Meet our team – the Makers of Nordic Happiness! Join us for a sit-down with writer Susa Pääkkönen, who shares her thoughts on good design and reveals her top interior decorating tips.
ON MAKERS OF NORDIC HAPPINESS, we get up close and personal with Finnish Design Shop's team. This time the stage is set for writer Susa Pääkkönen.
Hi there, Susa! Can you please tell us about your role at Finnish Design Shop?
“When friends ask me what I do for a living, I often say that I spend my days admiring beautiful objects and writing about them. I work as a writer at Finnish Design Shop, which involves writing and translating product descriptions, as well as planning and creating content for Design Stories.”
Why is good design important to you?
“Good design withstands the test of time, pleases the senses, and accompanies us throughout our lives. We evolve and change constantly, so our tastes don't stay the same either – a well-designed and timeless product fits into ever-changing styles and tastes.”
“I love having quirky knick-knacks at home that may not necessarily serve any function – they just happen to look and feel good.”
Any stellar decor tips you might share with us?
“Don't take interior design too seriously; it's your space, so make sure to leave room for play! I love having quirky knick-knacks at home that may not necessarily serve any function – they just happen to look and feel good while also unravelling a piece of my story to visitors.
I'm all about art. It adds charisma to the decor, calms and inspires. The paintings of my dear friend, artist Inkeri Rantala, delight me with day after day. Inkeri paints abstract paintings and edgy, feminist female characters whose confident attitude is irresistible.”
Susa's 5 favourites
1. GUBI: Croissant lounge chair
GUBI's delectable Croissant lounge chair bears the signature of Danish architect and designer Ilum Wikkelsø. Drawing inspiration from buttery French pastries, its unique design reflects the designer's creativity and sense of humor. Beyond its charming aesthetics, every detail of this one-of-a-kind chair is crafted for durability.
”I'm a sucker for croissants, a fact very well-acknowledged to anyone who knows me. My dream is to own GUBI's Croissant lounge chair, so I could indulge in my morning pastries ensconced in its fluffy embrace.”
• GUBI's Croissant lounge chair >
• All furniture >
2. Finarte: Atrium rug
Bringing a touch of wanderlust into any space, Finarte's Atrium rug captivates with its captivating design. Drawing inspiration from the architectural wonders witnessed by designer Marianne Huotari on her travels, its bold, abstract motif reflects the grandeur of classic arches and marble fountains.
”The massive Atrium rug I discovered on Franckly – a marketplace for pre-owned design – covers every square inch of my living room floor my. Despite its distinctive and vibrant colors and patterns, it doesn't overpower the space but rather enhances the furniture placed atop and around it. It's the perfect rug!”
• Finarte's Atrium rug >
• All textiles >
3. &Tradition: Formakami JH5 pendant
The Formakami JH5 pendant lamp by &Tradition brings a touch of modern elegance to any space, blending designer Jaime Hayón's contemporary vision with the timeless charm of traditional Asian paper lanterns. The handcrafted design and fresh white color exude a sense of lightness, while the open top ensures ample illumination.
“Another gem from Franckly is the Formakami pendant, which I originally bought for the entryway of my old home. It was way too big for that space, but I was amazed at how it instantly transformed the entire feel of the area. Nowadays, the Formakami hangs in my living room, in its rightful place as a centerpiece. The soft shapes perfectly complement the Atrium rug – so here's a tip for those of you looking for the perfect rug-lamp duo!”
• &Tradition's Formakami JH5 pendant >
• All lighting >
4. Eero Aarnio Originals: Wooden Parabel side table
The Wooden Parabel side table exudes Eero Aarnio's signature rounded and playful design language. Crafted from wood, it resembles more of a sculpture than a furniture item, with its gracefully curving wood grain patterns accentuating both the material and its distinctive form.
“Eero Aarnio's sculptural Parabel is a perfect example of great design – a functional everyday item with a captivating and charismatic appearance, seamlessly fitting into any interior and never going out of style.”
• Wooden Parabel side table by Eero Aarnio Originals >
• All tables >
5. Hem: Molino grinder
Hem's Molino spice grinder also blurs the gap between everyday utility and sculptural art. Drawing inspiration from the color-packed culture of Mexico, designer Fabien Cappello infuses playful design and vivid hues into this captivating piece that adds both flair and flavor to your kitchen.
”I am absolutely smitten with the vibrant colors and unique shape of the Molino spice grinder! A guaranteed showstopper in the kitchen.”
• Hem's Molino grinder >
• All kitchenware >
See also:
• All items at Finnish Design Shop >
Text: Mira Ahola Images: Christopher Hamm and manufacturers