Daniel Rybakken is the designer behind Artek's Kiila range and 124° mirrors and, despite his young age, a winner of two Compasso d'Oro awards. Rybakken picked his favourite gift ideas for the holidays from Finnish Design Shop's selection and told us his best Christmas memory.
DANIEL RYBAKKEN, what's your all-time favorite Christmas memory?
“I don't have one specific occasion, but when thinking back to my childhood my strongest memory was that we always celebrated Christmas with my grandparents close to the town of Lillehammer. We would drive from Oslo in the morning with a car packed with presents, but me and my brother were strictly forbidden to look at them. I remember that car ride felt so long, with sneak peeks back to the trunk every two minutes.”
Where will you be spending this Christmas?
“This year me, my wife and our two daughters will be celebrating in my childhood house in Oslo with the rest of my family. The house is from 1920 and has the perfect look and feel for a Christmas celebration.”
Daniel Rybakken's 5 Christmas gift tips:
1. For my wife
“My wife Johanna really likes Artek's floor lamp A810 by Alvar Aalto – perhaps even more than any of mine. A status symbol in Finland, I’ve heard!”
2. For my daughters
“A friend of mine in Stockholm mounted a swing indoors in his daughter's room. I’m considering doing the same in my apartment in Gothenburg for my two daughters Sol and Flora – Lillagunga's Grand swing would be great for that.”
3. For minimalists
“Artek's Kiila coat stand is a favorite of mine! It can easily double as a Christmas tree if you are into minimalistic Christmas decoration.”
4. For home cooks
“I have one of Hay's Field cutting boards myself. It has a nice look and good functionality. Essential for Norwegians who bring packed lunch to work and school every day.”
5. For my mother
“To be honest, I will be giving away one of my 124° mirrors to my mother for Christmas. My brother and father both received one last year. It's easy to wrap, and it looks expensive, even though it is actually quite affordable.”
See also:
• Daniel Rybakken's designs >
• More Christmas gift ideas >
Edit: Nora Uotila Images: Kalle Sanner and manufacturers