Design Stories
Exclusive
An old house with an old soul – visiting Marie Michielssen and Axel Van Den Bossche
Step inside a 16th-century castle in Antwerp, home to designer Marie Michielssen and Serax co-founder Axel Van Den Bossche, where art fills every room.
Most popular
Latest stories
Emma Ranne and Iida Laiho’s Kuore brings food creatives together under one roof
Kuore Kitchen is a new coworking space for Helsinki’s food creatives – a place to cook, shoot, brainstorm and hang out together. Read the interview with Emma and Iida, and save their fall recipe for plum and bay jam!
Read story
An old house with an old soul – visiting Marie Michielssen and Axel Van Den Bossche
Step inside a 16th-century castle in Antwerp, home to designer Marie Michielssen and Serax co-founder Axel Van Den Bossche, where art fills every room.
Read story
Kuusijärvi smoke saunas win Finlandia Prize for Architecture
A public smoke sauna development at the Lake Kuusijärvi recreation area in Vantaa has been chosen by Dr Timo Miettinen as the winner of Finlandia Prize for Architecture 2026 – the most prestigious architecture award in Finland.
Read story
How to light your home for fall – tips for cozy layered lighting
As the evenings grow darker, there’s nothing quite like lamps glowing softly around the home. But how do you create lighting for the darker months that feels both practical and well balanced? Discover Design Stories’ tips for layered lighting, from ambient light to accent and mood lighting.
Read story
Vitra Home Stories: Sebastian Soukup mixes eras in his Berlin home
Production designer and film architect Sebastian Soukup builds entire worlds for the screen. At home in his 19th-century apartment in Berlin, he takes a similar approach, layering light, color and pieces from different eras. With Vitra classics in a starring role, the result is an interior rich in character and individuality.
Read story
Bright ideas for dark days – the most inspiring new products of the month
Not to alarm anyone, but the nights are drawing in again. No need to fear, though: our five new arrivals are each doing their bit to help you make the most of the darkening evenings.
Read story
At home with Dima & Guy: A Berlin apartment built on contrast
Dima and Guy are the creative duo behind The Berlin Chapters, the Instagram account documenting their hands-on renovation of a Kreuzberg apartment. Their home is built on contrast, and Vaarnii’s pine furniture fit right into that mix.
Read story
Inside Achille Castiglioni’s studio, where design still feels like play
We visited Achille Castiglioni’s studio in Milan, where prototypes, sketches, and everyday objects still sit exactly where he left them. His daughter, Giovanna Castiglioni, told us what it’s like to keep that space, and his legacy, alive.
Read story
The Nordic House: Alvar Aalto’s quiet masterpiece in Reykjavik
Tucked on a wetland at the edge of Reykjavik stands one of Alvar Aalto’s most overlooked works – and one of his most politically charged. Commissioned to anchor Iceland firmly within the Nordic fold during the Cold War, the Nordic House is a masterclass in quiet diplomacy through architecture.
Read story
What’s new: Vitra’s Bascule lounge chair
Vitra’s new Bascule lounge chair settles around you like a favourite jacket, adjusting to your weight and your every move on its own. Read the story behind Bascule and fall for the most laid-back new arrival of the season!
Read story
At home with Isabelle and Barabbas: Nothing was searched for, but everything was found
Isabelle Kaiser and Bari Chyba live by the river near Frankfurt, in an apartment put together from flea market finds, travels, and things that turned up along the way. Welcome to step inside!
Read story
This fall’s interior trends bring shades of brown, natural materials and beautiful layers
The big megatrends in interior design don’t shift overnight, but every season adds its own new nuances. Finnish Design Shop’s interior designers have rounded up the season’s most current shapes, colors and materials. Take a look at these tips for an easy seasonal refresh at home!
Read story
Finnish Design Shop’s Design Disco 2026: Vitra, visuals and a very good party
Vitra classics, animated visuals and a packed dance floor – Finnish Design Shop’s Design Disco brought Helsinki’s design crowd together for a night that’s fast becoming a tradition.
Read story
How to clean a wool rug – best tips for care, spot cleaning and washing
A wool rug is one of the easiest rugs to look after, since the fiber naturally repels dirt. But how do you care for a wool area rug in everyday use, and what should you do when it needs more than a vacuum? Read our tips on how to clean a wool rug at home.
