We enjoyed a peek at some upcoming fabric designs that hit our email box this morning. Starting this February, IKEA will roll out several fresh new texile lines. Three designers took on the general theme of a mix of Scandinavia and Japan, with interesting results.

Shown above, left to right:

1. The HENNY line by Kazuyou Nomura. She writes: “I was born in Japan, but I’ve lived in Sweden for a long time. So it was really fun for me to work with a Japanese theme. We share the same clean, scaled-down shapes and calm colors. With the HENNY collection I wanted to create a contemporary pattern by combining the textiles of my youth with the colors and shapes that surround me now. I like stripes and checks – and blue. Calm colors and designs are well suited to the bedroom. The friendly patterns help you sleep well.”

2. The RENATE line by Emma Jones. She writes: “When I was designing the RENATE collection I was inspired by springtime; by new buds in bloom, bursting into life with vibrant color. I wanted the collection to be happy and inviting, with fields and garlands of beautiful flowers. I drew and painted flowers in different scales -
some in a free, abstract style, others more detailed. I was particularly inspired by Dahlias. Their bright colors and bold structures have a starburst quality and echo the idea of springtime exploding into life.”

3. The CHARLOTTA line by Åsa Ekström, a Swedish manga artist. She includes everything from Segel's Square in Stockholm and traditional Swedish folk costumes to Japanese tattoos and Godzilla. Her favorite design is CHARLOTTA VILD, which features Scandinavian animals portrayed origami style. She writes: “Perhaps you can do a tea cozy with origami animals – or cut out a samurai Viking and pin it on a bag. I had great fun designing this collection and I hope the playfulness and joy have rubbed off on the textiles.”

Thoughts on the designs? Have a favorite of the three?