HERE'S WHAT YOUR HOME WILL LOOK LIKE IN 2025, ACCORDING TO IKEA

As IKEA celebrates its 40th year in Australia, the Swedish brand is thinking forward just as much as it is looking back. The company's head of design, Marcus Engman, already revealed what he believes the IKEA home will look like in five years. Now, with the help of Australian futurist Barrie Barton, we're getting a glimpse of what life will look like in 2025.

Based on key social trends, the design reflects the ever-changing needs modern-day households are facing. Taking into account rapidly growing cities, shrinking house size, and the importance of a healthful home, the concept melds what you already love about IKEA with amenities that will make our lives easier down the road. Here are 4 things we're looking forward to.

1. Getting back to nature without going anywhere.

The outdoors are coming inside in 2025, with vegetable planters lining your kitchen walls and a variety of options for easy indoor gardens. Green thumb not included.

2. Technology will bring us together–rather than apart.

We're already engrossed in our technology, and it just seems to be getting worse with our social media obsession. But in 2025, technological advances will work to bring us closer together. Tech-savvy surroundings (see #4) will blend together our digital and daily lives, while multifunctional pieces of furniture will transform based your gathering's needs. Think stackable pieces that can change height and foldable pieces for easy extra seating.

3. Reach your #FITSPO goals from your living room couch.

Yes, that statement sounds totally unreasonable. This is the future, though, and anything is possible...well, when your furniture doubles as workout equipment. Electric bicycles will function as home decor, exercise gear will find discreet ways to become part of your home, and, if we're lucky, you'll be able to work those quads from your sofa-turned-seated-leg-press.

4. Your whole home will be smart, not just your phone.

IKEA already announced its smart kitchen concept, and people everywhere rejoiced. But what if your entire abode was self-aware, anticipating your needs and ready to spring into action? This could be a reality in just ten years. Sensors will live in your countertops, furniture, and appliances, allowing you to interact with your surroundings. Plus, as you communicate with one device, it will transmit what it's learned to the rest of your home so your day-to-day operations can run smoothly. A home that knows you better than you know yourself? We'll take it.

Source: Elle Deco