We’ve just got back to Dubai from a few weeks in South Africa and it feels like Christmas has come early with the launch of IKEA’S 2018 catalogue. This year’s theme, ‘make room for life’ encourages you to make room for the things you love, no matter the size of your home or your wallet. Having lived in our current home for exactly one year now, and still seeing too many blank walls and spaces around me (quite simply because I spend all my time focusing on client’s homes these days), I am suitably inspired to fix things in the coming weeks!  Watch this space.

But back to the new catalogue, if you don’t yet have your hands on a copy, you can view the digital catalogue over here or download the app (Android / AppStore), or just trust me with my round-up of favourites below.

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Greenery is a big theme throughout the catalogue (as is shades of blue) – from sprouting seeds to big Monstera leaves. The TVILLING Poster Set with had me most excited. The motif is created by Shelby Dillon – her art is inspired by bold color, simple beauty and a strong desire to spread joy to others. If you are one of those not-so-green-fingers types, you will be happy to hear that the artificial plants from the new catalogue are as good as the real thing – particularly the fiddle leaf fig tree, or FEJKA for those in the know. Pop your faux friend into a gorgeous pot or basket that suits your style and you won’t have to water it once, twice or ever.

As you may know, I’m a big leather handle fan – I even did a DIY Video on how to pimp your BESTA cabinets with these guys – and now you can replace all your knobs and handles with beautiful tanned leather straps that feel soft to touch and add a warm and natural element to your home. There are two styles available, and I want both. Obvs.

Another item on my must-have list is the FUBBLA wall lamp and it’s matching work lamp. I love the simplicity of the style and have used something very similar in my bedroom.

A funky acquaintance coming your way is the ODGER Chair – a bowl-shaped seat and rounded back made of renewable wood and recycled plastic. I actually got to see this chair in prototype phase when I attended IKEA’S Design Days event in Sweden last year and it’s pretty exciting to see the final product in the store. In true House of Hawkes-style, I have selected almost everything in neutral colour tones but the Yellow Bedspread is to die for. Truth be told, I seem to be having a bit of a mustard yellow moment after recently using it in a client’s guest room – it works magic with navy. If you fancy a pop of colour, this is my best recommendation for the season. It’s a delicious woven cotton bedspread that will give your bed a vibrant and comfy vibe.

Last but not least, the GRADVIS and LIVSLANG selection of vases are simply stunning and bang on trend…. not to mention their prices, that are to die for!

Let me know your favourites in the comments below.