Read story
What’s new: Artek’s Zebra in a new brown shade
The Zebra pattern has travelled through time and across Europe, finding its place at the centre of countless homes. Read on for the story of the classic stripes, and see them in a new brown shade.
Read story
Julia’s home is full of sustainable design choices: “I only buy furniture that will suit my style for decades to come”
Julia Ruuskanen’s home in Helsinki is a serene mix of timeless design, coveted design classics and a relaxed approach to decorating.
Read story
Done differently – the most inspiring new products of the month
In August, things are made to work differently: some with a slight shift, some with a full rewrite. Meet this month's five new arrivals, each with a mind of its own and a bit of mischief to match.
Read story
Our picks for Habitare and Helsinki Design Week 2026
Mark the first week of September in your calendar: Helsinki Design Week and Habitare are filling the city with exhibitions, talks, and gathering spots for anyone who loves design and interiors. Here’s what the Design Stories team recommends!
Read story
A house built slowly: Cecilia Renard’s home in Mallorca came together corner by corner
Photographer Cecilia Renard shoots on analogue, and she has furnished her house in the hills of Andratx the same way: slowly, and only with things she has a reason for.
Read story
Introducing: Reboco
What do a grandmother's embroidered sheets have to do with a Stockholm design brand? Our new brand Reboco makes bed linen and towels that make the bedroom and the bathroom worth lingering in.
Read story
Sunila: The forest suburb that Aalto fans have discovered, too
On the southeastern coast of Finland, in the port town of Kotka, lies Sunila – the country’s first modern forest suburb, designed by Alvar and Aino Aalto. Built between the 1930s and 1950s, its homes originally housed workers from the nearby pulp mill. Today, they’ve also found a new kind of resident: architecture and design lovers with a soft spot for the Aaltos. Join us for a peek inside two design-minded Aalto homes!
Read story
8 reading nook ideas for a cozy Scandinavian retreat
A few carefully chosen pieces of furniture, good reading light, and a touch of softness can turn even the smallest corner into a cozy Scandinavian reading nook where the pages seem to turn themselves. Discover the best reading nook ideas for styling a comfortable spot to read at home.
Read story
Take a seat at Klara’s Table, set with Louis Poulsen
Klara’s Table is a Copenhagen-based studio working between food and design, run by Klara Marie Jespersen. What started as a creative experiment and outlet gradually evolved into a business, and over time, Klara’s Table grew from a small online project into the studio it is today.
Read story
Colorful furniture brings joy to Maiju’s home
Interior architect Maiju Kianta’s home in Kauniainen, Finland, which she shares with her children, is a joyful play of color, where design furniture and bold hues play off each other beautifully. The renovation of this 1960s row house apartment was carefully planned and beautifully executed.
Read story
Settling back in – the most inspiring new products of the month
Though July is still high summer, our thoughts are already turning towards autumn and the rhythms of everyday life. This month’s five new arrivals bring stylish additions to your desk for the months ahead!
Read story
Alvar Aalto’s architecture joins the UNESCO World Heritage List
The Aalto Works series, comprising 13 sites designed by Alvar, Aino and Elissa Aalto, is Finland’s eighth addition to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Discover the newly inscribed World Heritage sites on Design Stories!
Read story
Vauhtikisat 2026: Welcome to the joy of speed
Skateboards flew, crowds cheered, and the July sun turned Sinebrychoff Park into a glowing arena for one of Europe’s most thrilling downhill races. Our photo report from Vauhtikisat 2026 takes you right to the edge of the track – from the first daring runs to the nail-biting final and the moment the custom Vauhtikisat Chair One found its champion.
Read story
Introducing JOY OBJECTS – Welcome to Fredrik Paulsen's World of Joy
What do you get when you combine aluminium, a love of subculture, and a designer who grew up on a skateboard? The answer is JOY OBJECTS – a Swedish brand on a mission to make design fun again.
Read story
Guardian of light – Inside the Frederiksberg home of Nuura's Nadia Lassen
Nadia Lassen spends her days thinking about light as the CEO of the lighting brand Nuura. At home in her Frederiksberg villa, that same thinking shapes a house she shares with her husband, four children, and one very photogenic dog.
