One bright spark

The seed for a design that spreads across the world can sprout from anywhere, anytime. No town is too small, and inspiration can strike even on the drive to work. 

Just ask IKEA designer Marcus Arvonen, whose brainchild a few years ago grew into Europe's best-selling item in IKEA's PS range. Living and working in Almhult, Sweden, with a population of just 15,500 was no obstacle for Arvonen.

The idea for his iconic PS Maskros pendant lamp hit him he as he was passing a field of dandelions. Gazing at the seed-heads, a switch clicked: the natural wonder could be the basis for his new design.

"[It's] easy to get the idea but then it is a challenge to get it through the IKEA process," says Arvonen, adding that the obstacle course includes flat packaging, a low price and child safety.

But to be a success, a brainchild needs to be nurtured by a team of experts from different IKEA departments. Arvonen worked closely with James Futcher, IKEA's product developer in charge of lighting, who guides designs through up to two years of development before they are ready to hit stores.

Like Arvonen, Futcher was pleased with the finished product, confessing that the PS Maskros pendant lamp is one of his favourites. "It's such an icon for IKEA and it creates such an amazing sparkling light," he says.

British designer Futcher sees no disadvantage in being based in the small town in southern Sweden. "We do home visits around the world to see how people really live, and we travel to different events."

How the designs actually function in people's homes is always the biggest challenge for Futcher and his colleagues. Creating a beautiful design is important, but you have to switch it on to see whether it can do the job. "When you turn it on, does the light spread in the right way. Is it strong enough to read by? Does it give a nice sparkly, atmospheric effect?"

The PS Maskros obviously overcomes those challenges, answering the demands of both designers and customers. The pendant lamp is packed in a flat box whose size and weight even the most petite can handle. It brightens up a room but also creates a striking lighting effect. And it ticks one more design box: when turned off it still makes a beautiful home decoration. For Futcher it fulfils all the criteria of strong design as an item with popular appeal that functions well in the home. 

Launched in 2009, with a smaller version added soon after, the PS Maskros lamps are now an icon in IKEA catalogues. Used as the icing on the decor cake in dining rooms, kitchens and living rooms across Europe, the lamp has proved a striking and democratic piece of design. 

For the product development team, the goals have been met. The PS Maskros is stylish and practical for use in any country. "People have the same needs all over the world," Futcher remarks. 

The Maskros also fits the IKEA philosophy of mix and match, of offering a facelift for a room without the need to change the furniture. And we can test that theory soon - IKEA opens its first Thai store on November 3.