Ceramic artist Karin Widnäs loves the feel of clay between her fingers and gives a physical form to images conjured up in her mind. When she dreams, she dreams big. Often these dreams come true – like her atelier home in Fiskars and, more recently, the KWUM ceramics museum next door. Read more
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. Read more
Interior designer Petra Majantie restored a detached house designed by Aarne Ervi in Espoo, Finland. Even though Villa Koivikko was completed in 1958, its extremely innovative use of space and living-room decor that reflects the past still manage to impress 60 years later. Read more
The philosopher Esa Saarinen has chosen Kirkkonummi Main Library, designed by JKMM Architects, as the winner of Finlandia Prize for Architecture 2021. This year’s prize is the eighth Finlandia Prize for Architecture presented by the Association of Finnish Architects (SAFA). Read more
If you are interested in the Amos Rex art museum, contemporary Chinese architecture, Kengo Kuma’s buildings in Tokyo or Carlo Scarpa’s life’s work, check out these new titles that we have picked from Finnish Design Shop’s book selection. Read more
Franckly Friends, dedicated to friends of pre-owned design, is a column that visits the homes of interesting individuals and delves into stories behind their design treasures. First up, we had the pleasure of exploring designer Fanni Lyytikäinen’s home, full of surprises – a forgotten pearl of 70s architecture in Espoo's Olari district. Read more
The magical world of the beloved author and artist, Hans Christian Andersen, comes to life in Odense, Denmark, where the H.C. Andersen House opened its doors in 2021. The dreamlike architecture creates the setting for an unforgettable exhibition that introduces a new perspective to Andersen's classic fairy tales. Read more
Two interdisciplinary exhibitions are on display this summer at Helsinki’s Amos Rex art museum: Blick by visual artist Raija Malka and composer Kaija Saariaho fills the museum’s large hall, and Between us by Karoliina Hellberg, Tero Kuitunen and Raimo Saarinen expands outside of the exhibition halls. Read more
Many new and exciting items have been added to Finnish Design Shop's curated collection this month. In addition to swooning over product newness, we have been excited to welcome several new brands to the family. Join us and get to know the newcomers! Read more
Fashion professional and dancer Pete Rahikainen lives in Katajanokka, Helsinki, in an apartment where it always seems to be summer. The apartment features muted tones, a mix of styles and eras as well as a touch of Italian-style effortless elegance. Read more
The Muuratsalo Experimental House functioned both as a summer residence of Alvar and Elissa Aalto and a test site for architectural elements. The Experimental House, located in Central Finland, gave Alvar Aalto the opportunity to play with construction materials and test new kinds of structural solutions. Read more
The former Helsinki School of Economics building on Runeberginkatu is one of the landmarks of Finnish architecture. Now it shines anew after having been renovated for use by Aalto University Executive Education. Read more
What could be more relaxing than spending a summer day reading a good book? We selected a few new titles available at Finnish Design Shop that offer inspiration and entertainment to art and design enthusiasts, knitters, home gardeners and food lovers alike, as well as those planning a holiday trip or in need of some R&R. Read more
Founded by Rolf and Mette Hay, HAY is a Danish – and increasingly international – design company that is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. 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. Read more
Successful summer parties are made of, above all, people, but also of memorable presents and decorations that set a festive mood. A good wedding gift is one that the newlyweds can use for a long time and that will also bring them joy in everyday life – read our tips for choosing a wedding present! Read more
“For some, peeling paint on an interior door is beautiful, whereas some instantly put it on their list of things to fix,” says Design Stories columnist Hanna-Katariina Mononen, challenging conventional thinking. Read more
Any rug has quite the impact on the ambiance, but a rug can also be the focal point of the room: mix bold colors, vibrant patterns, and tactile texture and reinvigorate your space with a delightfully eclectic mood. Design Stories chose nine patterned rugs with a big personality – find inspiration in our favorites! Read more
The beautiful city in the French Riviera is known for its atmosphere of luxury. However, Nice also has so much more to offer: neighborhoods with character, cultural experiences and interesting destinations for excursions. Join Mondo on a tour of the famous boardwalk Promenade des Anglais, charming Old Town and atmospheric harbor. Read more
Artek has launched Alvar Aalto’s classic textile pattern, Siena, in three new colorways inspired by Aalto’s material world. Among the new additions are two versions of “Shadow Siena”, a beloved variation recently rediscovered in the archives. Read more
Two Finnish favorites, the plastic-free paint brand Cover Story and acclaimed design house Iittala, have teamed up to create a special collection of indoor paints inspired by the aesthetics and traditions of Nordic design. The collection’s shades mimic four of Iittala’s beloved glass and ceramic colors: yellow, linen, blue and copper. Read more