Iittala’s 2023 releases include another batch of design treasures buried in its archives – which truly are incredibly extensive considering Iittala’s 140-year-old history. This spring, especially fans of Alvar Aalto or Oiva Toikka are surely in for an abundance of treats! Read more
Established in the 19th century, the Iittala glass factory is the largest in the Nordics and the only one left in Finland. Design Stories got to take a tour of the glassworks to see how Aalto vases, Leimu lamps, and Ultima Thule glasses are made. Come along! Read more
Ready to light up your autumn? Finnish Design Shop’s Autumn Sale is full of luminous wonders, whether you're into charming classics, elegant eye-catchers, or modern multi-taskers. Design Stories has curated nine radiant luminaires to chase away that autumn dusk – check out our choices and pick up your own favorites! Read more
With the fading whispers of August’s winds, the long-awaited embrace of autumn is upon us. Curated especially to the dimming days, Finnish Design Shop's latest arrivals will refresh kitchens but delight in other rooms of the home as well. Explore our handpicked favorites and get ready to give a warm welcome to the season ahead! Read more
As the holiday season winds down, it’s like turning the page to a new chapter. Some embrace it with outright joy, while others, well, maybe a tad more reservedly. But we can all agree on one thing: a thoughtfully set up workspace provides a gentle, refreshing boost as we ease back into the work groove. Read more
One can easily gather clues about the Japanese couple’s fondness for Nordic design in their Helsinki home, which exudes a delightful mix of light and warmth. But it’s only when you take a moment to sit down at their kitchen table that the stories behind their cherished items come to life. Let’s listen! Read more
Like seemingly everyone on the planet, our team has recently been endlessly inspired by the live-action Barbie movie. We put on our pink goggles and picked our favorite Barbiecore pieces from Finnish Design Shop’s selection: these designs are sure to maintain their charm even after all the Barbie dust has settled. Read more
Oh, sweet July – hope it has been a good one full of sun, swimming, and laughter! Are you ready to welcome Finnish Design Shop’s freshest summer stars? Design Stories’ editorial team has cherry-picked some goodies that will warm your soul even as summer slowly waves goodbye. Read more
Moving into your very first home is a major milestone, filled with both joy and excitement. To ensure your new space feels like a true sanctuary, the editorial team of Design Stories has curated a comprehensive list of 9 must-have products to tackle all interior design needs for your new space. Home sweet home! 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
Classic is a classic for a reason, but every now and then, even the most beloved pieces crave a little makeover. Get ready to meet Finnish Design Shop’s latest arrivals for June: these familiar products are now dressed up in a fresh coat of new colors and captivating patterns! Read more
This recipe, based on a traditional niçoise salad, conveniently brings all the best of midsummer to the table. All you need is the biggest serving plate you own! For dessert, serve a delicious Finnish traditional strawberry Brita cake, the undisputed queen of summer cakes. Read more
Get to know the team behind Finnish Design Shop – the Makers of Nordic happiness! First in line to make your acquaintance is Marketing Specialist Netta Kekkonen, who shares her top tips and picks for a timeless decor. Read more
Love deserves to be honored in the most remarkable way – and what better way than a gift of Finnish design, destined to last as long as a newlywed’s marriage? Check out our 9 best picks for the wedding gift that will not only bring joy on a special day but also add a touch of festive cheer to everyday life. Read more
In downtown Helsinki, under the spires of a castle-like Art Nouveau building, there’s a home whose residents value a cozy atmosphere and design from past decades. Join Design Stories on a visit to this charming home! Read more
Who said setting up the party table has to be a hassle? Whether you're throwing a grand and glamorous event or keeping it cozy and intimate, Design Stories is here to help you with the table décor. Check out our inspiring ideas for delightful table settings – and don't forget to add a bunch of fresh flowers to accompany your tableware! Read more
Jenna Kiuru is a visual storyteller who, when buying an object, carefully considers both the necessity for and care required by it. Jenna and her spouse live in downtown Helsinki, leading a wonderful life in their compact home. Read more
Spring is the time for celebration: schools are out for summer and the hard work of students is finally paying off. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect graduation gift, look no further. Check out our eight best gift ideas for your fave grads and get ready to celebrate your loved ones in style! Read more
In the color palette of this beautifully restored home in Stockholm, hues of rhubarb, masala, truffle and oatmeal take turns. Luscious salmon-red tiles and wild floral wallpaper have also claimed their own spaces in interior designer Gabriella Gullberg’s home, showcasing her confident choices. Read more
Finland, as well as many other countries, celebrate mothers, grandmothers, mother figures and everyone who considers themselves a mother on the second Sunday in May. If you are still pondering what to get for Mother’s Day, not to worry, as we give you seven ideas for design gifts that will delight your loved one and brighten up their home for years to come. Read more
Maybe as a little rebellion against the heavy burden of world politics, interior design trends have taken a delightful turn. The trendy “dopamine décor” is exactly what it sounds like: bursts of color and playful patterns. Finnish Design Shop’s latest arrivals for April are full of good vibes – check out our favorites and pick up yours! Read more
High-quality food from a can is the key to preparing an easy dinner. The main ingredients in these spring-time recipes are trendy tinned fish preserves, and the straightforward combo is nicely complemented by a savory Dirty Martini and ever-so-delectable chocolate mousse. 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
It’s official: the countdown to summer has now begun! At Finnish Design Shop, we’ve continued our seasonal tradition and opened the virtual doors to our Summer Shop. Come in and have a look around! Read more
Anna Vartiainen, communications director and member of the jury of the Paimio Sanatorium 90 – Human Perspective poster competition, is working with the Paimio Sanatorium Foundation to outline guidelines for the future of the landmark building designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto. Design Stories got to visit Anna above the rooftops of Helsinki—where, by complete surprise, we found a bit of Paris. Read more
Iittala’s first new arrivals of 2022 feature bold colors and playful patterns inspired by the brand's history – offering a nostalgic blast from the past, the new tones and prints come from the glass factory’s extensive archives. Read more
Shoes are maintained most handily when the entrance hall is functional and the main care items are on display. We’ve picked six beautiful and practical products to help you create the ideal space for footwear maintenance in your hallway. Read more
Vertical stripes never go out of style. We’ve curated eight ribbed glass vases from our collection to bring the charm of lines to your home décor. Check out our picks and choose your own favorite vases! Read more
Finland is the happiest country in the world for the sixth time in a row, and also the other Nordic countries rank in the top ten of the UN World Happiness Report 2023. As we celebrate the International Day of Happiness, it’s worth taking a closer look at the relationship between Finnish design and happiness. Read more
Made by Choice co-founder Niclas Ahlström is passionate about many things: art, books, and especially chairs. Many of the pieces found in Ahlström’s home have been made in the company’s own factory in Halikko, Southwest Finland. Read more