We Have ALL The Details on Ikea's 2017 Catalog

Mid-Summer is like Christmas for Ikea fanatics because it's the time of year when the Scandinavian mega-retailer releases its catalog for the upcoming year. We've taken a sneak peek at Ikea's 2017 catalog ahead of its August 8 release date, and we have the inside scoop on all the exciting things you can expect from it. Check them out below, and then click through to take a sneak peek at upcoming product highlights.

The focus of the issue is on the kitchen and where and how people eat. Accordingly, the theme is about throwing away expectations — such as having to cook perfect meals and have a spotless kitchen — and celebrating our flaws and uniqueness in the kitchen. The catalog's slogan of "Goodbye expectations. Hello you!" is meant to let people know it's okay to spill on the kitchen floor, overcook the dinner, or surround your table with mismatched chairs.

Keeping in tune with the catalog's theme, the cover image shows a laid back dinner among friends. The realistic image — which excludes the glossy perfection we usually see in commercial shots — emphasizes Ikea's mission of creating products and solutions for real people, not just things for consumers.

For the fist time ever, the catalog is featuring 13 real people around the world and highlighting how Ikea is connected to the way they live and incorporated into their daily lives; for example, Jonah, an amateur chef who shirks traditional cooking rules and has fun in his kitchen.

The Ikea Catalog App has been completely redesigned to be much more than just a digital version of the catalog. It now features related video material and even an augmented reality mode so you can virtually place Ikea products in your own home to test them out.

Beyond pointing out the big new collections for 2017, the catalog will tease at product releases happening throughout the year.

Based on insights gleaned from Ikea's research into how people are living right now, everyday design collections were developed around five contemporary lifestyle considerations: smart solutions for small spaces, multi-functional furniture for adaptability, green options for sustainability, tech-savvy additions for connected homes, and family-friendly activities.

The catalog will include the August 2016 product releases, which will be available in-store that month. Highlights from the hard-hitting August collection include the Vallentuna Series, a modular and customizable seating solution, and the India-inspired Svartan Collection of decor, textiles, and more.