The KONSTRUNDA collection blurs the boundaries between art and everyday life

IKEA Unveils the KONSTRUNDA Collection, Blurring Lines Between Art and Everyday Life On August 14, 2026, IKEA announced the launch of its new KONSTRUNDA collection, a bold and eclectic range of artistic objects designed to transform everyday spaces into inspiring environments. The collection features 22 unique pieces created by artists, designers, and creators from diverse backgrounds. Each item reflects the distinct perspective of its maker, aiming to make art accessible to a broader audience. The initiative was spearheaded by Karin Gustavsson, creative director of the KONSTRUNDA collection, who emphasized that art should belong to everyone, not just privileged gallery-goers. “Art evokes emotions, opens conversations, and helps turn homes into personal sanctuaries,” she stated. “With KONSTRUNDA, we wanted to create items that encourage people to express their identity and fill their homes with objects that hold deep meaning.” The collection includes glassware, ceramics, furniture, and textiles. Hand-blown glass vases become central decorative elements, while chairs take on sculptural roles. Textiles transcend functionality, becoming works of art. Bold shapes, vibrant colors, and striking silhouettes highlight each creator’s individuality and invite reflection on the role of art in daily life. IKEA invited creators from different generations, regions, and disciplines to experiment freely, offering them a completely open canvas for self-directed creation. The name KONSTRUNDA, which means “artistic walk” in Swedish, symbolizes a journey through varied artistic expressions, with each artist contributing their unique vision of domestic art. Among the featured creators is Andu Masebo, a product and interior designer who crafted a glass table with a massive chrome frame, making it a standout design feature. His wooden blocks blend art and function, capable of serving as artistic objects, side tables, or seating elements. One is made from raw birch wood, while the other stands out with a playful blue finish. Another notable contributor is Lisa Reiser, a Swedish artist working in glass, ceramics, and metal. She designed hand-blown glass pieces with distinctive forms and tactile surfaces. A green sculpture resembling a rubbery candy ball contrasts with a black lacquered vessel that uses light and shadow to emphasize its elegant curves. Lis Hilland, a renowned Swedish designer, aimed to make art more accessible through her work. She transformed birchwood, a material deeply connected to the IKEA brand, into a unique chair with a pronounced character. Her orange ceramic sculpture plays with the tension between fullness and emptiness, where even voids have significance in design. Emanuele Stamuli, an interior designer specializing in luxury fashion and retail spaces, added a minimalist, monochrome series featuring geometric patterns. His pieces, including a rug and several vases, play subtly with irregularities that give them a distinctive visual appeal. Akanksha Deo, an IKEA designer, found inspiration in the world of incomplete figures, which bring personality into the home. She explained, “We live in an era where many people face loneliness. I wanted to create figures that give space a sense of connection, community, and belonging.” Humor is a key part of her design approach. A polished steel plate appears slightly crushed, giving it an unexpected and playful shape. Geometric wooden elements inspired by traditional Indian toys from her childhood take on protective, comforting forms, with a mirrored cube at their center. Meanwhile, on August 12, 2026, the 13th International Painting Biennale took place on Velika Planina, a mountain region in Slovenia. Organized by the Cultural Arts Association Tone Kranjc Kamnik, the event brought together 19 local and international painters. Artists such as Anton Buzeti, a painter, caricaturist, and illustrator from Pomurje, described the experience as one of both creativity and camaraderie. He noted that the event fosters debates about the future of art and provides a chance to reconnect with old friends. Similarly, Marjan Novak, a local artist, praised the serene environment of Velika Planina as ideal for creating. He completed a portrait of Vlasta Kopač, a notable architect known for his visionary approach and respect for heritage. Other participants included Veljko Toman, a painter who often draws inspiration from the landscape. This year, he focused on two birches and the Krimsko Mountains, emphasizing the need for imagination to see these scenes. Senad Begić, a Bosnian academic painter making his debut at the biennale, expressed admiration for the natural beauty and friendly atmosphere. Zvonka Pacek, another first-time participant, echoed this sentiment, noting the abundance of inspiration and the peaceful setting. Despite being a space for relaxation and inspiration, the event produced numerous artworks, some of which were already available for viewing during the exhibition, while others will be displayed later in September.