Anticipation runs high around this time of the year for none other than the annual IKEA catalog.  This year is no exception.  I eagerly checked my mailbox every day for this catalog. When it did come, I flipped through each page and discussed the top picks and trends with our design contributors, Quang Dang of Quanism and Daniela Olmedo. Here are our top picks and trends from the 2016 catalog.

What we love about this year’s catalog is the emphasis on social gatherings involving food. The presentation is warmer and less Scandinavian.  Introduction to warmer tones and more traditional lines help create a buzz for those who may not love the Scandinavian aesthetics.  Alternatively, there are some interesting color trends which we will also explore in this article.  Some of our picks are for new items and old favorites and trends that we saw in the catalog.

1.  Kivik Couch Series

This upholstered modular sectional is great for those who want to “customize” the seating area without splurging on a custom sectional.  The presentation of the chaise as part of a couch in a different configuration is a nice touch.   Blue is the new black and is neutral enough to work with most design themes.

2.  Holmsel Chair

Rattan is making a big comeback and IKEA has introduced a few different items in this material. The simple but elegant lines on this particular chair lends itself to a multitude of applications.  This chair can easily be used as a chair in a bedroom or seating around a dining table.  The possibilities are endless.

3. Godmorgan/ Aldern Countertop/ Tornivken Sink combination

Godmorgan is one of IKEA’s most popular bathroom cabinet options.  It is great to see the introduction of the Aldern countertop with the Tornivken sink for a different look.  This could really be great in a guest bathroom or a powder room.

4. Tyssedal Bed Frame

With country style coming back in full force, it is nice to see an elegant traditional bed. In fact, IKEA style it in that theme for their catalog.  Who wouldn’t love to visit a guest house with this welcoming  and homey decor.  We also love the curtains that are hung on tracks and suspended from the ceiling to give a 4 poster bed feel.

5.  Mockelby Table

This solid oak table is not something one would imagine finding at IKEA.  The style is much more traditional.  It also looks very sturdy and the price is reasonable at $699.

6. Stocksund Chaise

It is great that the chaise’s lines are curvy and not so modular.  This would fit into a traditional house or warm up a modern house.  It looks plush and one can imaging spending hours just laying on this chaise.

7.  The new Ragrund series for the bathroom

This line is made of lacquered bamboo.  This is a great type of wood that is durable and renewable.  The chair with a towel rack is a clever idea for a small space.

8.  Yddingen Cabinet and Sink

This is a square porcelain sink and the profile would be great for a small space.  This cabinet is simple enough that it just beckons for an IKEA hack to make it unique. Adding an interesting hardware can make this combo less utilitarian.

9. Sektion Kitchen

We are still loving the new Sektion kitchens which have more customization options than its predecessor.

Grey

The grey traditional kitchen is perfect in this particular photo.  Grey is still a fashionable color and the trend is to move away from bands of horizontal cabinets.  This creates a more open feel to the kitchen.  The wall cabinets are now treated as storage columns.

As done in this rendition, the cabinets on both sides of the sink can hide appliances while displaying china and glassware.  The storage banquette behind the island provides a cozy dining area.

Aqua

The Moroccan theme is still chic as ever and when paired with the blue backsplash, it can bring a touch of personality to the modern white kitchen.

10. Bittergurka Series

The planter in this series is the a modern take on the hanging planters.  It is a great to let the plants naturally purify the indoor air while providing additional privacy.  A plus is the modern and cool watering can that is part of the series.

11.  Sinnerlig pendant lamp

Love the natural material and the sculptural form of this lamp shade.

This day bed is not in the catalog but is featured in other publications as part of the series.  The day bed is so chic and can work in a multitude of interiors.  This series is supposed to be available in October 2015.

12. Bringing Back the Brady Bunch

Our editors either love or hate this theme.  The styling for this room is fresh and hip.  Who wouldn’t want a psychedelic and fun room to call their own.  This could be a colorful kid or teenager’s room.

13.  Green Chairs

It’s easy being green!  Green is the easiest way to freshen up a room. It’s also one of the chicest colors right now.  We love that both of these high back wing chairs evoke the coziness of our grandparents’ den.  Luckily these chairs have been updated for the modern interiors.

Strandmon Chair

Stockholm Chair

14.  Pretty in Pink

Pink is making a big comeback!  Notice how many pink painted backgrounds there are in the catalog.

Klippan sofa

The little iron vanity, love seat (above), and kids chaise/bed would make a perfect room for the little girl in all of us.

Falkhojden Desk

Busunge Extendable Bed

Maryd Tray/Table

Share with us what you like from the new IKEA 2016 calendar by leaving a comment below.

For related articles, visit our DESIGN page.

Author: Chau Hoang

Contributors: Quan Dang of Quanism and Daniela Olmedo