Happy to have gotten the chance to create the set design and styling for IKEAS FÖSSTA, lunar new year collection.

17th of February 2026 marks the start of several days of celebrations as the year of the fire horse begins in full force.

As we approach the first new moon of the lunar calendar on February 17th, new energies begin their strong straightforward motions in the sign of the fire horse.

Fire being the most dynamic of the five elements symbolizing: Illumination, warmth, energy, rush fullness and transformation.

The sign of the Horse typically being associated with: Rapid movement, autonomy, independence, energy and forward momentum.

This is a rare and very powerful combination, it’s all about vitality, passion, high speed, courage and full of energy. 2026 will not be the year for impassiveness, hesitation and indecision, on the contrary its about to be a ride best enjoyed in full speed ahead, if we choose to listen to the followers of the lunar claendar. Knowing how to go with the flow instead of against it seems to be the key here.

This is THE year to:

Travel, explore new environments
Expand the horizons of both the professional and the intellectual realms
Invest in learning, skill building and in training
Make changes in systems, relationships and habits that no longer work for you, start anew, better and more effective ones

Behind the scenes from one of the sets created together with the IKEA team for the FÖSSTA lunar new year collection

To help the positive energies and the successes that are waiting for us all on their way in this powerful and energizing new lunar year there are a few lucky things we all can keep an eye out for:

Numbers 2, 7
The colours red, pink, purple
Directions: Southeast
Flowers such as Iris, Jasmine and the Calla lilies

Part of one of the FÖSSTA sets, mid shooting

A joyful family celebration, all gathered around a generous round table to enjoy festive meals together

Lots of traditional yummy dishes created by Lisa Lemke

Set and styling by me, created for IKEA together with the IKEA team

Behind the scenes of one of the FÖSSTA sets created for IKEA

Decorating together ahead of the festivities

Plum tree blossoms to enhance that vibe of spring and renewal

A big thank you to the IKEA team, Luke, Angel Trinidad, Anna Olsson, Nicklas Rudfell, Lisa Lemke, to name a few - it is always such a joy to get the chance to work together with all of you!

…to be enjoyed together with friends and family

Welcoming atmosphere created with festive decorations for the Lunar New Year

This year of the Fire Horse is predicted to be the year that reshapes how we understand freedom, purpose and courage. A year to live more honestly, act more decisively and listen inwards. We will be pushed out of our comfort zones not to get caught up in chaos and destabilizing energies, but to realign our lives with deeper truths.

Remember, the Fire Horse is not a force of chaos, but a catalyst of transformation.

Wishing you all of the best in this lunar new year that happens to be in the very rare combination of The powerful forward moving horse together with the transformative, energetic fire.

新年快乐! [shin-nyen kwhy-leh]

(see more lunar new year related images created by me by clicking HERE)

LUNAR NEW YEAR

smörgult