For all the design enthusiasts, I’m sure you’re well aware of IKEA’s recent design festival, Democratic Design Days (DDD). It’s the first time the Swedish giant is hosting this event down under. Over three days, IKEA gave Australians an insight of what’s to come and how the IKEA ethos works behind the scenes. 

I’ve admired IKEA for a while, my room is almost entirely from IKEA. I make regular trips, and would probably have more items, but my younger sister plays my financial controls and manages my occasional impulsive spending tendencies. I’m sure there are many reading this and can relate. To put it simply, IKEA are innovative, practical and affordable with what they offer. But, they aren’t content with this, they want to improve the future of living in a holistic manner. 

As Australians, sometimes I believe we are a little deserted in the design space, and there have been constant murmurs that we are behind in the world of design. The first thing that comes to mind when I say this is our Opal system that was officially launched in 2013. It was branded as the future of commuting with new technology, but the design devil’s advocates would say that Japan had their own contactless fare smart card way back in 2001 with Suica. 

But emergence and strength of social media has definitely contributed to Australia paying more attention to design as a whole. IKEA has taken large recent strides in Australia, and the opening of doors to its world famous prestigious DDD program furthers this case. The Swedish giant also plans to open more than 30 new stores across Australia by 2030. The purpose of this program is to showcase a glimpse of IKEA’s upcoming designs, collaborations and their product development, along with the future of life at home in Australia. 

I wasn’t able to attend the keynote by IKEA’s Head of Design, Marcus Engman, but was lucky enough to be invited down the following day to attend the ‘Smart Home Talk.’ It was a discussion between a panel of thought leaders across tech, design and research to explore how homes and design will evolve with smart tech. IKEA is changing the way we live, and it’s starts with our home. The objective is to educate people that the feeling of home is a layered experience of all the five senses. 

As the world delves further into technology, smart homes will become more prevalent, but it’s all about creating a sense of belonging, comfort and happiness in your home. I used to binge watch several YouTube videos of people around the world living in such small spaces and making the most of it. The concept of living in a small space is not the main attraction for me, it’s more so the versatility of their interior and furnishings. IKEA’s Head of Design, Marcus Engman understands that this living situation will become more common due to urbanisation, hence, IKEA’s future designs will become more versatile to adapt with the smaller spaces. 

Smart technology at home is present in today’s world with virtual assistants being one that springs to mind. IKEA are pushing the boundaries and thinking about tomorrow’s homes. Mr Engman mentioned that the visibility of the kitchen, especially one’s fridge is a concept that they currently looking at. He believes that if one’s groceries are more visible, they won’t double up on purchasing more (I’m guility of this), and it will push them to cook with what they have. As a result, people improve their culinary skills and save their money. See how it’s not just about the technology and aesthetics? It’s also about modifying our behaviours and living better. The focus on the full sensory experience is showcased in their other future upcoming projects such as a collaboration with luxury fragrance house, Byredo and sound specialists, Sonos. The latter involve a set of speakers that can become a shelf if mounted on a wall, which truly highlights IKEA’s intention for versatility in its future product developments. 

The Swedish giant’s objective to create multi-functional and adaptable pieces will revolutionise the future home. No matter the change, the home will always be your home.