Interviews
Nani Marquina: The art of the everyday rug
Spanish designer Nani Marquina set out to reinvent the rug, and ended up building one of the most distinctive textile brands in the world. In this exclusive interview, she talks creativity, craftsmanship and what drives her after almost 40 years.
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Inga Sempé finds beauty in the everyday – and turns it into something extraordinary
From her Paris studio, French designer Inga Sempé creates objects that are witty, precise, and utterly her own: lamps, sofas, and everyday things that don’t take themselves too seriously. We sat down with her to talk about daily life, long processes, and why good design should always be worth fighting for.
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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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Shirley Villavicencio Pizango’s colorful world comes to life with Serax
In Shirley Villavicencio Pizango’s work, people and objects exist side by side in richly layered interiors. Now, her imagined ceramics have become real in a collaboration with Serax. We visited the artist in her Ghent studio.
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Gustav Winsth reshapes steel with Muuto’s Pleat Mirror
Stockholm-based designer Gustav Winsth’s Pleat Mirror for Muuto transforms a rigid material into something unexpectedly fluid. Crafted from folded stainless steel, the mirror balances precision and experimentation, reflecting both Winsth’s engineering background and his intuitive, hands-on approach to making.
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Inside Fredrik Bull’s Oslo home: A space made to be lived in
Interior architect Fredrik Bull doesn’t believe in fitting into one box – neither in his work nor at home. In his Oslo apartment, design, art, and everyday life come together in a space shaped by curiosity and constant change.
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In the studio with designer Maria Bruun
With its gently asymmetrical shape, Maria Bruun’s Re-Norm table reconsiders long-held ideas about how we sit together. Together with Muuto, we visited the Danish designer’s studio in Copenhagen to hear how the concept evolved into a table shaped by today’s ways of gathering.
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Inside the world of Alberto Alessi
Few companies have shaped the world of design quite like Alessi. For more than a century, the Italian “design factory” has transformed everyday objects into cultural icons through collaborations with some of the world’s most celebrated designers. Design Stories had the rare opportunity to meet Alberto Alessi at the company headquarters in Omegna – and to visit his home and vineyard overlooking Lake Orta.
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“Fiskars LAB is our playground for creativity,” says Chief Design Officer Petteri Masalin
Within Fiskars – the brand known for its iconic orange-handled scissors, cookware, and gardening tools – operates a kind of experimental design lab: Fiskars LAB. It’s a passion project for Chief Design Officer Petteri Masalin, a place where the team can explore and test new, even unconventional, ideas.
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Pizza, pine, and the power of making: A day with Fredrik Paulsen
In this exclusive interview, designer Fredrik Paulsen invites us into his creative life in Stockholm – from hands-on work at his spacious Årsta studio to catching up with friends over pizza. Known for his fearless approach to color and craft, Fredrik talks about finding inspiration in the everyday.
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Muller Van Severen: “What matters is to focus on what truly interests us”
From visual artists to superstars of Belgian design, Fien Muller and Hannes Van Severen have forged a bold and unmistakable design language that is easy to fall in love with. In an interview with Design Stories, the couple reveals how their daring mix of art, colour, and form grew into a recipe for international acclaim.
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Ronan Bouroullec: “Finnish pine is a marvellous material”
Designer Ronan Bouroullec moves between mediums, materials and scales with ease. To each new project he brings a philosophy of thoughtful, empathetic design. We asked Ronan – in conversation with writer Laura Houseley – how the Maasto family of furniture for Vaarnii reflects his design ethos, and how he got away with introducing plywood to the Vaarnii range.
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Beauty, balance and a touch of pink – the making of Cream Files Studios
In the heart of Helsinki, a soft pink sanctuary awaits. Cream Files Studios is the long-time dream of makeup artist Eevis Liedes, brought to life in collaboration with Finnish Design Shop’s Contract Sales team. The studio offers experiences for both the skin and the senses – step inside and fall in love!
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Inside the heart of creativity – Visiting Aspekt Office’s studio in Copenhagen
Danish design studio Aspekt Office creates more than just products; they craft entire worlds where experimentation and functionality meet. Design Stories visited their Copenhagen studio – come along for a glimpse inside!
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The story of LAYERED: From a personal need to new take on Scandinavian design
When Malin Glemme couldn’t find the perfect rug, she decided to design one herself – and LAYERED was born. Today, the brand is celebrated for its bold and artistic rugs that redefine Scandinavian interiors. Read Design Stories’ interview to learn how LAYERED became a design trendsetter and what makes its rugs truly unique.