Read story
A studio in the archipelago: “Here it’s just us, the forest and the sea”
Built over three summers from raw timber and nails, this studio in the Turku archipelago gives Copenhagen based artist Linn Henrichson and art director Staffan Sundström a place for creative work, quiet thinking and the Finnish summer.
Read story
At home with Ida Lauga: A Stockholm rowhouse full of life
Just a small 1960s brick rowhouse in Stockholm, yet somehow enough room for three kids, two pets, a French husband and an ever-evolving interior. Stylist and designer Ida Lauga has made it her mission to create a home that works hard and looks good doing it – with Vaarnii's enduring pieces at the center.
Read story
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.
Read story
Keep your summer simple – the most inspiring new products of the month
Summer life is easy and carefree, and our interiors should be, too! We've gathered June's new arrivals to make those warm days simpler, whether you're at home, at the cabin, or out enjoying the great outdoors.
Read story
A summer house in the Finnish archipelago built on nature’s terms
This waterfront retreat blends seamlessly into its surroundings. Robert Holmström designed it as an uncompromising, deeply personal family escape.
Read story
Snøhetta plans a hotel and spa for the Aaltos’ Paimio Sanatorium
Paimio Sanatorium, one of the most iconic buildings in modern architecture, is set for a new future. Renowned Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta has developed a Masterplan for the sanatorium, completed in 1933 and located in Paimio, southwestern Finland – and the vision is as ambitious as the building itself.
Read story
New life in a historic house
Few law firms can claim a home quite like this. Dittmar & Indrenius is headquartered in Helsinki's historic Grönqvist Building, and after a year-long renovation, the staff spaces have been given entirely new life. Come and take a look.
Read story
How to set a summer tablescape – 7 ideas for an inspiring outdoor table setting
Set a summer tablescape with ease, and let the outdoors guide the mood. The secret to a beautiful outdoor table setting is not perfection, but atmosphere: hand-picked flowers, natural materials and layers of time come together to create an inviting scene, whether for a garden party or a weekday breakfast.
Read story
Jordan and Matthew’s guide to 3 Days of Design 2026
Three days are never quite enough. Content creators Jordan Bunker and Matthew Spade explored Copenhagen's 3 Days of Design as Finnish Design Shop's eyes and ears. Here are the highlights from the festival that made the cut.
Read story
A new cabin in a familiar spot: Inside the Puotila family’s summer retreat on Lake Saimaa
The Puotila family has been spending summers on the shores of Lake Saimaa since the 1950s. When their old log cabin finally called for a major overhaul, the family arrived at an unusual solution: tear down the original and build a new one in exactly the same spot. Everything that had worked well was recreated – only better.
Read story
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.
Read story
The Danish Karstad family enjoys cabin life between the sea and the forest
At Mikkel and Camilla Karstad’s cabin just outside Copenhagen, outdoor cooking and year-round sea swims are part of everyday life. At the heart of their forest-surrounded retreat are Muuto’s outdoor furniture pieces, which set the scene for a relaxed outdoor lifestyle.
Read story
Onni Alanko’s paintings bring color to summer at Finnish Design Shop
Once again, Finnish Design Shop’s showroom & shop has shifted into summer mode. Alongside fresh design and delicious food, visitors can immerse themselves in the paintings of visual artist Onni Alanko – read the artist’s interview on Design Stories!
Read story
A century of light: Louis Poulsen launches the PH Centenary Collection
In 1926, Poul Henningsen invented a three-shade lighting system that would change the way we experience light at home. One hundred years later, Louis Poulsen celebrates the anniversary with the PH Centenary Collection: a small group of heritage pieces crafted in aged brass, including the long-awaited return of the iconic PH Chandelier.
Read story
TOP 5: Ready for summer's gifting season – the most inspiring new products of the month
Is your summer calendar already filling up with graduations and birthdays? Our newest arrivals offer gift ideas for all ages – pick your favorites and save them for the season ahead!
Read story
Villa Skeppet: Alvar Aalto’s last private home is monumental yet intimate
Designed by Alvar Aalto, Villa Skeppet is located near the center of Ekenäs, Finland. Aalto designed the house in the late 1960s for his close friend, writer Göran Schildt, and Schildt’s wife, Christine. Villa Skeppet would become the last private home Aalto designed during his career.
