Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably already seen or heard that the new 2017 IKEA catalogue has arrived in stores. I was a little late to this party as I was down South in the homeland when my favourite paperback hit the UAE so I missed the media event and associated fanfare. Suffice to say I was experiencing a good dose of FOMO whilst hanging out in the bush – something I dealt with rather swiftly after my return to Dubai.

After my recent visit to the Swedish HQ, having seen the actual studio space in which all the catalogue images are photographed and having met some of the photographers and staff, I find myself looking at the catalogue from a whole new perspective. As always, it’s packed full of smart ideas and inspirational images that are enough to get even the most decor challenged individuals through the doors.

This year, the catalogue theme is Goodbye expectations. Hello you! IKEA hopes to offer “solutions that help people to live a life free of traditional expectations,” in order to “rediscover the simple joy of cooking, eating, and being together.” I love the ideology.

As you may know, we have just moved house and I’ve already had one epic visit to the store this week, but I suspect they’ll be seeing a lot more of me in the coming weeks as the IKEA list I keep on my phone (yes, I have one of those) continues to grow!

Here’s a look a look at my firm favourites from the catalogue…

1 Love love love the stylish simplicity of the VIKTIGT glass jug | 2 The RISATORP wire basket is as gorgeous as it is practical. Ideal for the kitchen or kids room storage | 3 I’m smitten with the blush pink tone of the SÖDERHAMN sofa series | 4 Um, hello there GRÖNADAL rocking chair… where have they been hiding you? | 5 Super excited about the arrival of the KVISTBRO storage tables. It comes in a larger, white version too | 6 Big love for the entire FLISAT series, but this stool is a particular favourite | 7 Do I even need to say anything about the ENIGHET candlestick. Just stunning | 8 The marblesque EKBACKEN worktop… eeeek! Hands down the most affordable way to attain ‘the look’ in your kitchen | 9 I really need this VIKTIGT laundry basket in my life – dirty laundry never looked so good | 10 RIMFORSA bamboo tablet stand – a must have.

If you’re going to be in the Dubai store within the next few days, I’ll no doubt bump in to you.