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Bringing Moomin stories to life – Annika Tickle on design, heritage, and playfulness
What is it like to work with the beloved Moomins every day? Annika Tickle knows firsthand. Her team is behind Moomin Arabia’s latest Moomin tableware and home textiles, transforming Tove Jansson’s original illustrations into playful, modern-day collectibles. Design Stories had the pleasure of meeting Annika – read on for our exclusive interview!
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Yrjö Kukkapuro’s studio is a source of limitless inspiration
Studio Kukkapuro, which was the home and workspace of Yrjö Kukkapuro and graphic artist Irmeli Kukkapuro for decades, is an international attraction. Design Stories had the pleasure of visiting the studio in spring 2021 and hearing about Yrjö Kukkapuro’s life’s work and the importance of the space and collaboration for creativity.
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Shaping the future of light – Alessandro Sarfatti on Astep’s vision and heritage
Alessandro Sarfatti, founder of the lighting company Astep, aims to make a difference by doing things as well as he possibly can. Design Stories caught up with Sarfatti – read the exclusive interview and discover Astep’s captivating lighting designs!
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Harmony of light, shadow, and darkness – Wästberg’s lamps embrace the beauty of dimness
The Swedish brand Wästberg creates minimalist designer lamps that bring subtle and adaptable illumination to any space. Design Stories had the pleasure of meeting Magnus Wästberg at the company’s Malmö office – discover the inspiring designs in our exclusive feature!
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Paavo Tynell and the Danish recipe for success – an interview with GUBI’s Marie Kristine Schmidt
The Danish design brand GUBI is reviving the lamps of Finnish designer Paavo Tynell and boldly introducing them to a global audience. GUBI’s Chief Brand Officer, Marie Kristine Schmidt, shares her insights into this shared journey.
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Designer John Tree sends ideas on a journey
The work of British designer John Tree can be found in the collections of HAY, Muuto, and Nine – and now also in Finnish brand Vaarnii’s product range. For Tree, design is about problem-solving, where ideas ultimately find their own path. Read John Tree’s exclusive interview on Design Stories!
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Designing modern icons: A conversation with Simon Legald of Normann Copenhagen
Simon Legald, the creative force behind best-selling designs like the Form Chair, Bit Stool, and Block Table, works as Head of Design at the Danish brand Normann Copenhagen. Design Stories sat down with Simon to chat about his journey and the creative process behind these beloved pieces – join us for an exclusive look into his world!
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Turn your home into a playground! PELATA pieces puts the fun in functional
PELATA pieces launched in 2024 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Finnish Design Shop. Crafted by celebrated Nordic designers, the wooden games and instruments are the perfect excuse to bring friends together. We caught up with TAF Studio, Anderssen & Voll, Studio Tolvanen, and Kaksikko to get the inside scoop.
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Secto Design is committed to Finnish birch and fine craftsmanship
As a little boy, licking stamps for the invoices of his mother's company, Joakim Jusélius most likely could not foresee one day being the owner of Secto Design. Discover what’s new for the family-run lighting company that trusts in sustainable Finnish manufacturing, including the new Kumulo pendant.
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Chilling in the sun: Note Design Studio’s Sine outdoor chairs invite you to relax
Designed by Swedish Note Design Studio, the Sine outdoor furniture combines practicality and elegant colors with stylish yet casual design. Design Stories visited Note Design Studio in Stockholm – read our exclusive interview and check out the new Sine furniture!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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!
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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.
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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 celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2022. 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.
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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.
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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.
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Henrik Tjærby’s Osa outdoor furniture puts pine back on the map
Finnish design disruptor Vaarnii challenged Danish designer Henrik Tjærby to create a series of outdoor furniture made entirely of pinewood. The often-overlooked material set a certain frame for the creative process, but Tjærby tells Design Stories that the characteristics of pine actually worked in his favor.
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How to make your home more functional? We asked, and interior architect Hanni Koroma answered
Hanni Koroma is known as an interior architect who can design spaces in which old and new are delicately interwoven. Design Stories went to her for advice on how to make your home more functional and cozy.
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Franckly – home to a creative team of vintage design experts
Franckly is a thriving pre-owned online design marketplace run by a team that’s passionate about curated vintage design and responsible consumption. Design Stories interviewed Franckly’s Sales Manager Lotta Kuuteri, who has found her calling in the marvelous world of pre-owned design.
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Danish company Montana Furniture believes in the power of colors and versatile product design
Montana Furniture is all about color and joy from the get-go. Joakim Lassen, CEO of the Danish company known for storage furniture, tells Design Stories that versatility and a curated color palette are still at the heart of the business. He also reveals his favorite places in Copenhagen.
