Ikea Design Chief Reveals His Top Personally Owned Products

Ekhbary News Agency

Älmhult — In the quiet Swedish town of Älmhult, home to Ikea's global headquarters, Johan Ejdemo, the company's design manager, has unveiled a list of his personally owned Ikea products. Ejdemo, who began his furniture career at 15 and boasts nearly three decades with the Swedish furniture giant, leads a team of 20 in-house designers and a roster of freelancers. Together, they shape the 1,500 to 2,000 new products Ikea releases annually. As it happens, his selections offer a unique glimpse into the preferences of a true design connoisseur.

Ejdemo's Personal Favorites Revealed

Among the items he cherishes, Ejdemo highlighted the blue-dotted Silversida bowls and plates, crafted from recycled ceramics by in-house designer Henrik Preutz. He expressed admiration for the sustainable aspect of recycling ceramics, which typically end up in landfills. Ejdemo appreciates their versatile shapes and the traditional Scandinavian spot painting, finding a particular charm in the hand-done imperfections within an industrial production line. He even deliberately chose a bowl with a painting "mistake," valuing its unique character over factory perfection.

Customized Kitchen and Practical Essentials

Beyond tableware, Ejdemo, a former cabinetmaker, has owned an Ikea Faktum kitchen for over two decades, which he extensively customized. He built his own kitchen island incorporating Ikea cabinets and hand-painted the doors to align with his home's imperfect aesthetic, contrasting with the factory's perfect lacquer. He also praised the versatile Koncis metal trays, which he uses for nearly every cooking task, emphasizing their quality and durability. This editorial observation suggests that even design experts prioritize products that blend quality, sustainability, and personal touch, highlighting the enduring value of well-thought-out design.