A very happy birthday is in order for one of IKEA’s most popular and iconic items: The IVAR storage system turns 50! The enduring knotty pine unfinished wood shelving solution has been on active duty since the late 1960s, no doubt helping legions of young professionals make their house a home along the way.
When the system was first introduced, it was called BOSSE, then INGO, then UFFE. It wasn’t until 1984 that it appeared with its new name, IVAR. It captures everything we love about the Swedish retailer’s ability to just get us in one stylish, affordable, modular frame, open to customizations—or not. “I think the series will live on forever,” says designer Sarah Fager. “Easy to buy, easy to assemble, and maximized storage space.” We couldn’t agree more.
Photo by IKEA
IKEA also announced more good news this week with a first look at some of the fun new products hitting the shelves next month. Trust us when we say we couldn’t be more excited to dust off our blue FRAKTA totes to gear up for a weekend trip.
by Amanda Sims
The new range comes in a minimal style that evokes playfulness, using color-blocking and a mix of fun shapes. A $49 side table with a handle to tote it around from room to room? Who knew we needed the BURVIK in our lives until now. “If there’s one thing I’d want BURVIK side table to say it’s ‘Move me around!'” designer Mikael Axelsson explains. “When I designed it I was inspired by how our lives and homes look today—fluid, flexible, active—and I wanted to make a piece of furniture that’s easy to lift and move so that it can be used for many different activities.”
The GRANBODA nesting tables, $59 for the set of three, not only provide surface options for a small dwelling, the smallest table’s hidden storage feature is clever and unassuming.
More storage solutions, like the white HÄLLAN cabinets (below), a range of bright textiles for the home, sculptural pendant lamps, as well as a sweetly hued new KLÄMMIG nursery collection, round out the mix. Scroll through and start getting excited for February:
What new IKEA products are you looking forward to scoop up next month? Share them with us below!
(via Food52)