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

Furniture designer Tapio Anttila: “I always have my antennae up”

Finnish designer Tapio Anttila's very own furniture line, Tapio Anttila Collection, creates timeless, functional, and responsible designs. In an interview with Design Stories, the long-time designer and interior architect talks about how important it is to consider sustainability at all stages of the design process. Read the story

Franckly Friends: Pete Rahikainen loves Art Nouveau and makes discoveries in his attic

Fashion professional and dancer Pete Rahikainen lives in Katajanokka, Helsinki, in an apartment where it always seems to be summer. The apartment features muted tones, a mix of styles and eras as well as a touch of Italian-style effortless elegance. Read the story

Rolf Hay: “HAY’s intention is to create great, affordable products with the best designers in the world”

Founded by Rolf and Mette Hay, HAY is a Danish – and increasingly international – design company that is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. In an interview with Design Stories, Rolf Hay talks about recipes for relevant and timeless designs as well as HAY’s plans for the next two decades. Read the story

Franckly Friends: In Sarah Hartmann’s Berlin home forgotten vintage pieces get a second life

Sarah Hartmann’s colorful apartment in Berlin is full of vintage furniture and creative DIY projects. Franckly’s team got the chance to visit Sarah’s spacious, sun-filled home – take a tour with us! Read the story

Darkroom artist Mikael Siirilä: “For me, photography is all about the darkroom”

Finnish photographer and darkroom artist Mikael Siirilä is known for his black-and-white works created using the traditional silver gelatin method. In Siirilä's posters for the Danish Paper Collective, everyday encounters and objects take on poetic, abstract forms – especially when they are not fully there. Read the story

Tikau founder Taina Snellman-Langenskiöld: “Tikau is based on a true wish to help”

Founded in 2008, Tikau not only enriches people’s lives with timeless designs but also wants to be a frontrunner in responsible production. We chatted with founder Taina Snellman-Langenskiöld about Tikau’s story, selection and – above all – sustainability. Read the story