IKEA and Masters reveal their most popular products
Home renovations and interior design are becoming as much of a national pastime for Aussies as property itself.
“People want to live like in the pages of a magazine,” says Richard Misso, creative director of interior design service The Stylesmiths.
But while it’s easy to spend a pretty penny on a bespoke bedspread or custom-made cabinetry, most of us would prefer to achieve the same result on a reasonable budget.
Major retailers and services like The Stylesmiths, which offers interior designers from $60 an hour, have cottoned on to that demand. Mr Misso says as interior design becomes more accessible, people are willing to splash a little cash on a quick fix.
“It’s like when the global financial crisis hit and stores reported that sales of lipsticks were actually still strong. It’s the same when you buy a cushion or a rug or a pendant light – it’s a little, quick way to cheer the space up.”
Mr Misso says there is now a trend of mixing higher-end pieces with pieces from major retailers.
“It’s like fashion, no one wears only couture. People will mix and match with a cheap T-shirt.”
Mr Misso says the biggest drawcard of IKEA products, other than affordability, is that “their products have the ability to blend.”
“Those products are really flexible, they just work with any interior,” he says.
The Swedish furniture giant’s most popular products are basic storage options like shelving units or simple decoratives, like potted plants or textured rugs or mats.
“People like to take their look in smaller steps with these products, rather than heavily investing in pieces,” Mr Misso adds.
IKEA’s top-selling products
1. Kallax shelving units
2. Alex drawer
3. Molger shelving unit
4. Äpplarö drop-leaf table
5. Fejka artificial potted plants
6. Stenstorp kitchen island
7. Ingolf chair white
8. Antilop highchair
9. Toftbo bath mat
10. Hektar floor lamp
11. Ludde sheepskin
Mr Misso says he’s not surprised the most popular products from DIY stores such as Masters are kitchen packages and finishes.
“They make DIY accessible,” he says. “Someone is taking pressure off you with a package, their guiding you as to what works.”
He says products like Porcelain tiles “jazz things up with ease” and are also easy to install.
Masters’ top-selling products
1. Kitchen packages (Colours: Fuji White, Purity and Mission Beach)
2. Caeserstone benchtops
3. Profile coloured glass splashbacks
4. Franke Tectonite and Granite sinks
5. Sens Bamboo flooring
6. Porcelain tiles – Australian Floor Tile Blackbutt/Spotted Gum
