Design
Ilmari Tapiovaara’s Domus chair steps into a new palette
First introduced in 1946, the Domus chair is a Finnish design classic whose slender proportions and exceptional comfort continue to win over new generations. To mark its 80th anniversary, Artek presents the chair in a selection of fresh colors and updated upholstery options.
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Kalevala Jewelry – a vibrant messenger of women’s rights and Finnish cultural heritage
Kalevala Jewelry traces its roots back to the 1930s, when a group of forward-thinking women launched an ambitious cultural project inspired by Finland’s national epic. Since then, the company has grown into the country’s largest jewellery manufacturer, yet its mission remains much the same: promoting equality and doing good through jewellery design.
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Muuto’s Stacked storage furniture can be stacked in an endless number of ways
Muuto’s popular series of shelving units, Stacked, was born of a desire to combine a unique design style with practicality. The infinitely adaptable storage system that also encourages creativity is the handiwork of architect and designer Julien de Smedt.
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We listed 10 time-tested HAY favorites – can you guess what’s on our list?
Danish brand HAY is known for their clever, color-packed creations – perfect for adding a touch of joie-de-vivre to the home decor. We hand-picked ten iconic HAY pieces, keep reading to see if your favorite made the cut!
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The union of craft and design – Nikari’s cabinetmakers create furniture built to last
In the red-brick building of the Fiskars village in southern Finland, a group of cabinetmakers craft furniture entirely by hand, from start to finish. At Nikari’s workshop, traditional woodworking skills meet the vision of leading designers. “These wooden pieces are made to last for generations,” says Johanna Vuorio, CEO of Nikari.
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Easing back into work: 7 tips for maximizing home office comfort
As the holiday season winds down, it’s like turning the page to a new chapter. Some embrace it with outright joy, while others, well, maybe a tad more reservedly. But we can all agree on one thing: a thoughtfully set up workspace provides a gentle, refreshing boost as we ease back into the work groove.
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Yrjö Kukkapuro’s Experiment chair captivates again – Studio Kukkapuro and Hem collaborate on a refreshed edition
Studio Kukkapuro, based in Yrjö Kukkapuro’s atelier home, took on a unique project when the Swedish company Hem reached out with a proposal: to reissue the Experiment chair, an iconic symbol of postmodern design. Isa Kukkapuro-Enbom shares insights with Design Stories on updating the classic.
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What will the office of the future be like? “A social pit stop”, says the expert
The coronavirus pandemic has transformed our ways of working. We asked Service Designer Virve Penttilä how she would construct the office of the future. We also explored Vitra’s office concept, Club Office, and got to know their new Comma product family. They offer creative, fresh ideas for dynamic working spaces.
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Untreated wood pining for brushstrokes: Lundia’s comeback classic is all about creativity
Design Stories sat down with Karri Koskelo, CEO of Lundia to discuss the return of the Lundia Classic shelves in untreated pine and the all-new Knot mirror. Get inspired by the beautifully treated samples – this iconic Finnish design gives you carte blanche to choose any color!
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Nordic design in Asia: Jun Nan and Jax style their home with instinctive flair
In this series, Design Stories meets Asian creatives who open the doors to their homes to showcase some of their most beloved Scandi-style design pieces. This time, we visit the Singapore-based architect couple behind OPEN Studio.
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Space Copenhagen revamps the beloved Gravity lamp with stylish upcycled marble
The Gravity Upcycled-Marble Edition table lamp by Space Copenhagen, available exclusively at Finnish Design Shop, showcases sustainability in style. In an interview with Design Stories, the designers share how upcycled marble offcuts were turned into a unique two-tone base, giving the Gravity lamp a fresh story and a delightful twist.
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Miguel Milá, the father of the Cesta lamp, trusted in a process of craftsmanship
The Spanish designer and artisan Miguel Milá left his mark on the history of European design with his Cesta and Cestita lamps and many other delicately crafted pieces.
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Introducing: Fritz Hansen
Attention, design lovers! Your wait is over: these cherished pieces from Fritz Hansen have just landed in Finnish Design Shop. Experience the beauty of Scandinavian design with their classic furniture, adding timeless elegance to every corner of your home.
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The Knot cushions by Design House Stockholm tie together whimsy and tactility
In the universe of design, accidental discoveries sometimes lead to the most innovative creations. One such story is that of the Knot cushion, which has evolved from a teddy bear project to a sought-after design piece.