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Finnish Design Shop’s Customer Service team is here to help you with any and all questions about Nordic design
Ever wondered what’s it like to work in the multi-channel customer service of the world’s largest online store specialized in Nordic design? We talked to Matias Rahkola, a Design Sales Representative at Finnish Design Shop, who thinks the best parts of the job are solving tricky situations, versatile tasks and duties, and the unwavering support of the team.
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The Juslin Maunula x Finarte rug collection was inspired by fashion and architecture
Design studio Juslin Maunula teamed up with Finnish brand Finarte to create a striking rug collection that plays with textures, colors, and proportions. In an interview with Design Stories, the duo talks about their design process and the inspiration behind the collection.
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Finnish Design Shop’s Contract Sales supplies design for projects worldwide – whether it be Milwaukee or the Maledives
With an address book spanning the globe, Finnish Design Shop’s Contract Sales team provides clients with design products that suit their needs, swiftly and with professional pride. Design Stories sat down with Contract Sales Manager Annika Kairento, who enjoys the scope of projects, ranging from restaurants to office spaces – not to mention a warm, welcoming church building.
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Human rights trainer Dakota Robin: “Amplifying under-represented voices is what matters most”
Diversity, equity and inclusion specialist Dakota Robin works with several organizations, including Inklusiiv, which Finnish Design Shop supports as a community member. Robin spoke with Design Stories about guidelines to help enable encounters that are free from bias and discrimination, both in person and online.
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Arni Aromaa’s Primordial Animal sculptures leave room for interpretation
Arni Aromaa’s ambiguous Primordial Animals are crafted in small series, making each sculpture a unique piece of art. Design Stories asked the Finnish designer and artist how the adorable creatures came to be and what makes ceramics such a fascinating material.
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Inner Circle tableware by Maarten Baas gives an organic touch to table settings
The Inner Circle tableware collection, designed by Maarten Baas for Valerie Objects, is based on asymmetry and deliberate imperfection. Design Stories chatted with Baas about his unique approach to design.
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Pertti Männistö has accumulated the world’s largest collection of treasures by Aino and Alvar Aalto
Pertti Männistö has collected an incredibly extensive collection of lamps and furniture designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto. The collector’s home in Kaarina, Finland, is also decorated with Aalto furniture that exudes timeless beauty. Timeless indeed – the newest furniture in Männistö’s Aalto collection was made in the 1960s.
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Textile designer Elina Helenius: “VM Carpet’s Duo rugs look and feel just as I had envisioned”
Designed by Elina Helenius for VM Carpet, the Duo rug collection boasts a beautifully natural look that stems both from the eco-friendly materials and the timeless, nature-inspired patterns. We chatted with the designer about the rugs' journey from idea to final product.
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Illustrator Matti Pikkujämsä: “I’m at my happiest when I’m drawing”
The beloved, award-winning Matti Pikkujämsä will start drawing first thing in the morning, and takes out his sketchbook during the day many times. Part of his artistry consists of portraits, which can make their subjects either cry and laugh.
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Cover Story’s Anssi Jokinen: “Wall color is the interior’s most important element”
Paint brand Cover Story sees painting as decorating, not renovating. That’s why they try to make buying and using their paints as effortless as possible to encourage people to decorate with color.
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Mac Collins’ 009 pinewood bowls are a combination of stocky and sculptural
Mac Collins is one of the designers who contributed to Finnish brand Vaarnii’s debut collection. Collins’ wooden bowls perfectly capture the brand’s unique aesthetics, where brutalism meets sophistication.
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Herman Studio: “We aim to balance the contrast between the elegant and the powerful”
Helle Herman Mortensen and Jonas Herman Pedersen work closely together with both their design agency Herman Studio and the Form & Refine brand. In an interview with Design Stories, the designer couple sheds light on their creative process and what makes their collaboration work so well.
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Finnish Design Shop becomes carbon-neutral by protecting forest biodiversity
Starting from 2021, Finnish Design Shop will be offsetting its carbon dioxide emissions by protecting Finnish forests. According to CEO Teemu Kiiski, forest conservation is an effective way of both compensating for emissions and helping biodiversity to thrive.
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Design Interviews on Design Stories
These stories bring you into conversation with the designers, architects, and makers behind the objects we love. We explore their creative processes, inspirations, and the thinking that shapes their work – from early sketches to finished pieces that stand the test of time.
In the Interviews category, you’ll find in-depth conversations with both legendary figures and emerging voices in the world of design. We’ve spoken with designers such as Alberto Alessi, Ronan Bouroullec, Rolf Hay, Ritva Puotila, and Inga Sempé, whose ideas and work continue to influence the way we think about beautiful, functional objects. Their products can be explored and purchased through Finnish Design Shop.
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.
