Johan Ejdemo, Ikea's design chief, has revealed the 12 Ikea products he personally owns and loves, offering a unique glimpse into the mind shaping the company's global aesthetic. Ejdemo, who has dedicated nearly 30 years to Ikea, leads a team responsible for the thousands of new products released annually and recently launched the PS 2026 collection, focused on "playful functionality."
Ejdemo's selections span a range of items, from the practical Silversida recycled ceramic tableware, appreciated for its unique hand-painted dots and the beauty of recycled materials, to the robust Koncis roasting pans, which he uses extensively for his passion for cooking. His own kitchen features a customized Faktum system, a testament to Ikea's durability, which he updated by sanding and hand-painting the doors to better suit his home's aesthetic.
Among his favorite pieces are the versatile Norbo folding table, perfect for adding extra serving space during gatherings, and the classic Bekväm step stool, a long-standing companion that bears the marks of time and use. Ejdemo singles out the white 1999 PS Cabinet as his absolute favorite Ikea item, owning multiple units that serve various purposes throughout his home, highlighting its enduring design and functionality.
He also shares his affection for the PS 1995 Clock, a vintage find he acquired at a street sale, noting its original features and the significance of its "PS red" color. The PS Svarva floor lamp, designed by Front for the PS 2009 collection, is another favorite, praised for its innovative twistable design. Ejdemo also values the PS Sinka Cabinet from the same collection for its clever storage solutions.
Further down his list are the Hella Jongerius-designed PS Jonsberg vases, creatively repurposed for cable management and bathroom use, and the highly customizable Pax wardrobes, which he has also personalized with hand-painted finishes. Even the Spraka pepper mills, part of a past PS collection, are cherished for their longevity and the character they've gained from daily use. While he doesn't currently own a Billy bookcase, Ejdemo confirms he's had many Kallax units, particularly appreciating them for vinyl record storage.
