Johan Ejdemo started his furniture career at 15, training as a cabinetmaker. Now, with nearly 30 years at Ikea, he serves as design manager, leading an in-house team of 20 plus freelance designers, shaping the 1,500 to 2,000 new products the company launches each year. Last month, he unveiled the PS 2026 collection, the tenth edition of the budget design series, returning after a nine-year hiatus. The 44 pieces center on 'playful functionality' and include a shape-shifting floor lamp, a see-saw bench, and an inflatable easy chair tested by cats. Prices range from $5 to $500.
Silversida Recycled Ceramic Tableware with Imperfection Charm
Among his personal purchases, Ejdemo highlights the Silversida bowls and plates with blue dots, made from recycled ceramics by in-house designer Henrik Preutz. 'It's beautiful to recycle ceramics, which otherwise end up in landfill,' he says. 'I love the versatile shapes and the blue dots, a traditional Scandinavian decoration. I purposely chose a bowl where the painter missed, splattering the outside. That's not a mistake but uniqueness.' This embrace of imperfection also appears in his well-used Bekväm step stool, covered in paint spots that tell a story of time.
Sponsored Protocol
Koncis and Faktum: A Former Carpenter's Kitchen
A cooking enthusiast, Ejdemo uses Koncis metal trays for everything, though he also owns professional pans. His kitchen, installed 20 years ago with the Faktum system (now Metod), still works perfectly. 'I built the island myself, with Ikea cabinets. I sanded and hand-painted the doors because the factory lacquer contrasted too much with my home's imperfection.' Only one hinge under the sink is loose, easily fixable. This longevity echoes findings in a recent cookware test: Heritage Steel Titanium beat All-Clad D3, proving that materials and craftsmanship matter.
Sponsored Protocol
Norbo Folding Table and Bekväm Stool: Space Transformers
The Norbo folding table (similar to current Norberg) fits at the end of his kitchen island, offering extra space for dinners and parties. 'I'm not picky about matching woods; I mix oak, walnut, beech, pine.' The Bekväm step stool, from the first oversized version, is covered in paint spots, showing its age.
PS Cabinet: All-Time Favorite
The metal PS cabinet from 1999 is his absolute favorite Ikea piece. He owns several, used as a sideboard, shoe storage in the hallway, and filing cabinet in the home office. 'I've had them for over 20 years and they're still fantastic. We still sell them today.' This proves timeless design can last for generations.
Sponsored Protocol
PS 1995 Clock: A Vintage Find
Found five years ago at a vintage sale, the PS 1995 clock is in mint condition. 'The seller didn't know I worked at Ikea. After buying, I told her, and she was happy because she had another one.' The original has an MDF lacquered front; current versions use pressed metal. The PS red color is the same used for the Ikea headquarters entrance.
Svarva Floor Lamp: Serendipity in Hungary
The Svarva lamp, designed with Front for PS 2009, has a fascinating backstory. 'We wanted a wooden turned lamp that could twist and articulate. It seemed difficult, but during a visit to Hungary, we discovered that next to the lamp factory was a factory turning wooden beads. Pure serendipity.' This floor lamp and a table version showcase how collaboration with suppliers can create unique pieces.
PS Sinka Cabinet: Nesting Drawers and a Secret Compartment
The PS Sinka cabinet from the 2009 collection features dovetail joints and wooden-bottomed drawers. 'The packaging volume was too large, so we made each drawer slightly shallower and stacked them inside each other. There's also a hidden compartment behind the smallest drawer.' Ejdemo uses it for forgotten keys.
Sponsored Protocol
Jonsberg Vases: Hiding Cables
Finally, the Jonsberg vases by Hella Jongerius: four pieces with different ceramic techniques. 'I had all four, but the terracotta one broke. Now I use one of the survivors to hide my TV cables.'
This personal selection reflects Ejdemo's philosophy: functional, well-designed objects that improve with use and age. For more details, read the original article on WIRED.
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/these-are-the-12-ikea-products-ikeas-design-chief-personally-owns
