We were thrilled to present the VARMBLIXT collection, a groundbreaking collaboration between IKEA and renowned Rotterdam-based designer Sabine Marcelis. This collection embraced the potential of light in the home, highlighting its profound impact on wellbeing and aesthetic appeal. Launched in Australia in early 2023, VARMBLIXT introduced an innovative approach to lighting design, fusing functionality with artistic expression.
The Vision Behind VARMBLIXT
The transformative power of light inspired the VARMBLIXT collection. The collaboration aimed to explore lighting solutions that served a functional purpose and enhanced the emotional and artistic value of home environments. At the core of this collection were two signature LED wall lamps, unveiled at the 2022 Milan Design Week during the IKEA Festival. These lamps encapsulated the collection’s essence by offering practical illumination and sculptural beauty.
Dual-Purpose Lighting
The hallmark of the VARMBLIXT collection was its dual-purpose lighting. When turned on, the two LED wall lamps emitted a warm, inviting glow that changed the ambience of any room. When turned off, they stood as exquisite sculptural pieces, making a bold statement in any space. This duality was a recurring theme in Sabine Marcelis’ work, emphasizing the blend of form and function.
Sculptural Lighting Design
Sabine Marcelis’ approach to lighting design was deeply sculptural. The lamps in the VARMBLIXT collection were designed to bend out from the wall, creating a sense of depth and movement. This flexibility allowed the lights to be mounted horizontally and vertically, enabling a variety of configurations that could transform any room into an artful installation.
“As a designer, I am inspired by sculptural lighting and objects in the home that serve more than their functional needs but add to the artistic value of home,” said Sabine Marcelis. “With VARMBLIXT, I wanted people to connect more with their homes and consider elements such as lighting which enlighten our atmosphere in a simplistic yet sophisticated way.”
Enhancing Emotional Wellbeing Through Light
The VARMBLIXT collectWellbeingart of IKEA’s long-term goal to shift from purely functional lighting to lighting that also had an emotional impact. Recognizing the importance of light in the Nordics, significantly as daylight diminished in autumn, IKEA aimed to create lighting solutions that contributed to emotional well-being and the home’s overall atmosphere.
A Journey Towards Emotional Lighting
The collaboration with Sabine Marcelis highlighted this journey towards emotional lighting. Her artistic vision aligned with IKEA’s mission to inspire people to rethink the role of light in their homes. By integrating lighting with emotional and sensory experiences, VARMBLIXT sought to create nurtured and uplifted environments.
“The first-ever sneak peek of the VARMBLIXT collection spotlighted a meaningful collaboration where we hoped to inspire the many on the impact of emotional lighting,” said Henrik Most, Creative Leader at IKEA of Sweden. “Together with Sabine’s artistic vision of design, we were excited to bring a collection that would truly add a sense of warmth and duality to our homes.”
Looking Forward
The VARMBLIXT collection was designed to inspire a new interest in how light could transform our homes’ look, feel, and atmosphere. The initial reveal at the 2022 Milan Design Week focused on two essential products, but a more extensive collection was unveiled in the following year. This global launch, including in Australia, redefined our approach to home lighting in early 2023.
Discover the Impact of VARMBLIXT
We invited you to explore the VARMBLIXT collection and discover how these innovative lighting solutions could transform your home. Whether enhancing the warmth of your living space or adding an artistic touch to your decor, VARMBLIXT offered a unique blend of functionality and beauty that was sure to inspire.
Conclusion
The VARMBLIXT collection by IKEA and Sabine Marcelis represented a pioneering approach to lighting design. This collection aimed to create beautiful environments and enhance emotional well-being by merging functional illumination with artistic expression. As we anticipated the global launch of VARMBLIXT, we were excited that these innovative lighting solutions would transform homes worldwide.
Sources
IKEA. (2022, June 21). When light comes to life. Retrieved from https://www.ikea.com/au/en/new/when-light-comes-to-life-pub0dcd57e0 ​
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