IKEA is redefining the role of home electronics with a vibrant new collaboration, transforming functional gadgets into expressive design pieces. Partnering with Swedish multidisciplinary colourist Tekla Evelina Severin, known as Teklan, the brand is injecting bold hues, striking patterns, and geometric forms into everyday tech—starting with a refreshed take on its VAPPEBY Bluetooth speaker.
The collaboration challenges the conventional perception of home electronics as purely utilitarian objects meant to be hidden away. Instead, IKEA and Teklan envision a future where technology seamlessly integrates with personal style, becoming a natural extension of home decor. “Colour has the power to shift our perspective and encourage us to see everyday objects in new ways,” says Teklan. “With this collaboration, I hope we can inspire more people to explore what colour can be and what it does for a home.”
The first products to emerge from this partnership are two limited-edition versions of IKEA’s VAPPEBY portable Bluetooth speaker, now reimagined with dynamic colour combinations and playful patterns. Designed to be both eye-catching and practical, the waterproof speakers (The VAPPEBY speaker is IP67-rated, meaning it is dust-tight and can withstand immersion in waterfor up to 30 minutes) boast an impressive 80-hour battery life, making them as functional as they are visually striking.
Sara Ottosson, Product Developer at IKEA, explains the thinking behind the collaboration: “Home electronics is seen by many as something functional that you sometimes want to hide. Working with Teklan allows us to explore how colour and design can bridge the gap between home furnishing and technology, creating pieces that people are excited to display.”
While the VAPPEBY speakers offer a first glimpse into the collaboration’s potential, the full collection—set to launch in early 2026—promises to expand on this vision with a broader range of electronicsdesigned to blend artistry with functionality. By merging IKEA’s accessible design ethos with Teklan’s bold aesthetic, the partnership aims to encourage consumers to rethink how technology fits into their living spaces—not as an afterthought, but as a central element of home expression.
For now, the updated VAPPEBY speakers are available worldwide, offering a colourful preview of what’s to come. As IKEA continues to push boundaries in home design, this collaboration signals a shift towards a more playful, personal, and visually engaging approach to everyday tech.