The VARMBLIXT collection marks the beginning of the IKEA journey to strengthen people’s curiosity connected to lighting in the home. As part of a long-term goal, IKEA is looking to encourage a shift in the perception of lighting as simply functional to lighting as emotional. It is designed to inspire a new interest in how light can transform the look, feel and atmosphere of our homes.
There are four lighting items in the VARMBLIXT collection which will be kept long-term in the IKEA range. The lights which are inspired by Sabine’s creative ability to play with unique shapes and objects are a design focal point of the collection. The lighting highlights include the VARMBLIXT LED pendant lamp, which features curved pipes made from frosted white glass, and the VARMBLIXT LED wall mirror designed with a semi-transparent glass panel and light strip. Both products are a stunning sculptural object when turned off, and when illuminated, it transforms into a magical display of light engineering.
“I wanted to take an unexpected approach to exploring the idea of how lighting functions within the home and to inspire people to consider new shapes and elements which blend into and highlight different types of interior spaces in a new, bold, and artistic ways”, says Sabine Marcelis
The collection also explores a signature motif seen in Sabine’s work: the perfectly infinite doughnut. The very first series of design objects inspired by the infinite doughnut shape will be available in two serve ware sizes and one signature lamp. Marrying the vision of art and design, the VARMBLIXT LED lamp, in its curved style, is enhanced when it catches the light and is a versatile item as it can be wall mounted or displayed on a table.
“When the light passes through the orange glass, it makes the soft doughnut-like shape shine with a warm glow”, says Sabine Marcelis. “It’s a magical sight that catches the eye – regardless of if it’s on a table or hanging on a wall”, she adds.
The collection which also focuses on an inherently warm colour pallet has two rugs inspired by the rays of a sunset. The larger rug, which is made from 100% hand-tufted wool, has a warm colour gradient. It softly fades from deep orange to amber yellow like a sunset, while its overlapping style adds extra design interest, creating an illusion of depth and colour.
“Our vision was to continue building off the idea of blending design with sculptural objects in the creation of VARMBLIXT. It’s a collaboration connected to the functional aesthetics of our space while inspiring people to add purposeful and versatile objects to the home”, says Henrik Most, Creative Leader at IKEA.
Learn more about the journey of creating the VARMBLIXT collection.
The VARMBLIXT collection will be launched on all IKEA markets in February 2023.
About Sabine Marcelis
Rotterdam-based designer Sabine Marcelis is fascinated with the unique properties of materials and the effects specific materials can create. Her practice is process-driven, and her designs emerge through extensive experimentation with ideas and materials in the studio. Working across product, installation, and spatial design, she strives to create magical experiences through her engaging designs. She is a graduate of the Design Academy Eindhoven, and her work has been celebrated across global design festivals and more. She was awarded Wallpaper Designer of the Year in 2020 and was named one of Architectural Digest’s top 100 creatives in 2021 and 2022.
About IKEA
IKEA offers well-designed, functional and affordable, high-quality home furnishing, produced with care for people and the environment. There are several companies with different owners, working under the IKEA Brand, all sharing the same vision: to create a better everyday life for the many people. IKEA was founded in Sweden in 1943.
About the IKEA franchise system
The IKEA retail business is operated through a franchise system with franchisees that are authorised to market and sell the IKEA product range within specified geographical territories. Inter IKEA Systems B.V. is the owner of the IKEA Concept and worldwide IKEA franchisor, who also assigns different IKEA companies to develop the product range, supply products and deliver communication solutions. Today, 12 different groups of companies have the right to own and operate IKEA sales channels under franchise agreements with Inter IKEA Systems B.V.
About Inter IKEA Group
Inter IKEA Group includes Inter IKEA Systems B.V., IKEA of Sweden AB, IKEA Supply AG and IKEA Industry AB related businesses. Inter IKEA Holding B.V. is the holding company for the Inter IKEA Group.
