Ikea launches build-your-own party electronics

Designed in collaboration with Stockholm-based studio Teenage Engineering, the collection aims to “democratise light and sound at home” with affordable modular pieces.

Ikea has unveiled its next homeware range will be a 27-piece party collection, designed with impromptu festivities in mind.

The Frekvens collection is a collaboration between Ikea and Stockholm-based studio Teenage Engineering. It features a number of speakers and lighting systems, with which users can build their own tailored party set up, as well as other “party essentials”.

With Teenage Engineering’s specific focus on audio consumer electronics, the collection centres around sound. There are three different Bluetooth speakers on offer, including a portable one and a duo speaker-subwoofer.

Because of their modular design, speakers can then be fitted together with other items from the range, including lights and accessories.

“Why do you have to hide speakers – they are furniture in their own right,” says Teenage Engineering head of design Jesper Kouthoofd. “When you start to build a modular system and add fronts and accessories on, it’s a more fun way to think about sound.”

With what Kouthhoofd calls a “retro aesthetic”, the colourful products are significantly different to Ikea’s previous ventures into home audio.

Last year, the furniture retailer teamed up with speaker manufacturer Sonos to launch the distinctly minimalist Symfonisk range. Designed to “blend in”, the table lamp speaker and bookshelf speaker were a much more pared-back approach.

Other items in the collection have been included to help in the process of party-throwing, such as serving bowls, cups and side tables. Additionally, some more eccentric pieces have been added, including a silver reflective raincoat and matching bag and a cajón drum.

The collaboration between the two Swedish companies was originally announced in 2018. During this development period, project creative leader Michael Nikolic said the aim was to create “something that feels like Ikea, and at the same time challenges [it].”

The Frekvens collection will be launched in February. Prices start from £4.

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