Johan Ejdemo began his career in furniture at the age of 15 while training as a cabinetmaker. Now, as an Ikea lifer with nearly 30 years at the company, he leads a team of 20 designers. Together, they shape the 1,500 to 2,000 new products the brand releases annually. Last month, he introduced the PS 2026 collection, the 10th iteration of the brand's budget-friendly design series. Featuring 44 unique items—including a shape-shifting floor lamp and an inflatable easy chair—the collection is priced between $5 and $500.
The Pieces Found in the Design Chief's Home
TrendKia asked Ejdemo to disclose which items he has personally integrated into his own living space. Here are the 12 Ikea products he currently owns:
- Silversida Recycled Ceramic Tableware: Ejdemo uses these blue-dotted bowls and plates. He appreciates the beauty of recycling ceramics and the traditional Scandinavian spot-painting technique applied to them.
- Koncis Metal Trays: As a cooking enthusiast, he uses these professional-level metal trays for various food preparation tasks in his kitchen.
- Customized Faktum Kitchen System: Installed over 20 years ago, Ejdemo has modified this system by sanding and hand-painting the doors to match his home's unique character.
- Norbo Folding Table: Though no longer available, this piece serves as the perfect extra surface at the end of his kitchen island.
- Bekväm Step Stool: He owns an original, slightly oversized version of this classic stool, which has aged alongside him, complete with paint spots.
- PS 1999 Metal Cabinet: This is Ejdemo's absolute favorite piece. He has several of them used for storage in the dining room, hallway, and home office, most being over two decades old.
- PS 1995 Clock: Found at a vintage sale, this original clock features the specific PS red color also used on the main entrance of Ikea headquarters.
- Svarva Lamp: A product of the PS 2009 collection, this floor lamp was created using wooden beads sourced from a Hungarian factory.
- PS Sinka: Located in his hallway, this drawer unit features a clever design where four drawers stack into each other to save packaging volume.
- Jonsberg Vase: He repurposes this vase to conceal cables behind his Samsung Serif TV, admiring the different ceramic techniques used in the series.
- Pax Wardrobe: These units are found in multiple rooms of his home, with Ejdemo periodically repainting the veneer doors to suit his changing style.
- Pepper Mills: Designed with Marcus Arvonen, these tall mills from a past PS collection have remained in his kitchen for over 20 years.
Regarding the iconic Billy bookcase or Kallax units, Ejdemo notes that while he doesn't currently have a Billy at home, he has owned many Kallax units, which he finds brilliant for storing vinyl records.