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The building blocks of storage: TAF Studio’s Relief collection joins the String family
TAF Studio’s Gabriella Lenke and Mattias Ståhlbom designed the minimalist and versatile Relief storage system for the Swedish brand String Furniture. The design duo aimed to create a foundational piece as versatile and essential as a white T-shirt – always practical, always combinable.
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Firmly on the ground: Vaarnii’s Peace outdoor lounge chair by Faye Toogood exudes strength and serenity
Vaarnii’s latest release, the 015 Peace outdoor lounge chair, is crafted with the northern climates in mind. It’s the perfect piece to welcome the early rays of spring sun, even as the final patches of snow still linger in the ground. Dive into the interview with British designer Faye Toogood to discover the inspiration behind the Peace series.
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Exploring &Tradition: How Danish design classics meet modern innovation
Dive into the world of &Tradition, where Danish design heritage and innovative modern pieces merge beautifully. Discover the story and favorite products of &Tradition with us – and remember to visit the brand’s showroom next time you’re in Copenhagen!
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Kwangho Lee’s Hunk lounge chair and Glyph side table extend a warm invitation
South Korean artist Kwangho Lee doesn’t shy away from making a statement. The substantial Hunk lounge chair and the convention-defying Glyph side table introduce a fusion of playful whimsy and grand visionary flair to the collection of the Swedish brand Hem.
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Before and after: Stunning bedroom transformation – check out the photos!
A small basic bedroom got a luxurious hotel-style look when Finnish Design Shop’s interior designer updated the space with furniture and textiles.
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Paavo Tynell’s coveted lamp classics come to life in GUBI’s new collection
In 2018, GUBI unveiled its first collection of iconic Finnish designer Paavo Tynell's lighting designs in Milan. Now, the Danish brand is launching a total of ten new Tynell lamps, including a fairy-tale-like special edition of the 9602 floor lamp.
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Say hej to String System, a design icon from Sweden with (almost) no limits
The iconic String System shelf is the ideal piece of furniture for all spaces both in terms of form and function. Its refined components can be used to build exactly the kind of storage unit needed. The high-quality and durable shelves are still today manufactured in Sweden by String Furniture.
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Before and after: How our interior designer created a remote workstation in a bedroom
Finnish Design Shop Studio created a stylish and functional workstation in the corner of a bedroom. See the fabulous result and be inspired by the interior designer’s furnishing choices!
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Visiting the Artek factory in Turku – see how the iconic stool 60 is made!
Did you know that all bentwood furniture by Artek is made in Turku, Finland, which is also the home of Finnish Design Shop? Design Stories visited Artek’s a-factory to see how the 90-year-old stool 60 and other Artek classics are made. Join us for a tour!
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Aalto stool 60 Kontrasti celebrates the ingenious construction of the classic L-leg
Artek’s three-legged Aalto stool, the iconic stool 60, turns 90 this year. Artek is marking the anniversary with special editions, the first of which underlines the innovative structure of the stool. Here comes stool 60 Kontrasti!
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The modern Kori lamps designed by TAF Studio pay homage to Artek’s past
Artek and TAF Studio have continued their collaboration, resulting in an Aalto-inspired collection of luminaires. The key elements in the new Kori collection include baskets, eggs and recycled materials.
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Crises also leave their mark on design, but how do challenging times shape it?
The major crises we have experienced lately have posed immense challenges to many design brands. For consumers, this new situation has meant higher prices and longer delivery times. We asked design professionals whether something good could come out of all the adversity.
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Dictionary of Nordic design: Carl Hansen & Søn
Carl Hansen & Søn is probably best known for the CH24 chair designed by Hans J. Wegner, which also goes by the name Wishbone. Discover with us the history of the beloved brand and its iconic and poetic products, essential examples of Danish design.
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Top chef Yotam Ottolenghi’s Feast collection is all about the colorful joy of sharing
Serax’s Feast collection was designed to match the vast culinary world of Yotam Ottolenghi, a world-famous chef patron, food writer and Masterchef Australia guest judge. Just like the recipes of the award-winning chef, also the Feast collection is built on contrasting colors and multiple layers.
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How red-hot glass transforms into iconic Finnish designs – visiting the Iittala glass factory
Established in the 19th century, the Iittala glass factory is the largest in the Nordics and the only one left in Finland. Design Stories got to take a tour of the glassworks to see how Aalto vases, Leimu lamps, and Ultima Thule glasses are made. Come along!
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Dictionary of Nordic design: by Lassen
By Lassen is a Danish brand whose selection is based on the characteristic and strictly functional design of the celebrated architects and designers – and brothers – Mogens and Flemming Lassen. Let us introduce you to the timeless and insightful products of the Lassen brothers.
