Our top picks from the IKEA 2017 catalogue

For those as obsessed with reasonably priced minimalist Scandi style as we are, it’s the most exciting time of the year: new IKEA catalogue time!

IKEA fanatics rejoice as the 2017 catalogue and its 500+ new products will be gracing mailboxes this month. So check your bank balance, wait by the letterbox and start dog-earring the pages of all your must-have pieces.

The theme of this year’s catalogue is ‘Imperfect is perfect enough’, which is all about embracing life’s flaws and celebrating uniqueness in the home, especially the kitchen. Think mismatched dining chairs, quirky table settings, practical solutions for small spaces, multi-purpose modular furniture and cool tech-savvy designs.

If you can’t wait for your glossy 324-page catalogue to arrive here are our seven favourite items from this year’s haul. So say ‘Goodbye expectations. Hello you!’ (coincidently also the new catalogue’s slogan) to all these affordable beauties.

1. Rockin’ chairs

Can you see yourself sipping a glass of whiskey in front of an open fire after a long day, reading a thrilling novel or rocking your child to sleep in this modern Scandinavian take on a traditional rocking chair? A great accessory for a nursery or character-filled living room, the POANG rocking-chair ($539) gives you a choice of four different colours of soft yet durable full-grain leather.

For your mini-me: The POANG armchair even comes in a children’s sized model ($69) so everyone in the family can have their own special spot to lounge.

2. Adaptable multi-coloured cabinets

A fabulous way to control clutter at the same time as injecting some bold colour into your interiors, the LIXHULT modular storage unit series (starting from $25) allows you to add to and adjust your storage space as needed. With stackable, wall-mounted and free standing cabinets available, there’s a style for everyone and every space.

3. Flexible seating

The Swiss army knife of sofas, the VALLENTUNA modular range (from $1295) allows you to create whatever type and shape of sofa or sofa bed you desire. It was designed with three key functions in mind: sitting, storage and sleeping.

With eight adjustable parts and a range of colours, patterns and materials you can custom design your own flexible sofa to suit your taste, budget and space. Add a low back or a high one, make an L-shaped slouchy corner couch or transform it into a comfy bed. Built-in storage compartments also mean you can keep blankets, extra cushions, books and DVDs cleverly tucked out of sight.

4. The modern writing desk

As they say ‘sitting is the new smoking’, and with the compact KNOTTEN standing desk ($229) staying on your feet for more time throughout the working day has never been easier and more affordable. The desk includes hooks for your keys and headphones, drawers for stationary and cords, and a special compartment to charge your phone and tablet.

5. Wheelie good carts

Bring the convenience and style of a mobile storage trolley to your kitchen or living room. The SUNNERSTA trolley ($49.99) is the perfect companion for any home chef lacking kitchen storage and bench space, allowing you to keep all your key ingredients and condiments within plain sight and easy reach. Better yet, think of the winning cocktails you could serve up to guests while keeping the conversation flowing from your own fully stocked bar cart in the convenience of the living room.

6. Kiss cord clutter goodbye

Probably the coolest new tech product in the 2017 catalogue are the phone covers (starting from $14.99), VARV lamps (from $99) and NORDMARKE pads (starting at $59) with inbuilt wireless charging capabilities for smartphones. Any smartphone that supports Qi wireless charging will work with these wireless charging products (i.e. iPhone 6, iPhone 5S, Samsung Galaxy S5 and Galaxy S4).

7. Blackboard planner

Find it hard to keep track of everyone’s schedule in your household? Position this whimsical blackboard planner ($49.99) in your kitchen or living area to help keep track of everyone’s plans, write reminders and phone messages, build out your shopping list and get on top of weekly meal planning. There’s even handy hooks for keys, umbrellas and other knick-knacks. The possibilities are almost endless. Plus, the kids will love spending time decorating the board with there own colourful chalk drawings.

IKEA has definitely outdone themselves this year with loads of flexible, exciting and innovative furniture solutions to create a better and more functional life at home, with new items in-store from September 1. We know where we’re heading this weekend.

While you’re shopping up a storm you might even think about picking up a couple of cool items for Dad for Father’s Day, if he’s lucky!

We’d love to see your favourite items of IKEA furniture, be it old or new. Share them with us via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using #homelylovesikea.

Happy homewares hunting!

From the Homely Team