Pillars of Nordic happiness – six design products that bring joy

In spring 2021, Finland was chosen as the world's happiest country for the fourth year in a row. Inspired by the joyous news, we asked six Finnish Design Shop employees to pick their own pieces of Nordic happiness from our selection. Dive into the picks, ideal for cooking, lounging and indoor gardening – sure to provide a positive feel from one day to the next!

Ferm Living Shell pot
With nearly a dozen years at Finnish Design Shop under her belt, Daniela Chiucchiù looks after the online store catering to Italian shoppers.

Ferm Living: Shell pot

Daniela Chiucchiù: “The Shell pot is a beautiful decor item that delights both with or without flowers. As I have a soft spot for summer and the beach, it feels wonderful to bring a nautical feel to the home office with this pot, reminiscent of a nautilus shell. Whether placed on the desk or bookshelf, you can't help but smile at the sight of Shell's organic shape – that's when work tasks become a breeze.”

Shell pot >

Vitra Noguchi coffee table, walnut
Dan Gorschelnik assists shoppers in discovering pieces of Nordic happiness, as part of Finnish Design Shop's Customer Service team.

Vitra: Noguchi coffee table

Dan Gorschelnik: “After numerous years of daydreaming, the Noguchi coffee table finally found its way into my home. Designed by Isamu Noguchi for Vitra, the sculptural table brings delight on a daily basis, while acting as a reminder – persistently following and fulfilling one's dreams is well worth it.”

Noguchi coffee table >

Fiskars Norden Steel frying pan 28 cm
With plenty of culinary treats up her sleeve, Saara Hällfors is an Assistant Business Controller at Finnish Design Shop.

Fiskars: Norden Steel frying pan

Saara Hällfors: “The Norden Steel frying pan by Fiskars is a genuine find, as it has made cooking all the merrier! Thanks to its mineral treatment, there's no need to worry about harmful coatings or using litres of oil to prevent your dish from sticking to the pan. What really warms my heart is that the frying pan is manufactured in Finland.”

Norden Steel frying pan >

Artek Aalto stool 60 Publics, FDS 15 Years, birch - white
An enduring fan of Artek classics, Kaisa Lintusalo works to ensure smooth logistics for all Finnish Design Shop customers.

Artek: Aalto stool 60 Publics

Kaisa Lintusalo: “Beautiful, timeless and multi-functional – Artek's Aalto stool continues to infuse everyday life with joy. This version of the classic has been decorated with a single hand-painted stripe, and it takes on many roles in our home, ranging from a small side table to an occasional plant stand. What's more, it's even a trusty companion during kids' playtime.”

Aalto stool 60 Publics >

Stelton Collar coffee grinder
When he's not busy brewing a fresh cup, Harri Viitala works as a Development Engineer at Finnish Design Shop.

Stelton: Collar coffee grinder

Harri Viitala: “High-quality, fresh coffee is something I never choose to compromise on. That's why Stelton's manual Collar coffee grinder is my go-to choice, as it partners seamlessly with my espresso pot wherever I go. My morning ritual includes savouring the smell of fresh coffee beans, and I tend to think that the secret to a happy life lies in the smallest of details.”

Collar coffee grinder >

Artek Aalto wall shelf 112B
Anna Uuttu has an affinity for all things Alvar Aalto. She works as a Senior Sales Support Specialist at Finnish Design Shop.

Artek: Aalto wall shelf 112B

Anna Uuttu: “Designed by Alvar Aalto in 1936, the wall shelf 112B is an endlessly versatile classic that keeps making everyday life better. Crafted in birch, the iconic wall shelf has helped solve countless storage dilemmas in a variety of spaces, including the kitchen, foyer and study.”

Aalto wall shelf 112B >

See also:

New arrivals at Finnish Design Shop >

Editing: Eero Nurmi Images: Suvi Kesäläinen, Timo Villanen and manufacturers

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