Read story
What's new: Saana ja Olli's Joutilas collection
There's a quiet luxury in moving at your own pace and letting the hours unfold without a plan. Finnish design brand Saana ja Olli invites you to embrace exactly that with their new home textile collection, In My Own Time. Step in, slow down, and find the pieces that make space for your most unhurried moments.
Read story
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.
Read story
Meet Tenten: Finnish Design Shop launches its own brand
Tenten is Finnish Design Shop’s very own brand, debuting with a collection of high-quality home textiles. Brand Manager Anu Soiniitty shares more about the new label and reveals her favorite pieces from the Tenten collection.
Read story
Salone del Mobile.Milano 2026: Trends and highlights from the Milan Furniture Fair
The design world gathered once again at Salone del Mobile, held in April at Milan’s Rho Fiera exhibition center. Finnish Design Shop’s interior designer Riikka Soini-Ferraguto visited the fair to explore the ideas, aesthetics and emerging directions currently shaping the industry.
Read story
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.
Read story
Visiting Serban Ionescu’s whimsical home and atelier
Celebrated for his sculptural approach to furniture and architecture, artist Serban Ionescu welcomes us into his newly established Paris home and atelier. It’s an exuberant space that reflects his singular creative vision and irrepressible imagination.
Read story
Milan Design Week 2026: The exhibitions, moments and Milan magic we loved this year
Spring in Milan means early-morning espressos, sunlit streets and a city buzzing with design lovers. During Milan Design Week 2026, our photographer captured the exhibitions and atmospheres we loved most, from the Eames Houses at Triennale to Marimekko’s floral osteria and Alessi’s playful table installation. Here’s our visual roundup of the moments that defined the week across the city.
Read story
At home with Katrine Møbius: A 19th-century farmhouse shaped by everyday life
Just outside Copenhagen, photographer Katrine Møbius lives with her family in a characterful 19th-century farmhouse. Defined by a pared-back aesthetic, collected objects, and Vaarnii’s solid pine furniture, the home embraces the beauty of everyday life and a slower pace.
Read story
What’s new: Créme Atelier's Soft Serve lamps
A home doesn’t have to be serious to be stylish – quite the opposite, in fact. The Soft Serve lamp by Stockholm-based Créme Atelier brings a touch of joy to home décors with its delightfully sweet design. Come and treat yourself!
Read story
This Tokyo home is shaped by a lifelong love of Finnish design
Design Stories teamed up with Helsinki Playground to explore inspiring homes from their community in Tokyo. In one of them lives Yuta Ikawa, a vintage dealer who shares the home with his family. His interior reflects a lifelong connection to Finnish design and a deep appreciation for mid-century aesthetics.
Read story
In perfect harmony – A serene Helsinki home shaped by design
Stepping inside, the entrance and the view unfolding through the window instantly put the mind at ease. Guided by a pursuit of harmony, Juha Koskinen and Pauliina Tenho have shaped their home into a cohesive and refined whole, where precise lines and a carefully curated palette of materials flow seamlessly from one space to the next.
Read story
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.
Read story
Layers of living: At home with Simone Noa
In her Copenhagen home, content creator and artist Simone Noa has found that the most personal spaces are rarely the most perfect.
Read story
TOP 5: Bring on spring – the most inspiring new products of the month
The signs of spring are here – and at home, that often means repotting your house plants. Discover five fresh arrivals that help your space bloom for the new season.
Read story
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.
Read story
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.
Read story
Natural materials and light hues usher in spring at the Finnish Design Shop Showroom & shop
Wooden surfaces, soft tones, fresh combinations, and a selection of exciting new brands set the tone for the Showroom & shop’s spring exhibition.
Read story
Gabrielle Toledano’s calm, layered home above the Luxembourg Gardens
A home shaped by many places and lived experience, Gabrielle Toledano's Paris apartment balances clarity with warmth – soft materials, thoughtful details, and subtle splashes of deep blue and red.
Read story
Introducing: RYE
Looking for sweeter dreams? RYE’s Danish-designed bed frames bring a sense of calm to the bedroom – the kind that might carry you off to sleep even before the Sandman arrives.
Read story
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.
Read story
KOKO3 designs stunning new junior suites for Hanaholmen
The new junior suites at Hanaholmen hotel in Helsinki are designed by interior architect Jukka Halminen of KOKO3. Finnish Design Shop’s Trade & Contract Sales supplied part of the suites’ interior products.
