IKEA Rethinks Traditional Design with OMMJÄNGE

A Homage to Swedish Heritage with a View to Modern Living

IKEA presents OMMJÄNGE, a new collection that reinterprets traditional Swedish craftsmanship and 19th-century folkloristic elements. This limited collection merges historical inspiration with everyday functionality, born from the idea that the past holds answers to many of today's living challenges. The OMMJÄNGE collection is available from September 1, 2025, in selected IKEA stores and online.

OMMJÄNGE, meaning "time together" in the Småland dialect, embodies this concept. The collection features bold colors, traditional patterns, and poetic designs that celebrate togetherness. It is modern, versatile, and carries a touch of nostalgia.

[Image description: A modern living space within a modular, container-like structure. The interior features contemporary furniture and decor, including a sofa, chairs, tables, and shelving, all arranged to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The overall aesthetic blends natural materials and a muted color palette.]

Past Meets Present

The design foundation of the OMMJÄNGE collection traces back to rural Sweden around 1800. During that era, life, from work to leisure, often unfolded within a single room. Resources were scarce, necessitating functional and durable furniture. This ethos profoundly influences the design of OMMJÄNGE products. Designers drew inspiration from historical details, color palettes, and ornaments that had previously received little attention.

For designer Maria Vinka, a bridal portrait from 1846 served as a central motif: "This image became the source of inspiration for a new design language – colorful, detailed, and with an eye for the hidden. The goal was to translate historical design elements into a contemporary context."

In collaboration with industrial designer Matilda Hunyadi, the collection was developed to unite traditional aesthetics with modern demands for flexibility and space efficiency. Hunyadi states, "OMMJÄNGE shows that tradition doesn't have to be rigid. It can serve as a living source that offers both orientation and expression."

Craftsmanship in a Contemporary Context

The collection includes items such as woven baskets made from poplar wood, a bell-shaped lamp whose form recalls a historical bridal dress, and a folding table based on a design over 200 years old. Smaller objects, like a wall hook crafted using traditional wire-bending techniques, also bear the OMMJÄNGE signature: thoughtful, space-saving, and with subtle historical references.

Key materials include solid wood (pine), wool, stoneware, and glass, deliberately chosen for their durability and cultural significance. The craftsmanship is of a high artisanal level. "The intricate details of folk art inspired us to combine classic techniques with modern forms," explains Hunyadi. "Each product should not only tell a story but also be durable for everyday life."

[Image description: A visual compilation of OMMJÄNGE collection items. One image shows a ceramic jug with a distinctive handle and a body decorated with subtle patterns. Another features a bell-shaped pendant lamp, its design evoking the silhouette of a historical bridal dress. The third image showcases woven baskets, highlighting their artisanal craftsmanship and natural texture.]

Old Solutions with New Relevance

The collection is guided by the principle that limited space fosters creative solutions, both in the past and today. In an era where smaller living spaces, hybrid lifestyles, and conscious consumption are gaining importance, OMMJÄNGE offers an alternative approach to furnishing. The focus is on culturally influenced design rather than minimalism.

Maria Vinka notes, "Good ideas from the past can be highly relevant for today's lifestyles. OMMJÄNGE brings these ideas back – with respect and a contemporary approach."

The aim is to create spaces that are not only functional but also convey identity and cultural depth. The products invite a reconsideration of tradition's value as a living resource that uniquely connects design and everyday life.

OMMJÄNGE will be presented at the Democratic Design Days 2025 in IKEA's hometown, Älmhult. The limited collection will be available from September 2025 in selected IKEA stores, including those in Austria, as well as online.

For more information, visit: IKEA Austria Newsroom

Downloadable image material is available: [Link to press images]

Image material: © Inter IKEA Systems B.V. 2025

About IKEA Austria

For 45 years, the Swedish furniture company IKEA has been present in Austria. With 8 stores, 7 planning studios, 2 logistics centers, 11 collection points, and various services like Click & Collect, approximately 3,300 IKEA employees provide continuous inspiration.

IKEA's vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people by offering well-designed, functional, affordable, and high-quality home furnishing products produced with respect for people and the environment. This commitment extends to healthy and sustainable food offerings in IKEA Restaurants, Bistros, and the Swedish Shop, featuring sustainably sourced ingredients, plant-based options, and locally grown products.

More about IKEA can be found here.

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