As a kid, the sole bright spot in the dog days of August was the launch of the Sears Wish Book. From the moment the blessed tome arrived in the mailbox, my sister and I would tear through the pages in the toy section until they became dog-eared, preparing early drafts of our Christmas wish lists, and -- temporarily -- forgetting the fact that summer vacation was drawing to a close. Fast-forward 30 years, and I get that same thrill of armchair-shopping from another late summer release --  the Ikea catalogue. [caption id="attachment_273" align="aligncenter" width="410"] It’s here, it’s here! The launch of the annual Ikea catalogue means two things: summer’s nearly over, and it’s time to go shopping. Photography by Brett Walther.[/caption]   I may have outgrown the Wish Book's toy section, but I've certainly  never outgrown my compulsion to draft "must-have" lists. Ladies and gentlemen, I present my top five "wants" from the Ikea 2013 catalogue. Up first...   1. Strandmon wingback chair, $279, Ikea. [caption id="attachment_277" align="aligncenter" width="410"] A stunning revival of a classic Ikea form, the Strandmon represents the height of early 1950's home fashion. Photography courtesy of Ikea.[/caption]   The wingback is back -- or at least it will be, when the Strandmon is released in November 2012. If you’re getting a midcentury modern vibe from this sneak peek, there’s good reason: it’s actually a  vintage Ikea design from 1951 that's awaiting a few contemporary tweaks before we get the real deal. Aside from the eponymous wings, the rolled arms and button tufting are delightful little details that belie the incredibly affordable price tag of just $279. I'll take two, please.   [caption id="attachment_279" align="aligncenter" width="410"] Everything old is new again! Originally called the “MK,” the Strandmon wingback chair first graced the cover of the Ikea catalogue 61 years ago. Photography courtesy of Ikea.[/caption]   2. Malm mirrored chest of drawers, $299, Ikea. [caption id="attachment_280" align="aligncenter" width="410"] Who knew the Malm series could be reinvented in Hollywood Regency style? Photography courtesy of Ikea. [/caption]   I've heard top tastemakers trash-talk mirrored furniture for the past five years, but the trend is still going strong. And why not? Sure, it's not necessarily a wise investment if you've got a phobia of fingerprints; but there's something undeniably  luxurious about mirrored panels, even when they're applied to a back-to-basics form like Ikea's Malm series. In fact, this super-linear chest of drawers represents a delightfully unexpected juxtaposition of girlie glamour and bare-bones austerity. And just look how beautifully it bounces light around the boudoir above -- a fab fix for a gloomy room!   3. Soderhamn three-seat high-back sofa, Ikea. [caption id="attachment_281" align="aligncenter" width="410"] Bring on nesting season! Photography courtesy of Ikea.[/caption]   If the classic wingback isn't to your taste, would you consider a contemporary take on the wraparound concept? The modular Soderhamn series boasts this soaring highback sofa that makes a serious style statement. Well, not too serious. Frankly, I just want to fill it to the brim with fluffy cushions, drape a throw blanket over the top and hibernate in my own  cosy cocoon at the end of a long day. Bliss!   4. Hektar clamp spotlight, 20, Ikea. [caption id="attachment_283" align="aligncenter" width="410"] Moody lighting. Photography courtesy of Ikea.[/caption]   I'm a sucker for handsome  industrial-style light fixtures, and Ikea's really nailed it with the design of the Hektar clamp spotlight. From the old-school screw-operated clamp to the matte black finish, this fixture feels like it was lifted directly from a vintage factory floor. The versatile spotlight is a brilliant way to illuminate a piece of artwork above a mantel (shown here), but it would work just as nicely clipped to your headboard to shed a little light on your late-night page-turner.   5. Sanela velvet curtains in turquoise, Ikea. [caption id="attachment_284" align="aligncenter" width="410"] Even if a room doesn't have any natural light, you can create the illusion of windows by hanging opaque drapery panels across a solid wall. Photography courtesy of Ikea.[/caption]   Like the wingback chair, you can file these rich velvet drapes under "I-can't-believe-it's-Ikea!"  Unexpectedly luxe-looking, these panels may have just rekindled my appreciation for  turquoise -- a colour that's had surprising staying-power since being named the Pantone Colour of the Year back in 2010.   Have you received a copy of the Ikea 2013 catalogue yet? What are your favourite new additions to the design lineup?