Read story
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.
Read story
The simple joys of outdoor living – HAY Outdoor Market
Summer is best enjoyed outdoors. Discover Jasper Morrison’s Outdoor Market collection for HAY, designed to make picnics, garden moments, and outdoor adventures more memorable.
Read story
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.
Read story
Vitra Home Stories: Dutch couple Vera Köller & Lukas Cober live in an old miner’s house
The Swiss brand Vitra takes us behind the scenes of homes as individual as their owners. In this story, we meet Vera Köller and Lukas Cober, whose former miner’s house near Maastricht reflects their love of craftsmanship, color and life close to nature.
Read story
TOP 5: Summer dreaming – the most inspiring new products of the month
In February, it’s perfectly allowed to turn your gaze toward spring and summer. Our shop is brimming with fresh new treasures – the kind you’ll want to secure now, so you’re more than ready when those sun-soaked days finally arrive. Happy summer dreaming!
Read story
For a discerning taste – Fjällen Lumière Penthouse brings refined luxury to Levi
At the foot of the Levi ski slopes in Finnish Lapland, you’ll find a penthouse rental defined by its modern, understated elegance. Finnish Design Shop’s Studio took part in designing this high-end leisure retreat in Levi, creating a setting where contemporary design meets the dramatic Arctic landscape.
Read story
Introducing: Frizbee Ceramics
We get it: everyday life doesn’t always come with a smile. Luckily, the right tableware can help. Our newest brand, artist-run Frizbee Ceramics, channels playful patterns and a punch of 90s energy, making your breakfast table look a little more fun.
Read story
In search of atmosphere: Mikko Puttonen and Lucas Ruska Martin
Known for their keen eye for beauty and mood, Mikko Puttonen and Lucas Ruska Martin have found a home in Finland that they are shaping gradually – living in it, one piece at a time – into a space that feels entirely their own.
Read story
From radical to classic: the timeless design of Verner Panton
Verner Panton is one of the great names of Nordic design, known for his bold colors, sculptural forms, and futuristic interiors. A century after the Danish designer’s birth, his furniture and lighting remain strikingly relevant. In this story, we explore why Panton’s radical ideas have stood the test of time – with insight from the brands that continue to produce his iconic pieces today.
Read story
What’s new: HAY’s Palissade Cantilever
It may not look like it yet, but the best time of the year is just around the corner! Refresh your garden now and be ready when summer arrives. HAY’s new Palissade Cantilever furniture offers a light and modern interpretation of the beloved Palissade collection.
Read story
Quietly glowing colors – In Helene Schjerfbeck’s palette, it’s about being human
In her column, writer and art historian Selina Vienola reflects on Helene Schjerfbeck’s restrained palette and on how returning to familiar works can open up new meanings and new ways of seeing oneself.
Read story
Introducing: Service Projects
Great food deserves to be served on equally great tableware. Copenhagen-based Service Projects creates timeless pieces you’ll want to set on the table again and again and again. We promise this new brand is one you’re going to fall for!
Read story
Living with Fredericia, part 2: Three Danish homes, three ways
What makes a home truly meaningful? In these three Danish homes, design is shaped by values, memories, and everyday life rather than trends. From a pioneering sustainable house in the countryside to a carefully curated Copenhagen apartment and a home that doubles as a gallery, Fredericia’s furniture becomes part of lives defined by craftsmanship, longevity, and personal stories.
Read story
TOP 5: Everyday assistants – the most inspiring new products of the month
Good design doesn’t settle for looking beautiful – it also makes daily tasks easier. We've gathered five newcomers for January that not only please the eye but also smooth out everyday life, finding their place in surprisingly many situations.
Read story
Where Japanese craft meets Finnish design: A home in Tokyo
Design Stories joins forces with Helsinki Playground to explore inspiring homes in Tokyo, curated from their creative community. This time, we visit the forest-side home of jewelry designers Ryu Hinata and Yui Taira, founders of Ryui, where Japanese craftsmanship meets a quiet appreciation for Finnish design.
Read story
Trends 2026: Creating spaces for comfort and joy
Global shifts inevitably make their way into our homes. Interior trends don’t emerge out of nowhere, they reflect the world around us. Finnish Design Shop’s interior designers have put together an overview of the key movements shaping the design scene, along with the trends set to rise in 2026.
