This past June I was fortunate enough to travel to Sweden and Denmark. Ikea organized the trip and it was wonderful. One of the many highlights for me was a tour through a small museum that Ikea keeps almost a secret — it's under a hotel that they own for corporate guests visiting their headquarters.
We entered through a funny door in the basement, and there before us were rooms filled with Ikea history and furniture examples since the company’s conception in 1943.













This was Ikea’s first flat-pack parcel.


Always-in-style retro lighting. Notice the moulded detail inside.

I love the shape of this frying pan with the wooden handle.




I have to say the mid-century pieces really caught my eye, seeming so current and on trend. It would be so great if Ikea could reintroduce some of these items. The “Classic Collection” — I can see it now. I’d buy the hanging red-orange retro plastic light — imagine it in a rainbow of fab colours.
Click here for Michael Penney’s top picks from the latest Ikea catalogue.
Photo credits:
Morgan Michener
Comment Guidelines
We welcome your feedback on Houseandhome.com. H&H reserves the right to remove any unsuitable personal remarks made about the bloggers, hosts, homeowners and/or guests we feature. Please keep your comments focused on decorating, design, cooking and other lifestyle topics. Adopt a tone you would be willing to use in person and do not make slanderous remarks or use denigrating language. If you see a comment that you believe violates any of the guidelines outlined above, please click “Alert a Moderator.” Thank you.

