Ilkka Kärkkäinen, head of the jury of the Paimio Sanatorium 90 poster competition, wants to engage with an open mind in things that stand the test of time. In this Design Stories interview, he talks about the effect of Aino and Alvar Aalto on his work as a graphic artist – and gives a few tips on those submitting entries to the poster competition! Read more
The major crises we have experienced lately have posed immense challenges to many design brands. For consumers, this new situation has meant higher prices and longer delivery times. We asked design professionals whether something good could come out of all the adversity. 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
In January, the Turku showroom enjoys the clear light of winter, freshness after New Year, and the gradually longer days. During mid-winter, there is no rush to give up the wintry feeling, but one cannot help occasionally thinking about the approaching spring and all the things that the next few months will bring along. Read more
Finnish Design Shop’s new logistics center was designed to blend in with the surrounding forest and meet the strict requirements of the environmental certification BREEAM. In an interview with Design Stories, interior architect Joanna Laajisto describes how the large warehouse was made cozy and inviting. Read more
Finnish Design Shop and Artek have launched a joint collection including the three-legged Aalto stool 60 in three new colors. Only a limited number of stools are available, so hurry up if you want one of the iconic seats for yourself! Read more
Phaidon’s new book HAY presents the beloved design brand that has been delivering irresistible colors, sparkling joy, and everyday wonders to all design lovers for over two decades. Read more
Finnish Design Shop’s new interior design service, Finnish Design Shop Studio, offers a helping hand with both small and more significant interior design worries. Design Stories interviewed interior architect Maija Rasila, who told us more about the long-awaited new service. Read more
What will be the end result when an interior architect is given the task of updating a 1970s villa – and free rein? In this case it's timeless, softly soothing and uniquely beautiful interior design. We visited Villa Ekkulla on Kimitoön in Southwest Finland and learned how the interior was created. Read more
The exhibition Aallot – Aino and Alvar Aalto Through a Collector’s Eyes showcases classics and rarities from collector Pertti Männistö’s amazingly extensive Aalto collection. On display are also original pieces from the Paimio Sanatorium. Read more
Danish studio Krøyer-Sætter-Lassen has been busy working with MENU, launching not one but two new luminous designs this year. Design Stories sat down with Emil Krøyer and Mads Sætter-Lassen to talk about their latest projects, how the duo works as a team, and to hear the story of how they first began collaborating with MENU. Read more
Finnish designer Tapio Anttila's very own furniture line, Tapio Anttila Collection, creates timeless, functional, and responsible designs. In an interview with Design Stories, the long-time designer and interior architect talks about how important it is to consider sustainability at all stages of the design process. Read more
Finnish design brand Finarte’s latest collection was created in collaboration with illustrator and textile designer Minni Havas. The rug and throw designs are infused with bold colors and striking forms that merge in fascinating ways – the central theme and the name of the collection is Blending. 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
Carina Seth Andersson created the Sand Secrets collection as a continuation of Design House Stockholm's Sand tableware series. Design Stories chatted with the designer about the idea behind the minimalist pieces and how some considered contrast can make all the difference in a table setting. 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
Created by designer Tom Chung for Muuto, the adventurous Piton lamp surprises with its creative versatility. Design Stories got to chat with Chung, who revealed the story behind Piton and his own guideline for decorating. Read more
Laura Seppänen is highly regarded as a designer of stylish spaces and beautiful interior images, and a product designer whose social media feeds not only offer inspiring interior design ideas but also hard-hitting criticism of the construction industry. What was Laura’s path to becoming an interior design entrepreneur? Read more
Graphic designer and musician Tomi Leppänen created a series of playful outdoor rugs for the Finnish brand MUM’s. But why is the collection called Typewriter and what does Bauhaus master Anni Albers have to do with it? Read on to find out! Read more
Franckly is a thriving pre-owned online design marketplace run by a team that’s passionate about curated vintage design and responsible consumption. Design Stories interviewed Franckly’s Sales Manager Lotta Kuuteri, who has found her calling in the marvelous world of pre-owned design. Read more
Finnish photographer and darkroom artist Mikael Siirilä is known for his black-and-white works created using the traditional silver gelatin method. In Siirilä's posters for the Danish Paper Collective, everyday encounters and objects take on poetic, abstract forms – especially when they are not fully there. Read more
While Finlandia Hall is undergoing comprehensive refurbishments, Little Finlandia, a pavilion-like building supported by sturdy pines, will serve as a temporary venue. Design Stories interviewed architect Jaakko Torvinen, who came up with the idea for the wooden building for an Aalto University student competition. Read more
Founded in 2008, Tikau not only enriches people’s lives with timeless designs but also wants to be a frontrunner in responsible production. We chatted with founder Taina Snellman-Langenskiöld about Tikau’s story, selection and – above all – sustainability. Read more
All about color and joy from the get-go, Montana Furniture turns 40 this year. Joakim Lassen, CEO of the Danish company known for storage furniture, tells Design Stories that versatility and a curated color palette are still at the heart of the business. He also reveals his favorite places in Copenhagen. Read more
Design Stories columnist Hanna-Katariina Mononen is temporarily moving house, and this time, she’s determined to travel light. Here she considers which items are essential to daily routines that take place within the four walls of a home. 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
Hanni Koroma is known as an interior architect who can design spaces in which old and new are delicately interwoven. Design Stories went to her for advice on how to make your home more functional and cozy. Read more
The history of the Tampella neighborhood in Tampere, Finland, is intertwined with the history of large industrial establishments. Hidden from view, on the Herrainmäki hill level with the roofs of the nearby apartment buildings, a new chapter is being written in the history of the area: boutique hotel Villa Sandsund, decorated by Nádor + Nádor Interior Architects, will be open for visitors in fall 2022. 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
Finnish Design Shop’s first showroom has been opened at the online store’s new logistics center in Turku, Finland. Design Stories interviewed Showroom Manager Maija Rasila, who described the impressive facilities and the showroom’s operations in more detail. Read more