Interior design stylist Pinja Forsman prefers to buy her furniture second-hand and especially likes the timeless design language of Artek. Discover how the rattan stool of her dreams, designed by Alvar Aalto, finally found its way to her home.
PINJA FORSMAN: “I had dreamt for years of the Y61 stool designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, and even had a spot reserved for it in my apartment, but this discontinued beauty made of rattan and birch remained beyond my reach. Every time I managed to find one at an online auction, the price rose too high.
Finally, I ran into a Y61 stool by chance at Artek’s 2nd Cycle shop. Not all of their furniture is for sale, so I asked the staff if I could buy the piece. Luckily, the answer was yes, and the stool returned with me to occupy a spot of its very own.
“Buying items second-hand is a rational form of consumption, but to be honest, I find old design more beautiful than new objects anyway.”
In my home, the Y61 serves as a side table under a lamp, as the twined seat is too fragile for sitting. This doesn’t bother me – on the contrary. I prefer to buy my furniture second-hand; my home also includes inherited objects, such as armchairs and a dresser. Buying items second-hand is a rational form of consumption, but to be honest, I find old design more beautiful than new objects anyway.
I find that the timeless and international design language of Artek’s and Aalto’s furniture speaks to me. It is classic design that fits in smoothly with the present day and a wide range of environments.”
What is Franckly?
• Franckly.com is a new online marketplace for pre-owned design
• Created and curated by Finnish Design Shop
• Buy and sell pre-owned design treasures: Franckly.com >
See also:
• Furniture designed by Alvar Aalto >
• All Artek furniture at Franckly >
Text and photos: Suvi Kesäläinen