Natural materials and light hues usher in spring at the Finnish Design Shop Showroom & shop
Pastel tones instantly evoke the feeling of spring. At the Showroom & shop, it’s also possible to order products with upholstery options beyond those available in the online store.
IN MARCH, the arrival of spring here in southern Finland reveals itself in small but telling ways: melting snowbanks, daylight stretching further into the evening, and birdsong on bright, sunny mornings. At the Showroom & shop in Turku, the winter exhibition has now made way for fresh spring displays, along with a curated selection of high-quality pieces from our new brands, Cassina and Karimoku Case.
The Fredericia Calmo sofa, upholstered in a watery blue, has an effortlessly relaxed look. Styled with pink textiles, it takes on a soft, pastel feel, yet simply swapping out the cushions allows the color palette to shift with the seasons. The Rya wool rug by Massimo Copenhagen works beautifully even through the summer months, as the twist of the yarn gives the surface a lighter, less fluffy texture.
The Showroom & shop selection’s terracotta Udumbara pots and the cognac-colored leather upholstery of the J39 chairs bring warmth to classic oak furnishings.
The best of Nordic design
Originally designed in the 1950s by Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs for the interiors of Finnish embassies, the Näyttely collection has been thoughtfully reintroduced using the same meticulous craftsmanship and traditional techniques. The dining table’s design language is clean and sturdy, and its timeless oak construction makes it a natural fit for a wide range of interiors.
At the showroom & shop, the Näyttely table is paired with Fredericia’s J39 chairs, true Nordic classics. Designed by architect Børge Mogensen in 1947, the chair with its paper cord seat is an enduring favorite, while the leather-upholstered version is based on Mogensen’s 1969 prototype. Together, the set is a great example of how seamlessly Nordic design icons complement one another, regardless of their country or decade of origin.
The modular Rico corner sofa is one of Ferm Living’s new arrivals for the season.
Soft curves and sharp lines
The rounded lines of organic forms continue to ride the crest of current trends, and naturally, product offerings are evolving to meet the demand. In the world of sofas, the latest addition is Ferm Living’s modular Rico, which allows for a variety of configurations thanks to two differently shaped corner modules.
At the showroom & shop, the gray-beige sofa is paired with Layered’s Solid wool rug in a timely butter-yellow hue, along with Vitra’s iconic Lounge Chair and ottoman. Adding a sense of contrast to the composition is Cassina’s modern, angular Zig Zag chair, originally designed by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld in the early 1930s.
Karimoku Case pieces showcase world-class design and impeccable finishing.
Silky-smooth wood surfaces
The Japanese brand Karimoku Case is known for its minimalist aesthetic and exceptionally refined wood finishes. The company collaborates with internationally acclaimed architects and design studios, and the level of craftsmanship is clearly visible in the meticulous detailing and remarkably smooth surfaces of its pieces.
The NF-DT01 dining table on display at the showroom & shop is designed by Norman Foster. Its leg structure is seamlessly integrated into the tabletop, allowing the form to flow softly and elegantly from every angle. The A-DC02 dining chair with armrests, designed by Keiji Ashizawa, has a delicate, graceful appearance while remaining sturdy and comfortable to sit in.
A white sofa paired with a sisal rug evokes a light, spring-like villa atmosphere.
A captivating take on white
White may be Pantone’s Color of the Year and therefore especially current, but as a sofa upholstery, it’s a timeless favorite that always works. Interface’s modular Maxim sofa features removable covers, making it easy to take off and clean. Despite its generous size, the sofa maximizes seating space thanks to its slim armrests.
A round oak coffee table and armchair from Karimoku Case bring an effortless elegance to the setting.
The otherwise simple N-ST02 coffee table is defined by a subtle detail: a decorative stripe at its center, created by the leg structure extending through the tabletop. The arrangement is completed by VM Carpet’s classic sisal rug, which is available in larger sizes as well.
The muted yellow paint shade feels both refined and inviting.
A fresh coat of paint
Painting the walls is perhaps the easiest way to transform the atmosphere of a space in an instant. To welcome the new season, the upstairs area of the Showroom & shop has been updated with muted, nature-inspired paint tones from the Finnish brand Cover Story. The walls now glow in shades of yellow, green, and brown, forming a soft backdrop for the exhibition’s furniture and lighting.
The linen-yellow Otto shade from the Cover Story x Artek Helsinki collection beautifully frames Marjatta Holma’s painting and a linen-toned Calmo sofa. Cool metals – such as the aluminum and steel of the Tolomeo Lettura floor lamp – work as a refreshing counterpoint to the warm palette. Wood tones, too, appear especially rich alongside the muted yellow.
Tapio Anttila’s ON2 Wood sofa conceals pull-out beds for two.
Designed to adapt
Versatility is always a welcome quality in home furnishings. Artek’s classic 112B wall shelves, for instance, work equally well as storage in the kitchen, living room, or children’s room. The same adaptability defines Tapio Anttila’s ON2 Wood sofa bed: refined enough for a city home, yet perfectly suited as an extra bed at a summer house.
Behind the white Artek shelves, the gentle gray-green Agatha shade from Cover Story comes into view. This soft, muted green is an exceptionally versatile paint color. It offers enough contrast to standard painter’s white, often found on door frames and baseboards, while remaining subtle enough not to dominate even larger surfaces.
See also:
• Finnish Design Shop’s Showroom & shop >
Featured designs may not be available worldwide.
Published on 24 Mar, 2026
