OMMJÄNGE by IKEA: Swedish Folk Heritage Reimagined for Modern Living

IKEA is once again blending the past with the present through a bold and heartfelt new limited collection: OMMJÄNGE. Launching in September 2025, this series draws inspiration from 19th-century Swedish folk culture and infuses it with vibrant design, clever functionality, and a modern twist. (All images in this 2article © IKEA. Used with permission for editorial purposes.)

The name "OMMJÄNGE" comes from the Småland dialect, meaning "spending time together" — a fitting tribute to the collection's soul. Rooted in the spirit of togetherness and multifunctional living, it channels the simplicity and ingenuity of historical Swedish households, where one room served as bedroom, kitchen, and workspace.

A Journey into Swedish Folklore

Designers Maria Vinka and Matilda Hunyadi began their creative journey with a deep dive into Sweden's rural past. They were fascinated by how everyday life in the 1800s was both resourceful and artistic. Drawing from elements like a richly decorated bridal portrait from 1846, they transformed traditional motifs into expressive, contemporary forms.

"Folk art isn't outdated," Maria explains. "It holds secrets, stories, and visual richness that still spark curiosity today."
Matilda adds, "We wanted to show that tradition can be lighthearted, practical, and full of life."

Playful Tradition, Built to Last

OMMJÄNGE is designed with small-space living in mind — a concept that might seem modern but has roots stretching far back in time. From intricately woven poplar baskets to a sculptural lamp shaped like a bridal gown, each piece celebrates both form and function. There's even a drop-leaf table inspired by a 200-year-old design, perfectly adapted to today's flexible living needs.

Even the smallest elements shine: a twisted metal wall hook, crafted using traditional wire techniques, becomes both useful and joyful in its simplicity.

Materials like solid pine, wool, glass, and stoneware give the collection a grounded, authentic feel — chosen not just for durability, but for their cultural relevance. Every item is a nod to heritage, made to stand the test of time.
"We wanted the craftsmanship to speak," says Matilda. "Each piece has a story, not just in how it looks, but in how it was made."

A New Kind of Home

As more people embrace smaller homes, hybrid lifestyles, and minimalist living, OMMJÄNGE poses an interesting question: what if less space actually inspires more creativity?

Instead of stripping homes of character, this collection celebrates it — offering rich textures, bold color palettes, and traditional patterns that feel fresh and relevant. It invites you to rethink what "traditional" really means and consider how the past can offer joyful, practical solutions to the challenges of modern life.

Coming Soon

OMMJÄNGE makes its debut at IKEA's Democratic Design Days in Älmhult, Sweden — the birthplace of IKEA — and will be available in select stores and online starting September 2025.

This is more than a furniture collection — it's a cultural revival wrapped in color, craftsmanship, and creativity. With OMMJÄNGE, IKEA invites us to slow down, rediscover our roots, and decorate our homes with meaning.

Into IKEA's Design History?

If you're interested in how IKEA brings the past into the present, don't miss the NYTILLVERKAD collection. It revives classic IKEA designs from the 1950s to the 1990s with bold colors, sculptural forms, and modern materials. A vibrant tribute to the brand's rich archive.

👉 Read more about NYTILLVERKAD by IKEA here

All images in this article © IKEA. Used with permission for editorial purposes.