There are few places that offer a more personal glimpse into another country than an ambassador’s residence.

So when Swedish Ambassador Anna Ferry opened her official home in Manila to launch Ikea’s new PS Collection 2026, guests experienced more than a furniture exhibition. They stepped inside a space where Swedish design is not simply displayed, but lived.

The choice of venue was intentional.

Long before Ikea became one of Sweden’s most recognizable global brands, Scandinavian design had become synonymous with functionality, simplicity, and the belief that well-designed everyday objects should be accessible to everyone. Those same principles are reflected throughout Ambassador Ferry’s residence, making it a fitting backdrop for a collection that continues to explore the future of Swedish design.

Welcoming guests into her home, Ferry described design as an important part of Swedish identity and one that Sweden is proud to share.

“Design is an important part of Swedish identity, and it is something we are proud to share,” she said.

Rather than staging the launch inside a conventional showroom, Ikea transformed the residence itself into a living gallery. Shelves, reading corners, lounges, and entertaining spaces were styled with pieces from the new collection, allowing guests to experience how the designs function in an actual home rather than on a display floor.

First introduced in 1995, the Ikea PS Collection has long served as the company’s experimental platform, encouraging designers to rethink everyday furniture through fresh ideas, unexpected materials, and playful forms while remaining true to IKEA’s democratic design philosophy. Now in its tenth edition, the 2026 collection introduces more than 30 pieces designed for contemporary living.

Among its standout pieces is a bright green inflatable armchair by designer Mikael Axelsson, alongside sculptural lighting, colorful storage solutions, and playful accessories that balance practicality with personality. But for Ambassador Ferry, thoughtful design extends beyond aesthetics.

“To have this warm, soft light, the recommendation is to have five groups of smaller lamps,” she explained. “That will help you decompress after a long day’s work, help you get into the right circadian rhythm, support better mental health, and sleep well.” Smiling, she added, “I am very sensitive to light, so this is really critical in a home.”

The collection also reflects Ikea’s focus on finding simple solutions to everyday needs—sometimes in the smallest products.

Asked about her own favorite, Ikea Philippines Country Selling Manager Sarah Cox did not point to one of the headline furniture pieces.

“My ‘thank God Ikea made it’ item has got to be the Bevara clip,” she said. “It helps me keep food fresh and avoid waste, and I can even use it as a hairclip.”

The lighthearted remark captured Ikea’s broader philosophy: that good design is not always about making a statement, but about making daily life a little easier.

For Sweden, design has long been one of its most influential cultural exports. Like literature, music, or cuisine, it offers insight into the values of the society that created it. In this case, those values include sustainability, accessibility, innovation, and the belief that good design should be available to the many.