Read story
In Elena and Lasse’s home, beauty engages all the senses
Guided by intuition, carefully chosen furniture, everyday objects, one-of-a-kind finds, and works of art come together to make Elena Palomo and Lasse Pietiläinen’s Helsinki home distinctly personal and entirely their own.
Read story
What’s new: Louis Poulsen’s Panthella Opal lamp
Happy birthday, Verner Panton! Louis Poulsen celebrates the beloved Danish designer’s 100th anniversary by introducing new translucent shades of his iconic Panthella lamp. Explore the delightful new colors and pick your favorite!
Read story
TOP 5: Joyful finds for the year ahead – the most inspiring new products of the month
A new year is the perfect excuse to add something fresh to your décor, too! From December’s latest arrivals, we’ve picked five joyful favorites guaranteed to brighten the season ahead. Meet our chosen five and see which one catches your eye.
Read story
Crispy lettuce tacos with tofu and Vietnamese flavors
Now it’s time to wrap all things good in crisp lettuce leaves: marinated tofu, vibrant Vietnamese flavors, and plenty of fresh crunch.
Read story
1.2 million kilos of design shipped worldwide – Finnish Design Shop’s highlights in 2025
2025 was a year of focused work, international encounters, and memorable design moments for Finnish Design Shop. From a landmark collaboration with The Met to inspiring events and a record-breaking expansion of the selection, the year reflected long-term commitment to Nordic design. Here are the highlights of Finnish Design Shop’s 2025.
Read story
Introducing: Sabre Paris
Set the table with a little slice of Paris! Radiating the charm of French bistros and sunlit terraces, Sabre Paris cutlery brings joy, playfulness, and ever-changing color to any table setting. Read more and fall for our newest brand!
Read story
An evening with friends celebrating the Tones of Modernism Collection in New York
Finnish Design Shop brought a relaxed and cheerful crowd to the Vitra Showroom in New York to celebrate the Tones of Modernism collection created in collaboration with The Met. Guests explored exclusive pieces from Artek, Iittala, Lapuan Kankurit, Nikari, and Hetkinen – each reflecting Helene Schjerfbeck’s subtle modernist spirit. Read on to see highlights from the evening!
Read story
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.
Read story
Finnish Design Shop presents the Tones of Modernism Collection in collaboration with The Met
The collection celebrates the opening of “Seeing Silence: The Paintings of Helene Schjerfbeck” on-view at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York from December 5, 2025, through April 5, 2026.
Read story
The Met announces first major U.S. exhibition of works by Finnish painter Helene Schjerfbeck
Finnish painter Helene Schjerfbeck is celebrated across the Nordic countries, yet her work remains little known in the United States. The Met’s new exhibition, “Seeing Silence,” brings together nearly 60 works to introduce American audiences to the quiet intensity of this remarkable modernist.
Read story
Holiday gatherings, Copenhagen style – with Freja Bak Josias
Architect and influencer Freja Bak Josias welcomes us to her Frederiksberg home, where relaxed holiday gatherings, candlelit tables and easy Copenhagen charm set the tone for the season.
Read story
Lasting beauty for home and holiday gifting – Showroom’s seasonal favorites
At Finnish Design Shop’s showroom & shop in Turku, the holiday spirit is enjoyed in the midst of beautiful design. Between browsing the shelves, visitors can discover ideas for decorating their home, filling Santa’s sack and setting the table for the holidays.
Read story
“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.
Read story
A home filled with nature, memories, and warm Holiday traditions
For interior enthusiast Gro Anita Nilsen, the Holidays are all about atmosphere. Her family’s 1956 villa in Norway comes alive with forest-fresh greenery, treasured keepsakes, and playful traditions.
Read story
TOP 5: Gift ideas for the season – the most inspiring new products of the month
Somehow, the year is already drawing to a close, and gift season is quietly knocking at the door. We’ve gathered five of November’s most interesting new arrivals – pieces that deserve not only a spot both under the tree but also on your own wish list!
Read story
Warm textures, gentle rituals, and a home shaped by thoughtful details – Welcome to set the holiday table with Celia Solf
Creative director Celia Solf’s family home reflects her warm, intuitive way of living. With an eye for atmosphere and detail, she brings a fresh touch to cherished traditions. Step inside to discover her family’s festive ways and the mood she crafts around them!