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Dictionary of Nordic design: Artek
Artek is an iconic Finnish furniture manufacturer, best known for coveted classics such as the Aalto stool and the Beehive lamp. Humane values and an innovative attitude have made Artek a globally known brand, whose products carry on the legacy of its founders in an unforgettable way.
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Nikari’s Biennale stool is made masterfully and meticulously
The elegant, tradition-inspired Biennale stool takes at least 12 weeks to make, requiring not only skill but also quite a lot of physical strength from Nikari’s cabinetmakers. Read on to find out how exactly the stool is made!
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The legacy of Jean Prouvé lives on in Vitra’s re-editions
French designer Jean Prouvé was a multi-talented pioneer whose significance has only been realized in recent decades. Design Stories traveled to Prouvé's hometown of Nancy to meet his daughter Catherine, who is passionate about preserving her father's design legacy.
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The winter 2022 Moomin mug features the athletic Mr. Brisk trying to get the Moomins into ice-skating
Moomin by Arabia’s seasonal tableware set for winter 2022 is called Winter Wonders. The pastel-hued illustration features not only the Moomin family but also the rare character Mr. Brisk, who tries to teach the Moomins how to ice-skate – with varying degrees of success.
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FDB Møbler leads a new era in Danish modernism
FDB Møbler is following the path of the Danish Consumers’ Co-operative Society FDB as the country’s beloved furniture maker. With an aim to be Denmark's most responsible furniture manufacturer, the company is about to bring its entire collection under the Nordic Swan Ecolabel.
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New Moomin tableware features an illustration created for the Finnish Red Cross
Moomin by Arabia and the Red Cross encourage us to be kind to each other with an all-new, limited-edition tableware collection: an act of kindness, however small it may be, can have a huge impact on the people around you. The special collection is based on Tove Jansson’s 1960s illustrations for the Finnish Red Cross.
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VALO lounge chair was designed for both working and relaxing
The VALO lounge chair from the Finnish furniture brand Made by Choice combines two worlds: relaxation and office work. Created in collaboration with VALO Hotel & Work, located in Helsinki, the wooden lounge chair provides a setting for efficient work as well as a spot for having a rest.
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Cover Story x Iittala paints emulate the hues of colored glass
Two Finnish favorites, the plastic-free paint brand Cover Story and acclaimed design house Iittala, have teamed up to create a special collection of indoor paints inspired by the aesthetics and traditions of Nordic design. The collection’s shades mimic four of Iittala’s beloved glass and ceramic colors: yellow, linen, blue and copper.
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British designer Ilse Crawford dressed the 70-year-old Wishbone in brand new hues
Danish brand Carl Hansen & Søn invited interior and product designer Ilse Crawford to create new colorways for the iconic Wishbone chair, which has been in production for over 70 years. In 2022, the Hans J. Wegner classic is introduced in Crawford’s modern palette inspired by the unique beauty of the Nordics.
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How to take care of your Artek furniture? Introducing the best tips for cleansing different surfaces
How to clean linen webbing? Can scratched linoleum be repaired? Design Stories picked the best tips from Artek's care instruction manual and put together a toolkit to help you take care of your precious Artek treasures.
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Skultuna’s new Moomin figurines feature Moomintroll having winter fun
The elegant Moomin x Skultuna collection expanded with two new figurines that depict Moomintroll engaging in winter activities. Which one is your favorite: Lantern Bearer or Alpine Moomintroll?
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In the spotlight: Le Klint's flush ceiling lamp campaign
Le Klint's hand-folded luminaires are adored by many, including Helsinki-based stylist and designer Anna Pirkola. Now you can take 20% off flush ceiling lamps designed by Tage Klint. Join us in discovering Finnish Design Shop’s frequently updated product campaigns, allowing you to save on long-term interior investments.
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TOP 10: The most popular design products of 2021
Finnish Design Shop’s list of best-selling design items of 2021 includes both timeless classics and Finnish innovation. Design Stories invites you to take a look back with us – maybe some of these design gems are your personal favorites as well?
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New from String Furniture: smart solutions for the kitchen
String Furniture’s new 2022 collection features shelving solutions for a functional yet stylish cooking space from a gourmet kitchen to a kitchenette. In addition, the brand is to launch an innovative, height-adjustable candleholder designed by TAF Studio.
