Design Stories
In the spotlight
A summer house in the Finnish archipelago built on nature’s terms
This waterfront retreat blends seamlessly into its surroundings. Robert Holmström designed it as an uncompromising, deeply personal family escape.
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Nani Marquina: The art of the everyday rug
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Settling back in – the most inspiring new products of the month
Though July is still high summer, our thoughts are already turning towards autumn and the rhythms of everyday life. This month’s five new arrivals bring stylish additions to your desk for the months ahead!
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Alvar Aalto’s architecture joins the UNESCO World Heritage List
The Aalto Works series, comprising 13 sites designed by Alvar, Aino and Elissa Aalto, is Finland’s eighth addition to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Discover the newly inscribed World Heritage sites on Design Stories!
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Vauhtikisat 2026: Welcome to the joy of speed
Skateboards flew, crowds cheered, and the July sun turned Sinebrychoff Park into a glowing arena for one of Europe’s most thrilling downhill races. Our photo report from Vauhtikisat 2026 takes you right to the edge of the track – from the first daring runs to the nail-biting final and the moment the custom Vauhtikisat Chair One found its champion.
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Introducing JOY OBJECTS – Welcome to Fredrik Paulsen's World of Joy
What do you get when you combine aluminium, a love of subculture, and a designer who grew up on a skateboard? The answer is JOY OBJECTS – a Swedish brand on a mission to make design fun again.
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Guardian of light – Inside the Frederiksberg home of Nuura's Nadia Lassen
Nadia Lassen spends her days thinking about light as the CEO of the lighting brand Nuura. At home in her Frederiksberg villa, that same thinking shapes a house she shares with her husband, four children, and one very photogenic dog.
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A studio in the archipelago: “Here it’s just us, the forest and the sea”
Built over three summers from raw timber and nails, this studio in the Turku archipelago gives Copenhagen based artist Linn Henrichson and art director Staffan Sundström a place for creative work, quiet thinking and the Finnish summer.
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Out of love for Aalto – Virpi Suutari worked on her documentary at a cottage in the Turku archipelago
Documentary director Virpi Suutari was reading love letters sent between Alvar and Aino Aalto at her summer cottage. These and numerous other sources, along with filming trips around the world, became the foundation for her acclaimed documentary Aalto.
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Savory-sweet goat cheese and berry tart for sunny summer days
This summery tart brings together the sweetness of fresh berries and the rich savouriness of goat cheese in one delicious bite. It’s equally at home on a festive summer table or enjoyed with a chilled glass of sparkling wine on a sunny afternoon.
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Erik Bryggman's Resurrection Chapel is a gem of Finnish architecture
Amidst the tumult of the Second World War, architect Erik Bryggman designed a peaceful cemetery chapel in Turku, in which death is encountered with respect and gentleness. It has become a landmark of Finnish architecture.
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Ilmari Tapiovaara – life, oblivion and rediscovery
For Ilmari Tapiovaara, work was his whole life, and at times, his family was also left in its shadow. The Finnish designer died an almost forgotten great, but then the retro boom began.
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From paper to plate: Fish “en papillote” and lemon aioli are the perfect easy weekend lunch
Fish “en papillote” is as easy as the fishy business gets. Simply wrap fish in parchment, whip up some lemon aioli, and you’ve got an easy, effortless, and tasty weekend lunch. Catch these fresh spring recipes and treat yourself – bon appétit!
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The Aalto House in Helsinki surprises with its timelessness
The Helsinki home of Alvar and Aino Aalto, and later Elissa Aalto, remains as modern today as it was nearly a hundred years ago. Discover the charming home of the Aaltos in Helsinki with Design Stories!
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Home tour
The Danish Karstad family enjoys cabin life between the sea and the forest
At Mikkel and Camilla Karstad’s cabin just outside Copenhagen, outdoor cooking and year-round sea swims are part of everyday life. At the heart of their forest-surrounded retreat are Muuto’s outdoor furniture pieces, which set the scene for a relaxed outdoor lifestyle.
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Layers of living: At home with Simone Noa
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In focus
Interview
Marimekko’s beloved prints come to life at its own textile printing factory
“About one million metres of fabric are printed at Marimekko’s textile printing factory in Helsinki each year,” says Minna Kemell-Kutvonen, Marimekko’s Design Director, Home & Print Design. In her interview with Design Stories, Kemell-Kutvonen shares why the company’s own printing factory remains at the heart of Marimekko’s print design – and what happens before the brand’s bold colours and expressive prints become fabrics, clothing and home textiles.
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Inside the world of Alberto Alessi
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Summer is here!
Summer Shop
Sunny days, light-filled evenings, and nowhere in a hurry to be – are you dreaming of a perfect summer day? Finnish Design Shop’s Summer Shop has every dreamer covered. Whether your daydreams drift towards new furniture for the summer house or a laid-back lounger for basking in the sun, here you’ll find everything you need to create your own perfect summer oasis.
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What’s new: Créme Atelier's Soft Serve lamps
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Design Stories – Exploring contemporary Nordic design
Design Stories is an online magazine published by Finnish Design Shop, focusing on Finnish and Scandinavian design, interiors, and architecture. We cover the latest design releases, explore timeless classics, and step inside inspiring homes in Finland and around the world.
Design Stories brings together stories on design and interiors, interviews with designers, and design-minded travel and culture tips. The content is created by Finnish Design Shop’s editorial team in collaboration with an international network of contributors, with selected articles produced in partnership with Asun, Mondo, and Avotakka magazines. The editor-in-chief of Design Stories is Mikko Vaija.
Design Stories is the online magazine of Finnish Design Shop, created to inspire and delight design lovers everywhere. We hope you enjoy exploring with us! Have a story tip or thoughts on our content? We’d love to hear from you.