Read story
Restored Villa Lante: Contemporary Finnish design in a 16th-century Roman villa
Villa Lante, used by the Finnish Institute in Rome, reopened in autumn 2025 after an extensive renovation. In this story, Helka Parkkinen from the design studio KOKO3 talks about how contemporary Finnish design finds its place within an Italian Renaissance villa.
Read story
Recipe: Semifreddo brings a fresh breeze of Italy to the Christmas dessert table
A frozen dessert that pairs seasonal citrus with warm chocolate sauce is an easy yet elegant choice for the festive season’s sweet finale. Give it a try and fall in love!
Read story
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!
Read story
“Most of the year our home is minimalist, but during the holidays we let ourselves go a little”
There aren’t many holiday decorations, but that’s exactly why they stand out in Julia’s family’s modern, minimalist home. The festive spirit begins with a seasonal window display and the Christmas stockings made by her grandmother.
Read story
Seasonal
Trending
We recommend
COMPANY’s design explorers Aamu Song and Johan Olin
Aamu Song and Johan Olin of design studio COMPANY get to know and work with local artisans on their travels. The result is distinctive and warmly humorous products with influences from different parts of the world. Design Stories met the couple in their light-filled atelier in the artists' residence Lallukka in Helsinki.
Read story
Spicy pumpkin pasta – the best pasta for a fall weekend
Nothing beats a hearty bowl of pasta on a chilly fall evening. Try these quick and easy recipes to bring restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen – savory sausage pasta for meat lovers and spicy pumpkin pasta for veggie fans, a trusted favorite of our editorial team.
Read story
Peter Erlandsson’s house in southern Sweden is the home of the reborn String Furniture
The home of Peter Erlandsson, co-founder of String Furniture, on the Falsterbo peninsula in Sweden reflects the residents’ love of nature, architecture, design and – naturally – String shelves. Design Stories visited this unique house (also featured on TV!) that the architect designed to blend in with the surroundings.
Read story
Greta Magnusson Grossman paved the way for female designers
Greta Magnusson Grossman is best known for her Gräshoppa and Cobra lamps, designed in the late 1940s and now part of GUBI’s collection. The Swedish designer, who built her career in California, also created houses and interiors for Hollywood’s elite alongside her iconic lighting designs.
Read story
The Aalto House in Helsinki surprises with its timelessness
The Helsinki home of Alvar and Aino Aalto, and later Elissa Aalto, remains as modern today as it was nearly a hundred years ago. Discover the charming home of the Aaltos in Helsinki with Design Stories!
Read story
Erik Bryggman's Resurrection Chapel is a gem of Finnish architecture
Amidst the tumult of the Second World War, architect Erik Bryggman designed a peaceful cemetery chapel in Turku, in which death is encountered with respect and gentleness. It has become a landmark of Finnish architecture.
Read story
Home tour
Vitra Home Stories: Sebastian Soukup mixes eras in his Berlin home
Production designer and film architect Sebastian Soukup builds entire worlds for the screen. At home in his 19th-century apartment in Berlin, he takes a similar approach, layering light, color and pieces from different eras. With Vitra classics in a starring role, the result is an interior rich in character and individuality.
More home stories
In focus
Interview
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!
Worth reading
-
Inside the world of Alberto Alessi
Read story
What's new
-
What’s new: Vitra’s Bascule lounge chair
Read story -
Introducing: Reboco
Read story
Design Stories – Exploring contemporary Nordic design
Design Stories is an online magazine published by Finnish Design Shop, focusing on Finnish and Scandinavian design, interiors, and architecture. We cover the latest design releases, explore timeless classics, and step inside inspiring homes in Finland and around the world.
Design Stories brings together stories on design and interiors, interviews with designers, and design-minded travel and culture tips. The content is created by Finnish Design Shop’s editorial team in collaboration with an international network of contributors, with selected articles produced in partnership with Asun, Mondo, and Avotakka magazines. The editor-in-chief of Design Stories is Mikko Vaija.
Up to 22% off nearly everything
Anniversary treat
Finnish Design Shop is turning 22! To celebrate our birthday, almost our entire selection is up to 22% off. Discover your future design favorites now.
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.