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Iittala’s new 2022 collection evokes a strong sense of nostalgia
Iittala’s first new arrivals of 2022 feature bold colors and playful patterns inspired by the brand's history – offering a nostalgic blast from the past, the new tones and prints come from the glass factory’s extensive archives.
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Matri’s Aina bed was designed with a sustainable mindset
Finnish Matri’s latest bed launch, Aina, took a long time to go from idea to production. What makes the bed so special is not only its adaptability but also the fact that the brand insisted on making it as durable and eco-friendly as possible.
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How a December chair by Nikari became as good as new – carpenter Iivari Viilomaa’s tips for refurbishing a wooden chair and its leather upholstery
Refurbishing a wax-oiled wooden chair may sound difficult, but small-scale maintenance can even be carried out at home. Franckly wants to promote furniture repair and maintenance. We had the privilege of watching how a used December chair by Nikari became as good as new. Read the expert tips and check out the photos!
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The new Saana ja Olli collection Rakkauden meri celebrates diving into the sea of love
Finnish design duo Saana ja Olli has launched a new home textile collection titled Rakkauden meri, “sea of love”. Made of natural hemp, the collection was inspired by the haphazard, unpredictable nature of love.
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In the spotlight: Iittala’s lighting campaign
Iittala’s glorious glass lamps and lanterns rise to the occasion as winter evenings call for additional light. Now is your chance to enjoy 25% off selected Leimu, Putki, Virva and Lantern lighting designs. Join us in discovering Finnish Design Shop’s frequently updated product campaigns, allowing you to save on long-term interior investments.
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Iittala celebrates the 70-year-old Teema series with new vintage-inspired colors
In 2022, Kaj Franck’s Teema collection will reach the respectable age of 70 years. To celebrate the occasion, Iittala will launch the classic tableware in new colors inspired by the original tableware from 1952.
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In the spotlight: Brabantia’s Bo sorting campaign
With roots in a small Dutch village, Brabantia has transformed household chores across the world. Now is your chance to enjoy 20% off Bo Touch Bins, Pedal Bins and Laundry Bins by the sustainably-minded brand. Join us in discovering Finnish Design Shop’s frequently updated product campaigns, allowing you to save on long-term interior investments.
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The Moomin x Skultuna collection – Moomins with a dash of gold
Swedish Skultuna has imbued the Moomin characters with a touch of elegance and luxury. The sought-after Moomin x Skultuna figurines are plated with genuine gold.
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Marianne Huotari’s Väre pattern celebrates Finnish history and folklore
Marianne Huotari's stunning Väre pattern was created for the National Museum of Finland. The organically flowing print, depicting an ancient forest, is like a modern interpretation of the museum’s famous frescoes.
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In the spotlight: Muuto’s Rime lighting campaign
Designed by Stockholm-based TAF Studio, Rime lights make an impression with their nature-inspired shape and texture. Now is your chance to take 20% off Muuto's Rime pendants for a limited time only. Join us in discovering Finnish Design Shop’s frequently updated product campaigns, allowing you to save on long-term interior investments.
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Woodio makes ecological bathroom fixtures out of wood composite
Woodio’s founder, Petro Lahtinen, accidentally invented an ecological material made by no one else in the world. At the moment, the waterproof wood composite is used to make bathroom fixtures, and it has the potential for a whole lot more.
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Nikari’s July stool was inspired by nature
Designed by Nao Tamura, the July stool brings together timeless design and Nikari’s signature craftsmanship and respect for the environment. The beautiful wooden stool, which is well suited for use as a seat or side table, is unique and versatile.
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Rand electric boats: a new generation of boating emerges from Denmark
As battery technology continues to evolve, zero-emission and silent electric speedboats are on their way to becoming mainstream. One of the pioneers in the field is the Danish company Rand, whose boats merge modern technology with timeless Scandinavian elegance.
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In the spotlight: &Tradition's In Between furniture campaign
Designed by Sami Kallio for &Tradition, the In Between collection includes furniture honours Scandinavian heritage and woodworking. Skillfully crafted in oak, the dining tables and chairs are available at a 25% discount for a limited time only. Join us in discovering Finnish Design Shop’s frequently updated product campaigns, allowing you to save on long-term interior investments.
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Top 6 picks by Ruben Hughes: “A design classic will hold its meaning”
Art Director Ruben Hughes moved from New York to Copenhagen to enjoy the no-fuss Scandinavian lifestyle and work for local design and fashion brands. In this story, Ruben picks six inspiring and meaningful pieces from Finnish Design Shop’s selection.
