Famed Helsinki-based Finnish design house Marimekko, best known for its poppy patterns and bright colors, for the first time created four brand-new patterns for a special collection with IKEA. ‘The Bastua’ line, which launches in March, takes its inspiration from Finnish sauna culture and features new Marimekko prints, most notably a rhubarb leaf pattern (reflecting the area’s native plants) and a striped theme that reminds the log wall construction of the steamy rooms. The Marimekko prints appear throughout the collection: on a shower curtain, robes, towels, trays, bags, water bottles, small tables, candles, glassware, and a bucket. Nordic design is often appreciated for being practical and simple, with materials that call to mind nature; but in the Nordic design tradition there’s also joy and playfulness, surely so when Marimekko is involved. “Marimekko and IKEA have always been concerned with bringing beauty and design to accessible objects, and addressing people’s wellbeing through them”, says Rebekka Bay, Creative Director at Marimekko. “With this collaboration, we’re doing exactly that.” Where IKEA brings a diverse portfolio and home furnishing expertise, Marimekko brings a deep knowledge in the art of printmaking dating back to its foundation in 1951. Knowledge used to develop brand new, unique prints seen for the first time in this collection. “In design, I always try to strive for this balance of two known and one unknown. Here, the two known are the brands, and the unknown would be the new prints”, says Rebekka. Both Rebekka and Henrik Most, Range & Design Leader at IKEA, agree that the two brands have much in common – not least with their respective rich history. “There’s a very clear architectural, timeless quality to Marimekko’s designs. It goes beyond fashion and trends – it’s connected to a way of living. It once broke with the formula of what women should look like, which made them a big part of the women’s liberation movement in the 60s”, says Henrik. “We have great respect for their experience and knowledge on print and patterns, and we share a lot of the same roots. In curiosity, in adapting to the new, and in always trying to make things that people can live with for a long time”. Naturally, the Nordic heritage also made for strong common ground in the collaboration, eventually leading to one main point of inspiration: a Finnish sauna. “Sweden and Finland both have strong storytelling in the design tradition, and both Marimekko and IKEA have a strong Nordic value base in our design approach”, says Rebekka. “For this collaboration, we really wanted to understand our Nordic commonalities, but especially Finnish sauna culture and how important the sauna is for mental and physical wellbeing in Finland.” Though only Finnish sauna culture enjoys UNESCO Cultural Heritage status, sauna and winter bathing (often, but not always, in combination) have been on the rise across the Nordic countries in recent years. “We were inspired by Finnish sauna culture for the collection, but it won’t require a sauna or snow to be enjoyed,” Henrik says about the trend. “Sauna culture is not just about the actual sauna. It’s about a timeout for reflection and wellbeing.” “When we started mapping out the sauna experience, it became evident that the rituals around it are as important as the experience itself.” “I really hope [the collection] inspires people to set up that “sauna moment” even if you don’t have access to a sauna. To stop for a minute and sit back for a timeout to reflect and take care of yourself, your friends, or your family”, says Rebekka.
The collaboration between IKEA and Marimekko will be in stores in March 2023.
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