This post comes with a warning: If you live outside of Belgium you may become very annoyed by what I'm about to show you. Essentially this post is about seeing things that we cannot have, and it's the canary before the cat I know, but I still have to share this with you. I recently learned about a very limited collection from IKEA called Annorlunda, meaning Different (maybe that's us so we don't get it where we live?), of ethnic modern finds curated by their designers and on offer in only TWO select stores in the whole wide world (no, I'm not using tone or 'tude, okay maybe a little) and I'm dying to know what you think of it and the whole concept of pop-up IKEA collections in random places? I mean, I want to say Bahhhh they are mean to tease, but when I see these things I think that at least they are trying to keep the Belgium people good and stylish (like they need help) while the rest of us looks on in pain with fingers and nose pressed firmly to the glass -- seeing what we cannot have.

Have I managed to depress you yet? On the up side, I think this whole concept is quite brilliant though I hate to say that but I really am extremely jealous happy for my Belgium friends that they can go to their Zaventem or Anderlecht stores and find all of these amazing things... I almost want to drive over just to see what's left because I spy a few pieces that I'd love to put on my three season porch like the turquoise chair (which could easily be spray painted into black and put in a living room). I think this collection would do great in so many other countries, like Germany (hint, hint), the UK and the US. Maybe this is one of those test things big companies do to avoid taking too much risk, so they dip in their toe to see how well something goes before doing a grand roll-out. Perhaps we'll see Annorlunda in Annorbyneighborhood real soon.

I find it interesting how this collection came to be. IKEA basically sent five of their designers on a plane to hand pick inspiring objects that they wanted to turn into a limited collection with a ethnic vibe. The result is a line of products that are very global, fashion-inspired (I see lots of runway trends in these pieces, don't you?) and still budget conscious which is what IKEA is all about. Plus, it's what Scandinavians are all about as current trends up there are all about mixing in ethnic influences because those influences have crept over the border into Germany and people here are into ethnic touches as well, though they always were but the ethnic touches in brightly colored paint are much fresher than the originally teak variety that are floating around in most "ethnic shops" locally. My vote is on brightly lacquered furniture, baby!

There are so many products being designed today, our selection is so diverse compared to the choices our parents once had, and I think we are so lucky to have access to things from so many corners of the globe. So what do you think of limited edition pop-up collections put on by the big blue box?

(Found via: Lise at Urban Style Vibes. Photos: IKEA)