, warm-toned serving platters, and paper butterfly decorations that would make perfect centerpieces. Those who want to create a maximalist tablescape for their next party could decorate with these pieces to add lots of color and texture to their design. IKEA suggests hanging garlands, layering "expressive" dishes at each place setting, and arranging snacks on platters that allow guests to share delicious food. The line will also offer stainless-steel silverware designed by Abel Cárcamo Segovia, which you could also place around the table.
Bags and picnic blankets
If you know anything about IKEA, you've probably seen or heard about their popular blue FRAKTA bag, a large plastic storage container that can be carried with handles or worn like a backpack. To bring a bit more color to this bag, Colombian designer Diana Ordóñez added a new, bold pattern to the piece, complete with sunshine yellow handles. When discussing the design, Ordóñez says, "Colombian culture has many festivals, and masks are used as a way of expression, a moment when you can be a monster, a bull, a cow, a woman, a man. For me, the mask is an interpretation of the many characters that are inside of us," via Brit+Co.
The ÖMSESIDIG collection will also feature a light blue, waterproof picnic blanket with a subtle geometric pattern and cut-off edges, giving it a softer and more welcoming appearance. This piece can be rolled up and carried by two pink handles, making it easy to transport and use with friends and family.
Rice paper lanterns
Just as the blue FRAKTA bag is an iconic symbol of IKEA, so is the REGOLIT pendant paper lamp shade. Liliana Ovalle added fringe and contrasting tones to the all-white lantern to give this piece an exciting twist. "I was inspired by piñatas and paper decorations but I found that there was a nice connection with other festive decorations from other cultures. Celebrating is universal and also considering the international reach of IKEA, it made me look for equivalents in other parts of the world, such as paper streamers and party poppers from the UK and China," Ovalle explains to Brit+Co. Besides the round piece pictured above, the collection will also feature a unique candle holder that casts a confetti-like sprinkle of light against the walls of a dark room.
Decorating with these elements will add cultural significance from around the world to your home's design. Ovalle especially saw these pieces as having potential when preparing for parties. She continues, saying, "I'm hoping that my designs will contribute to making gatherings and celebrations more lively and more colorful, encouraging coming together with friends and family."