Being musically inclined is likely embedded in the DNA of Swedes. After all, Sweden is considered the “pop music capital of the world,” birthplace of Abba, Ace of Base, Roxette, and the Cardigans just to name a few. It’s also likely that for many Swedes music-making is part of their everyday. So it’s not surprising that the biggest Swedish home products brand, IKEA, has thought of producing a line of furniture and accessories aimed at making music easier and more inspiring not only for Swedes but the rest of the world.
But it didn’t take on the responsibility alone —the home furnishings giant partnered with electronic music artists Swedish House Mafia (remember 2012’s hit “Don’t You Worry Child”) to come up with a limited collection that will enable many rising creatives in music and digital arts to build their own home studio without breaking the bank. The result of the collaboration is Obegransäd, which is Swedish for “limited.”
The collection targets everyone who values music experiences at home and outside, whether you’re a music producer, creator, a DJ, or even just a fan. Technology has enabled the democratization of music and music production, and the Obegransäd collection aims to support the creative pursuits of people creating, performing, and enjoying music at home.
The products are built on the band’s insights about the needs of those starting their music or creative career. “Since we were kids, we have valued the IKEA approach of making things affordable and available for a lot of people,” says Swedish House Mafia. “We used to find a creative way to make IKEA furniture to accommodate our teenage lives as creatives, so the collaboration’s purpose was formed around our own personal journey in life.”
The collection consists of more than 20 clever home furnishing solutions for producing and performing music in the home setup – as well as solutions for listening to music and creating a relaxed atmosphere. This includes a record player, LED work, wall and floor lamps, a clock; a laptop, tablet, speaker, and record stands; a desk, two options of shelving units, an armchair, four options of bags, including an accessory, a record and a laptop bag, rug, and sleepers in two sizes, a throw and a cushion cover.
“We wanted to simplify the process for people to create music,” says the band. “Hopefully, our collection inspires and enables more people to be more creative within their home, and it does not have to be restricted to only music making. It can be so much more.”
Up-and-coming DJs and music producers will hopefully appreciate the Obegransäd shelving unit, which is designed with an extra space for amplifiers, and a higher unit, the Obegransäd desk with speaker stands and a pull-out shelf. A mix of lighting – including ambient light in the Obegransäd clock – and soft furnishings promise to bring in the right mood and ease musicians into the creative flow.
The collection is designed with a classic black aesthetic and minimalist, sleek design that supports the technology and each product’s function. As Swedish House Mafia puts it: ”The design in our collection features a timeless theme with a distinct trace of our DNA”.
"Look at the collection and the complexity of it: lights, furniture, tech,” says Friso Wiersma, IKEA in-house designer. “That would not have been possible with just any collaboration, but collaboration is in the essence of Swedish House Mafia. It's in everything they do.”
The Obegransäd collection will be available at IKEA Pasay City starting October 06, 2022.