Project Overview

This project focuses on the branding and identity development for IKEA, incorporating a modern, clean, and cohesive visual identity. The goal was to refine IKEA's brand image through a sophisticated approach to typography, colour schemes, and promotional materials while maintaining the brand's core values of simplicity, modernity, and affordability. The branding strategy aimed to present a polished and contemporary image while still being recognisable and appealing to its wide customer base.

Design Objectives

The primary objective of the project was to develop a consistent and professional brand identity that aligns with IKEA's modern aesthetic. The design approach was centred around creating a refined visual language that is both functional and stylish, ensuring that all brand touchpoints, from print to digital media, maintained a unified appearance. A carefully selected colour palette and typography system were introduced to enhance brand recognition while reflecting a more elegant and sophisticated feel. Additionally, the project involved designing promotional materials such as business cards, brochures, advertisements, and stationery to reinforce a cohesive and professional brand presence. Every aspect of the design process was aimed at implementing a visual identity that reflects the essence of IKEA’s core values, which include functionality, affordability, and style, while ensuring that the branding remains fresh and relevant in a competitive market.

Challenge & Solution

One of the main challenges of this project was to evolve IKEA’s globally recognised branding, which is often associated with bold blue and yellow colours, into a more refined and elegant version while still preserving its accessibility and recognisability. Striking a balance between modern minimalism and maintaining the essence of the brand required careful selection of colours, fonts, and layouts. It was essential to ensure that the branding retained its strong market presence while also appearing more sophisticated and polished. To address this challenge, a revised colour palette was introduced, featuring dark blue, light blue, and mustard yellow, which provided a more elegant yet recognisable look. The typography selection played a crucial role in maintaining the balance between readability and style, with Nexo Bold used for headings and Nexo Light for body text, ensuring clarity and a contemporary appeal. Additionally, clean and structured layouts with a strong emphasis on negative space were implemented across all branding materials, enhancing the overall readability and visual impact. By integrating these design solutions, the new branding successfully captured IKEA’s modern essence while introducing a more refined aesthetic that appeals to a broader audience.

Final Outcome

The final branding materials successfully modernised IKEA’s identity while maintaining its core brand essence. The project delivered a range of well-executed branding elements that included business cards with a sleek and professional design, a detailed style guide outlining typography, colour usage, and brand application, and a collection of promotional materials such as brochures and advertisements that demonstrated the versatility of the new branding. Furthermore, digital and print collateral were developed to ensure brand consistency across various platforms, providing a seamless experience for customers.

Overall, the branding evolution elevated IKEA’s visual communication, achieving a sophisticated and contemporary look while preserving the brand’s well-established identity. The refined design approach not only strengthened brand recognition but also reinforced IKEA’s position as a leader in the furniture and home décor industry by delivering a more modern and cohesive brand image.

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