Ikea’s Design Chief Reveals How the Brand Shapes Products for 2026 and Beyond

Ikea’s Design Vision: Crafting the Future of Home Products

Johan Ejdemo, Ikea’s design manager, is thinking years ahead. A tall Swede with a six-inch beard, Ejdemo is a trained cabinetmaker with nearly three decades at Ikea. Since 2022, he has led the company’s design team, overseeing 20 in-house designers in Sweden and a global network of freelancers. Together, they develop the 1,500 to 2,000 new products Ikea releases every year—many of which have been in development for years, if not over a decade.

I recently met Ejdemo at Ikea’s headquarters in Älmhult, Sweden, a two-hour train ride from Copenhagen, where the company was founded in the 1940s. Before giving me an exclusive tour of Ikea’s prototyping shop—the first ever granted to a journalist—we discussed the brand’s design priorities for 2026 and beyond.

Beyond Individual Products: A Focus on Emotional and Sustainable Design

Ejdemo emphasizes that Ikea’s design approach isn’t centered on individual items or specific areas of the home. Instead, the focus is on material choices and emotional responses, all aligned with Ikea’s concept of democratic design—high-quality products optimized for affordability. Achieving this ideal, he says, is the core challenge for Ikea’s designers.

“We are very nerdy. We go very deep in the details.”

— Johan Ejdemo, Ikea Design Manager

Key Design Trends for 2026: Circularity, Playfulness, and Human Connection

1. Circularity as a Core Principle

Ejdemo highlights circularity as a major shift in Ikea’s design philosophy. This approach considers the entire value chain, from material sourcing to product end-of-life, marking a significant evolution in how products are conceived.

2. Prioritizing Optimism, Playfulness, and Human Interaction

The desire for optimism, playfulness, and human connection is a driving force in Ikea’s recent collections, with these themes set to become even more prominent. Ejdemo notes that this isn’t just about bright colors or whimsical designs—it also includes the use of natural materials and warmth to create inviting spaces.

3. Challenges in Bulky Product Design

While Ikea’s design focus is broad, Ejdemo acknowledges challenges with bulky products. Transportation costs and material efficiency are critical considerations, particularly for large items like mattresses and sofas. However, he asserts that Ikea excels in delivering premium comfort in a material-efficient way, reducing waste without compromising quality.

Ikea’s Prototyping Shop: A Glimpse into the Design Process

The tour of Ikea’s prototyping shop offered a rare look at how the brand tests and refines its products. From initial sketches to functional prototypes, the process reflects Ikea’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and affordability. This behind-the-scenes access underscores the meticulous work behind every product on store shelves.