ya'll betta recognyz.

It's time for people to get out of their underappreciative brains and understand what Scandinavia has done for them.

I have heard one too many people complain about IKEA. Let me submit to you that Ikea has done more for the American home than any one company that I know of.

In the beginning of the 1800s, there was a design movement in Scandinavia called "Functionalism." The movement was based on the idea that form and function (i.e. art and life) were not separate, but could be combined; that the everyday experience could be as beautiful as it was productive; that ordinary aspects of life could be as aesthetically satisfying as they were mechanically functional. You may not think this is so innovative now, but that's because it's two hundred years later.

These principles and ideas were combined with a millennia-old relationship with Nature, and the movement of Functionalism penetrated the foundation of living in Scandinavia and much of Europe.

In 1899, a A Swedish woman named Ellen Key wrote a book entitled SKöNHET FöR ALLA, which was a written version of those same principles and a strong push for the idea that great design could and should be a part of everyone's life. The title translated means "Beauty for All."

Since that time, Scandinavia has produced some of the most talented and celebrated industrial and interior designers in the world and continues to set the standard for modern design. Functionalism was the elemental core of the Modernist movement, which is now enjoying a rebirth here in the States.

In 1943, Ingvar Kamprad took Ellen Key's desire and finally fulfilled it: he created IKEA (which is an acronym of his name and birthplace in Sweden).

Ikea has dramatically elevated the aesthetic and actual standards of living in this country as a whole. It has made it possible for EVERYone (not only the wealthy and well-informed) to enjoy beautiful design and have it in their homes--and that is huge. Most great design is still out of the reach of the masses, but Ikea is a beacon for others to follow.

Over the last few decades American companies finally have begun to latch onto those same ideas. Who doesn't love Target? Target is positively founded on the principles of functionalism. Apple has done the same thing with computers. And there's many more.

I am not saying that Ikea has the highest quality products. Of course they don't. But if I can save two or three THOUSAND dollars on a piece of furniture that is as beautiful as a designer piece, then I don't mind if I do.

One day, we'll all own very original and expensive things, right? Until then, be a little more grateful for Ikea. Be a little more appreciative towards Ellen Key. Be a little more respectful towards Scandinavians.

wes.