“This was an opportunity to turn traditional holiday decor on its head”: Gustaf Westman and IKEA launch their collaboration

A few weeks ago, we were finally treated to a first taste of the hotly anticipated collaboration between Gustaf Westman and IKEA, as the duo unveiled their inaugural, quintessentially Swedish creation, the ‘Meatball Plate’, to much delight.

Now, the two Swedish icons have released the full, 12-piece line-up of tableware and home objects, marking Westman’s first-ever design partnership with another brand. Part of IKEA’s annual winter collection, ‘Vinterfint’, the collaboration puts a playful, distinctly Westman-esque spin on modern celebrations, where the spirit of tradition meets a contemporary and universal approach to seasonal festivities, highlighting the idea that celebrations shouldn’t be restricted to special occasions.

“Celebration often comes with established traditions, and we were curious to explore a more fun and inclusive take,” explains Maria O’Brian, IKEA’s range identity leader. “Teaming up with Gustaf Westman felt like a natural match to help us reimagine the holidays with a twist. His approach to colour and form feels very true to IKEA, but he challenges conventions in a bold, expressive way.”

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According to Westman, the collaboration has been two years in the making. The designer admits he felt “a bit scared” at first, unsure if his aesthetic would translate to a Christmas or a holiday theme. Yet true to his beloved, punchy eponymous brand defined by chunky and quirky forms in candy hues, he devised an unconventional approach that fits perfectly into his universe – and works for any occasion. “For me, this was an opportunity to take traditional holiday decor aesthetics and turn it on its head, instead, introducing a sense of playfulness and boldness,” he continues. “This is my interpretation of the holidays; it’s a new design for a new generation.”

Aside from the ‘Meatball Plate’, the collection features a host of cheerful gathering-ready pieces, from sculptural candleholders, portable lanterns, generous porcelain plates, cups and saucers to a bouncy vase crafted from a single metal spiral, all rendered in Westman’s signature paintbox brights, with festive reds and greens sneaked into the mix. Working closely with the IKEA team, whom Westman notes granted ample creative freedom, the designer drew inspiration from cherished childhood celebrations.

“My mum has these specific objects that she only brings out when there are guests or like nicer occasions, and that’s how I thought about many of the products – that they carry specific stories,” Westman says. “For example, there’s a cup with a big saucer, inspired by the memory of my grandma baking small cookies, so you can place the cookies around the cup.”

Speaking of memories, Westman has forged countless ones in the lofty halls of IKEA stores, fondly recalling childhood visits spent wandering the aisles and marvelling at the products, pausing in the sofa section for a quick rest and re-fuelling with a soft-serve ice cream. More than merely a destination for minimalist, accessible furniture, IKEA has become “a design interest” for Westman. “I think it has played a big part in shaping the Scandinavian design aesthetic and how you think when you’re a Scandinavian designer – it has affected me a lot,” he muses. “Walking around there is so interesting.”

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A natural and fruitful partnership on both sides, Westman describes the collaboration as “very easy and straightforward.” “You learn a lot when you work with this kind of company – it’s so different from what I do in my own practice,” he reflects. “There are, of course, prerequisites: what you can and can’t do, where the company produces, and how they ship. And it obviously has to be affordable, because that’s IKEA’s model, so I had to keep that in mind… It was interesting to challenge myself in that way of designing.” O’Brian echoes this sentiment: “We’re thrilled to make the work of such an exciting designer accessible to a wider audience.”

The limited edition IKEA x Gustaf Westman collection is now available to shop at ikea.com and in stores, with product availability varying by market