Designer interviews

Janni Vepsäläinen is steering Iittala towards a new era

“At the heart of Iittala has always been an experimental, open-minded, and bold approach to design,” says Iittala’s creative director Janni Vepsäläinen. Read the exclusive Design Stories interview to find out how the beloved Finnish brand was revamped, logo included – and what Vepsäläinen’s own Iittala favorites are! Read the story

Stine Liv Buur is in her dream job at Vitra, working with Eames furniture

Stine Liv Buur, who is in charge of Vitra’s classic furniture collection, is in her dream job where she gets to delve into design archives. The furniture created by Charles & Ray Eames are a passion for her but at the moment, however, the most important thing is the sustainability of the Eames collection. Read the story

Inspiring joy and intuition – this is how the winning entries in the Paimio Sanatorium 90 – Human Perspective poster competition were created

In the poster competition organized to celebrate the anniversaries of the Paimio Sanatorium Foundation and Grafia, the Association of Visual Communication Designers in Finland, the participants were invited to interpret Aino and Alvar Aalto’s vision of the human relationship with the environment, architecture and design. We asked the designers awarded in the poster competition what inspires them most about the Aaltos’ design legacy. Read the story

For designer Fredrik Paulsen, pine is the mightiest of materials

Swedish designer Fredrik Paulsen and Finnish furniture manufacturer Vaarnii share not only a similar set of values but also an enduring love for pine. In Design Stories’ interview, the DIY and counterculture advocate talks about his journey into the world of design and his new 001 stool for Vaarnii. Read the story

Helsinki Design Week’s Anni Korkman: “It’s time to bring new perspectives to the story”

Anni Korkman, the Program Director of Helsinki Design Week, sees the sustainability shift in the design industry as an opportunity to challenge our notions of beauty. She also hopes to create space for a more diverse group of creators. See what events Anni Korkman recommends from the 2023 program – and how Finnish Design Shop is involved! Read the story

Quality sofa manufacturer Interface has turned over a new leaf, but Finnish production still remains a priority

The Finnish brand Interface has been operating for quite some time in the sofa manufacturing business. The company recently decided it was time for a change. But how did Interface originally come to be, and what are the central tenets of its design philosophy? We interviewed CEO Tuukka Leppänen, who also let us take a peek at the company’s manufacturing facilities in Heinola, Finland. Read the story

Anna Vartiainen: “Internationality is about exchange and interaction – at its best, it enables a broader understanding”

Anna Vartiainen, communications director and member of the jury of the Paimio Sanatorium 90 – Human Perspective poster competition, is working with the Paimio Sanatorium Foundation to outline guidelines for the future of the landmark building designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto. Design Stories got to visit Anna above the rooftops of Helsinki—where, by complete surprise, we found a bit of Paris. Read the story

Graphic designer Ilkka Kärkkäinen: “Our society craves for things to feel like something”

Ilkka Kärkkäinen, head of the jury of the Paimio Sanatorium 90 poster competition, wants to engage with an open mind in things that stand the test of time. In this Design Stories interview, he talks about the effect of Aino and Alvar Aalto on his work as a graphic artist – and gives a few tips on those submitting entries to the poster competition! Read the story

Franckly Friends: Art and revamped vintage furniture create an enchanting atmosphere in the home of Katarina Fredrikson

Katarina Fredrikson is not afraid to combine design finds from different eras with pre-owned furniture she has refurbished herself. The numerous works of art and soft wall colors really tie the decor of this Helsinki-home together. Read the story

Krøyer-Sætter-Lassen’s latest designs for MENU illuminate the home with new perspectives

Danish studio Krøyer-Sætter-Lassen has been busy working with MENU, launching not one but two new luminous designs this year. Design Stories sat down with Emil Krøyer and Mads Sætter-Lassen to talk about their latest projects, how the duo works as a team, and to hear the story of how they first began collaborating with MENU. Read the story

Franckly Friends: Home in a terraced house from the 1970s made Anni and Daniel fans of Artek’s furniture

Strong accent colors, numerous vintage pieces by Artek and the best of 1970s architecture – these are what make up the interior of Anni and Daniel’s home in Turku, Finland. Join Design Stories on a tour of this bright home in a terraced house! Read the story

Colors and shapes overlap, intertwine and merge in the Blending collection designed by Minni Havas for Finarte

Finnish design brand Finarte’s latest collection was created in collaboration with illustrator and textile designer Minni Havas. The rug and throw designs are infused with bold colors and striking forms that merge in fascinating ways – the central theme and the name of the collection is Blending. Read the story

Designer Carina Seth Andersson: “The Sand Secrets collection lets the food take center stage”

Carina Seth Andersson created the Sand Secrets collection as a continuation of Design House Stockholm's Sand tableware series. Design Stories chatted with the designer about the idea behind the minimalist pieces and how some considered contrast can make all the difference in a table setting. Read the story

Tom Chung’s adventurous Piton lamp draws inspiration from a desire for wilderness

Created by designer Tom Chung for Muuto, the adventurous Piton lamp surprises with its creative versatility. Design Stories got to chat with Chung, who revealed the story behind Piton and his own guideline for decorating. Read the story

Designer Laura Seppänen: “Being comfortable in my own skin also benefits my clients”

Laura Seppänen is highly regarded as a designer of stylish spaces and beautiful interior images, and a product designer whose social media feeds not only offer inspiring interior design ideas but also hard-hitting criticism of the construction industry. What was Laura’s path to becoming an interior design entrepreneur? Read the story

MUM’s Typewriter Collection by Tomi Leppänen plays with typographic elements

Graphic designer and musician Tomi Leppänen created a series of playful outdoor rugs for the Finnish brand MUM’s. But why is the collection called Typewriter and what does Bauhaus master Anni Albers have to do with it? Read on to find out! Read the story