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Marimekko fall line 2021 celebrates coexistence with nature
In Marimekko's fall 2021 news, we'll see animal prints, annual rings, and some adorable residents of the whimsical Mari village. Check out our faves from the new collection!
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Avotakka’s picks for the patio: “Outdoor furniture should be timeless and of high-quality”
In this column, Avotakka’s editorial staff present their favorite products and interior design solutions that have proved functional. Avotakka’s producer Anu Karttunen presents six multifunctional products for the garden and patio.
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Nordic design in Asia: Bella Koh is drawn to organic forms and natural materials
Design Stories had the honor to meet Asian creatives who opened the doors to their homes and showcased some of their most beloved design items from Scandinavia and the rest of Europe. In this home story, we caught up with Bella Koh, founder of the lifestyle brand Slowhouse.
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Iittala’s new collection is called The Curious Mind of Oiva Toikka
Iittala’s new collection pays homage to the legendary Finnish designer and artist, Oiva Toikka, whose bold and joyful expression deviated from the strict, clean lines of Nordic design.
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In the spotlight: Viccarbe's table campaign
Side tables by the Spanish brand Viccarbe enchant with sculptural shapes that suit the Nordic style. Situated in the intersection of art and design, the distinctly stylish Bamba, Giro and Trino tables are available at a 20% discount for a limited time only. Join us in discovering Finnish Design Shop’s frequently updated product campaigns, allowing you to save on long-term interior investments.
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Nuppu Junior kids’ tableware is designed to last for life
Created by Maija Puoskari and Tokyo SAIKAI, the children’s Nuppu tableware range is expanding with a new line, Nuppu Junior. The beautifully minimalist tableware can be used even when the little ones are all grown up.
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Avotakka’s picks for a summer home: “I want practical to also be beautiful at the summer cottage”
In this column, Avotakka’s editorial staff present their favorite products and interior design solutions that have proved functional. Art Director Elina Henttonen selected seven small yet versatile products that fit in her tiny, 12-square-meter summer cottage and on its terrace.
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Nordic design in Asia: Spatial designer Hon Kit is drawn to objects with a sculptural quality
Design Stories had the honor to meet Asian creatives who opened the doors to their homes and showcased some of their most beloved design items from Scandinavia and the rest of Europe. In this home story, we caught up with spatial designer Hon Kit, co-founder of design agency Wynk Collaborative.
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In the spotlight: Muuto's Fiber chair campaign
Muuto's popular Fiber chair series is easy to distinguish by its pleasantly soft shapes, innovative materials and uncompromising comfort. Now you can bring home Fiber chairs and stools at a 15% discount for a limited time only. Join us in discovering Finnish Design Shop’s frequently updated product campaigns, allowing you to save on long-term interior investments.
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Top 6 picks by Jäll & Tofta: “Good design is all about an eye for the needs of the user”
Sina Gwosdzik and Jakob Dannenfeldt from the Berlin-based creative studio Jäll & Tofta chose their six favorite items from Finnish Design Shop. Some of the products can also be found in their own interior projects.
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Avotakka’s picks for the dining room: “I want a dining area to appeal to all the senses”
In this column, the editorial staff of the Finnish interior design magazine Avotakka will share their favorite products and interior design solutions that have proved functional in their own homes. Editor-in-Chief Kari-Otso Nevaluoma has found six items that fit into the dining area of his new second home.
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Nordic design in Asia: Studio Juju’s Timo and Pris fell in love with Scandinavian classics
Design Stories had the honor to meet Asian creatives who opened the doors to their homes and showcased some of their most beloved design items from Scandinavia and the rest of Europe. In this story, we visit the home of Singapore-based industrial designers Timo and Pris from Studio Juju.
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Do you know where your furniture has grown? FSC and PEFC certificates indicate the origin of wood
The purpose of FSC and PEFC certification is to ensure that ecological, social and economic sustainability is taken into account in wood production. Join Design Stories to explore forest certifications and the Nordic design brands committed to complying with them.
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Design in Depth
These stories go beyond the surface of the objects we find most compelling. We explore new releases and reissues, visit the workshops and factories where design is made, and take a closer look at the ideas, materials, and craftsmanship behind individual pieces – from a freshly recolored Finnish classic to a lamp base shaped from upcycled marble.
In the Design category, you’ll find articles spanning the full breadth of contemporary design: brand histories, product deep-dives, factory visits, and the creative collaborations that keep the field moving forward. It’s where curiosity about Nordic design has room to breathe.
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.
