A walk along a rocky seashore made the Japanese-Swiss couple see Finland in a different light. The vintage classics in their home in Suvikumpu, Espoo, are not only a passion but also an investment. Akiko and Simon see beauty in pebbles and whiskers alike. Read more
Do you know what Alvar Aalto and skateboarding have in common? The Pool, a new summer exhibition at Jyväskylä’s Aalto2 Museum Centre, delves into how Aalto’s 1930s Villa Mairea swimming pool has influenced the global skate culture from Finland to California. Read more
When Alvar Aalto designed a new building for his architectural practice in Helsinki in the mid-1950s, he created a light-filled studio space with gently curved walls and a view of a courtyard shaped like an amphitheater. Join Design Stories for a visit to Studio Aalto – a place where creativity, architecture, and everyday life intertwined. Read more
Tuuli Kalliosalo and her family live in a striking house nestled in the natural surroundings of Sipoo, Finland. Though minimalist and modern on the outside, the home feels warm and richly layered within. Intriguing artworks and handcrafted furniture add character and charm to the interior. Read more
Sonja and Olli had built their dream home for three – but when a baby came along, space for four became tight. That’s when the couple found this architect-designed semi-detached house in Vartiokylä, a peaceful neighborhood in East Helsinki. Read more
As spring gathers pace, so do the outdoor festivities! From balcony mornings to late-night garden gatherings, these fresh finds bring style to every setting. Explore our top picks for March and get ready to make them yours. Read more
Interior architect Joanna Amemori and specialist dentist Masamitsu Amemori’s home exudes the original atmosphere of the 1950s building. In this family home in Helsinki, the present and the past intertwine and engage in an intriguing dialogue. Read more
For nearly a century, Cassina has shaped modern design with pioneering collaborations and unmistakable style. From Gio Ponti’s Superleggera to Le Corbusier’s iconic lounge chairs, discover the story behind the Italian brand now available at Finnish Design Shop. Read more
Finland is the happiest country in the world for the eight time in a row, and also the other Nordic countries rank in the top ten of the World Happiness Report 2025. As we celebrate the UN’s International Day of Happiness, it’s worth taking a closer look at the relationship between Finnish design and happiness. Read more
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. Read more
Joiku Ski & Lake Chalets is a newly completed complex of 17 luxurious villas, located in the heart of Finnish Lapland. The interior design of the standout flagship villa, The House of Northern Lights, was curated by Finnish Design Shop Studio. Read more
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 more
Built by their grandfather in Helsinki’s Munkkiniemi district, this cherished family villa has found new life as a home for a blended family of seven. Here, old traditions are honored, and new ones are joyfully created. Read more
Eero Saarinen’s iconic TWA Flight Center at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport has been reimagined as a luxury airport hotel. Opened in 2019, the TWA Hotel beautifully preserves Saarinen’s visionary design while celebrating the spirit of the 1960s. Read more
Wooden furniture and differen shades of red were in the spotlight at the Stockholm Furniture Fair. Design Stories visited the fair to discover the freshest new designs for spring 2025 – check out our top picks! Read more
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. Read more
In the Japanese countryside, a contemporary house in Tottori Prefecture brings together sharp Japanese lines and Nordic design. Owners Jun and Yoshiko Maeta invited Finnish Design Shop to visit their warm home, filled with music, laughter, and illuminating light that moves throughout the day. Read more
The Copenhagen home of Poul Madsen, co-founder and CEO of Normann Copenhagen, overlooks the city’s historic lakes. His art-filled residence is a vibrant reflection of both his personal taste and the design philosophy that has shaped the brand – timeless yet forward-thinking. In this exclusive interview, Madsen shares his thoughts on sustainability, his love for travel, and the personal touches that make a house feel like home. Read more
The savior of cloudy days and hero of late garden dinners is here! Louis Poulsen’s iconic Radiohus lamp, originally designed for Copenhagen’s Radio House, is now available in a portable version. This powerful glowing orb enchants with its radiant light in both indoor and outdoor spaces. Read more
Artist and designer Howard Smith infused his creativity into ceramics, printed textiles, and a variety of other materials. Smith is best known for his ceramic animal figures for Arabia and printed fabrics for Vallila. In May 2025, his first retrospective exhibition in the United States will open. Read more
Alvar Aalto designed a home for composer Joonas Kokkonen that blends beautifully into the landscape, and inside opens up like a fan around the studio and grand piano. Come and explore Villa Kokkonen with Design Stories! Read more
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. Read more
Located in the heart of Helsinki, Finlandia Hall has reopened its doors to locals and visitors alike after an extensive three-year renovation. The iconic event venue, designed by Alvar Aalto, now offers a unique opportunity to stay overnight, as two former staff apartments have been restored and transformed into accommodation. Read more
Day by day, the growing light brings hope that winter won’t last forever. And now, you can give spring a little boost! We’ve handpicked five fresh lighting designs from our collection to make the darkness nothing but a distant memory. Read more
Aino Aalto brought the modern interior design ideals that she thought were practical to Finland. Her style can be seen, for example, in the interior of Villa Mairea. Read more
New year, new adventures – and an eagerly awaited look at the latest trends in the interior design world! Finnish Design Shop's interior designers share their hot take on both international movements and singular trends that define the year 2025. Read more
One loves skiing amidst snowy scenes, the other's heart beats for a moment of hygge with hot chocolate – and everyone adores these discounted pieces of Nordic happiness! The Design Stories editorial staff chose their favorites from the Winter Sale, where the swiftest shoppers can fulfill dreams for up to 50% less. Read more
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! Read more
Bouchon Carême offers sweeping views of bustling Aleksanterinkatu, right in the heart of Helsinki. Set within the historic Lundqvist building, the restaurant blends French elegance, market hall-inspired design, and an inviting atmosphere. Finnish Design Shop’s Contract Sales helped furnish this exceptional space. Read more
The winner of the Finlandia Prize for Architecture 2023 is The Martta Wendelin Day Care Centre designed by architect studio AFKS Arkkitehdit. Read the jury's remarks and the winner's fresh comments on Design Stories! Read more