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Granny chic for design lovers – these 7 designs capture the charm of grandma’s house

Ilmari Tapiovaara designed the Mademoiselle rocking chair for Artek in 1956.

Grandma’s house evokes warm memories of fresh-baked goodies in a relaxed atmosphere and decor that combines furniture from different eras with rustic details and objects with stories to tell. Here are seven items that will bring a touch of modern granny chic to your home.

Classic that keeps on rocking

The timeless Mademoiselle rocking chair by Artek is a treat to the eyes and body: the high-back chair invites you to rock gently while reading a good book, knitting or watching the evening news. Designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara in 1956, this sleek yet sturdy rocking chair is an investment in lasting beauty – a real future family heirloom.

Artek’s Mademoiselle rocking chair >

The Huvila tableware designed by Heini Riitahuhta exudes a feel of grandma’s coffee table.

Rose-tinted coffee times

Afternoon coffee tastes especially sweet when served with cinnamon buns and cookies on the Huvila tableware by Arabia. Heini Riitahuhta’s romantic, hand-drawn pattern draws inspiration from childhood summers spent at grandma’s and sprawling, pink wild roses. Made of durable vitro porcelain, the collection pays tribute to 1920s aesthetics and Arabia’s old decorating traditions.

Arabia’s Huvila pitcher >

Finarte’s Kuhmo rug combines Finnish rag rug traditions with an Indian color palette.

Like grandma’s loom

The Kuhmo rag rug by Finarte fills the room with warm memories of grandma’s freshly washed rag rugs. This unique, eco-friendly rug feels pleasantly soft under the feet and is hand-woven in India using colorful leftover fabrics from sari garments – each stripe has its own story to tell. The shades of the rugs may vary depending on the available fabrics.

Finarte’s Kuhmo rag rug >

Lokal Helsinki Kori basket, 45 x 25 cm, rattan

Woven in Helsinki, the Kori basket can be carried along to markets, picnics and mushroom forests.

Woven traditions

The Kori rattan basket designed by Kari Hannola for Lokal Helsinki is perfect for storing yarns and wool socks or accompanying you at farmers’ markets and mushroom hunts. Crafted by skilled, blind artisans in Helsinki, the baskets resemble traditional Finnish wicker baskets and are perfected with handles. Each basket is a unique individual that will gain even more charm with age and patina.

• Lokal Helsinki’s Kori basket >

Verso Design Taimi Plant Tray

The Taimi Plant Tray by Verso Design is made of naturally light-colored birch wood.

Fresh take on a flower stand

Geraniums, snake plants and other vintage houseplants thrive on the Taimi Plant Tray by Verso Design. Made of birch and finished with a soft wool felt bottom, Taimi is suitable not only for nurturing plants and seedlings but also for storing your favorite books and other essential items.

• Verso Design’s Taimi Plant Tray >

Silkeborg Uldspinderi Plain Beat throw, muted blues

The Plain Beat throw by Silkeborg Uldspinderi is adorned with multicolored squares.

Modern granny squares

The Plain Beat throw by Silkeborg Uldspinderi is a modern version of the traditional patchwork quilt. Created by Tina Ratzer, the pixelated grid pattern is based on an artwork she created for the Danish Design Centre. This 100% wool blanket will lend a nostalgic touch to any decor or bedding.

• Silkeborg Uldspinderi’s Plain Beat throw >

Vitra’s adorable Resting Cat is made of glazed ceramic.

Happy purrs

No granny chic decor is complete without a porcelain cat lying on the fireplace mantel or shelf. Vitra’s Resting Cat is a modern interpretation of this classic piece, exuding a calming and friendly atmosphere in any room. Designed by the Swedish collective Front and finished with beautiful glazing, this ceramic cat figurine captures a sleeping feline’s peaceful essence.

Vitra’s Resting Cat >

See also:

What’s new at Finnish Design Shop >

Text: Kaisa Mikkola Images: Manufacturers

Published on 13 Mar, 2023

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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.