Nordic design classics

Kartell’s Componibili combines practicality and playful design

Designed by Anna Castelli Ferrieri, the Componibili storage unit is a design classic that finds its place in every area of the home. Behind its sleek sliding doors, everything from eyeglasses and socks to soaps can easily be tucked away. Read the story

Humane from design to finish – Alvar Aalto's armchairs are hand-made in Finland

Alvar Aalto's creations share not only a timeless design language but also a distinctive sense of humanity. Aalto designed his products with life at the forefront – they were made to be lived in, experienced, and built to withstand the everyday and special moments alike. Discover Aalto's armchairs with us, each one meticulously handcrafted and upholstered in Turku, Finland. Read the story

Tynell in Helsinki: Exploring Paavo Tynell’s lighting in the city’s landmarks

Finnish designer Paavo Tynell had a distinguished career in public lighting design, and many of his masterpieces are still on display for all to admire. In this article, we explore Tynell’s lighting at Helsinki Central Station, the Helsinki School of Economics, Hotel Vaakuna and Meilahti Church. Read the story

Vitra relaunches the fabric-upholstered Eames Lounge Chair – the iconic armchair is as practical as it is luxurious

The classic Eames Lounge Chair was designed by Charles and Ray Eames to improve on something that already existed. The same kind of thinking still prevails at Vitra, which is now relaunching the fabric-upholstered version of the Lounge Chair. Slightly less-well known than the chair, the story behind it began already in the late 1950s. Read the story

Artek's classics are the foundation of Finnish design – introducing 7 timeless gems by Alvar Aalto

Trends come and go, but the timeless allure of classics transcends decades – Artek's iconic furniture and lighting have brought beauty and functionality to homes worldwide for nearly a century. We selected seven Aalto favorites: read on to discover the stories behind these beloved products. Read the story

Wooden dolls by Vitra are like one happy family – which is your favorite?

Designed by Alexander Girard, the expressive wooden dolls seem to be communicating with each other. Even a couple of dolls made by Vitra can create some spark and color into your interior, or are you going to get them all? Read the story

From fishing nets to outdoor furniture – Mater’s Ocean patio furniture combines recycled material with 1950s spirit

Danish company Mater updated the 1950s outdoor furniture collection by Nanna and Jørgen Ditzel to the modern day. The material of the Ocean furniture is now recycled waste plastic from oceans – and green Carlsberg beer barrels. Read the story

Fiskars’ scissors celebrate 55th anniversary – do you know how the iconic orange color was invented?

55 years ago, Fiskars introduced the world's first plastic-handled scissors. Today, orange Classic scissors are one of the most recognizable Finnish design classics of all time. Over a billion pairs of Classic scissors have been sold worldwide. Read the story

What a wonderful lounge chair! The Tired Man designed by Flemming Lassen invites you to relax

Architect Flemming Lassen was one of the pioneers of Danish functionalism. One of his most famous pieces of furniture is The Tired Man easy chair, which was re-introduced in 2015 by the Danish brand By Lassen. Read the story

Arabia’s vintage flower pots are in huge demand – do you have these ceramic pots at home?

Designed by Richard Lindh, the timelessly beautiful ceramic flower pots by Arabia are sought-after vintage treasures, and also extremely good for your flowers. Read the story

Designer who loved technology – Richard Sapper’s designs range from cars to laptops

The career of German-Italian designer Richard Sapper was driven by his boundless interest in technology. Sapper, one of the key industrial designers of the last century, created innovations including the Tizio lamp for Artemide, the kettle 9091 for Alessi, and the ThinkPad laptops for Lenovo. Read the story

Ilmari Tapiovaara’s Maija lamp (1955)

Ilmari Tapiovaara is best known for his interior and furniture design. Most people are familiar with the Domus chair and Pirkka collection, but did you know that Tapiovaara also designed lamps? One of the most beautiful is Maija, which is currently part of Santa & Cole’s selection. Read the story

Alessi introduces the iconic espresso makers 9090 and La conica in vivid original versions

To celebrate its centennial, Alessi treats design lovers to intriguing special editions: Richard Sapper’s espresso coffee maker 9090 and Aldo Rossi’s La Conica are featured in the Alessi 100 Values Collection as previously unpublished original versions. Read the story

Gubi’s Pedrera coffee table reprises the flowing forms created by Antoni Gaudí

The Pedrera coffee table is one of the Danish company Gubi’s hit products. Its modern design seems entirely up to date, but the name reveals something completely different in its background. The coffee table was designed in 1955 in one of Antoni Gaudí’s most famous buildings in Barcelona. Read the story

Charles & Ray Eames – pioneers of 20th-century modern design

Charles and Ray Eames were some of the most influential designers of 20th-century modern design. The story of the couple, making their careers in the US, involves both design competitions and World War Two – and Finnish architects Eliel and Eero Saarinen. Read the story

“Guru of radical design” – Ettore Sottsass’ colorful designs celebrate Alessi’s centennial

The Alessi 100 Values Collection features new editions of iconic products by Ettore Sottsass and other notable names of Italian design. Sottsass is also known for his groundbreaking work in the Memphis collective and the Radical Design movement. Read the story