There’s fashion collabs a plenty between high street stores and higher end names, but not often as many worth noting when it comes to the interiors world. This year, though, we’re spoilt by two new design collaborations to note. One pairs together two Scandinavian powerhouses, the other matches a much-respected paint brand with furniture destined for upcycling. Both are matches made in heaven.
These two design collaborations have something in common – they’re both uplifting and optimistic. Maybe it’s the sign of the times: both these collections were likely conceived during the depths of the pandemic. Or perhaps after a long, grey winter, we’re just all longing for a little of the joy we find in summer. Either way, there seems to be a desire to add a dose of positivity to our homes, whether that’s in the form of a playful, graphic print or an intense pop of colour.
Now you know I’m not one for colour. But that doesn’t mean I’m not intrigued by the new directions that the interiors world might head. I can take inspiration from a colourful collection without suddenly changing my interior style and uncharacteristically using a lot of colour in my home. I think it’s about taking note of what’s new and being curious, but making sure whatever you take from it works for you. I love the organic, Japanese feel of the furniture in the Marimekko x IKEA collection, and I like the idea of just using a small dose of colour with Vinterior x Farrow & Ball’s collection. Let’s take a close look at them both.
Marimekko and IKEA join forces for the new BASTUA collection
IKEA and Marimekko – two brands with shared Nordic values – have teamed up on the new limited-edition BASTUA collection. Inspired by self-care rituals and Scandinavian sauna culture, the 26-piece collection comprises furniture, lamps, glassware and accessories. The name BASTUA is used in Småland – a region in Southern Sweden where IKEA was founded – to describe a sauna.
The bold patterns of the collection reference the large rhubarb leaves that grow at the sides of saunas, while the faceted patterns of the glassware mimic the ripples of water in summertime. The BASTUA collection is designed to inspire pleasure and joy, whether that’s wrapping yourself in a striped kimono after a soothing bath or serving your friends drinks from a colourful tray. The candle in the range has notes of elderflower, rhubarb and sweet vanilla, evoking the warmth and simplicity of long, drawn-out summer days.
The BASTUA collection is available on the 1st March 2023.
Images courtesy of IKEA
1. BASTUA bench, £70, 2. Candle, £5, 3. Kimono, £29. 4. Tray, £10, 5. Side table, £50, 6. Rack, £17, 7. Jug, £19, 8. Mirror, £50, 9. LED lantern, £17, all available from IKEA on the 1st March
Vinterior and Farrow & Ball launch upcycled capsule collection
I’m often browsing the online marketplace Vinterior for vintage furniture for clients so I was intrigued to hear about their collaboration with Farrow & Ball. The limited-edition capsule collection sees a selection of pre-owned furniture from three Vinterior sellers – Pato Interiors, Belton & Butler and Chloe Kempster – painted in the latest Farrow & Ball colours.
The pieces have nearly all but sold out, but you’ll still be able to find a few items from Pato Interiors if you’re quick, including a sweet little larder cupboard painted in the new blue tone, Kittiwake. Even if you don’t take home something from this collection, the two British brands hope it will inspire people to take on their own upcycling project. They’ve even collated a selection of pieces ripe for decoration.
‘We’ve seen a lot of interest in upcycled items in the past six months, it’s almost as popular as mid-century design now. Whether you’re upcycling yourself or choosing a pre-owned piece which has already been restored, we see this movement continuing to grow. It’s not only a better choice for the planet but often a more economical one as well,’ says Vinterior brand director Lucy Ward.
What do you think, are you willing to give upcycling a go?
The Farrow & Ball x Vinterior collection launched in February 2023.
Below, top to bottom: Pato Interiors, Belton and Butler, Pato Interiors, Chloe Kempster. Images courtesy of Vinterior
