TOP 5: New colors for old classics – the most inspiring new products

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!

The unforgettable classic

Artek's Stool 60, more familiarly known as the Aalto stool after its designer Alvar Aalto, is one of the most beloved icons of Finnish furniture design, the classic with a simple form that never gets old. To celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Paimio sanatorium, the stool has been adorned with a sky-blue hue that symbolizes the healing power of clean air. The proceeds from the anniversary collection will be directed to the Paimio Sanatorium.

The Aalto stool was a sensation in the design world of its time due to its revolutionary L-leg structure. To bend the leg of Aalto's stool, a piece of straight, solid birch is sawn open at the end in the direction of the fibers, forming the shape of a fan, with thin pieces of plywood then glued in the grooves. This structure makes it possible to bend the wood by heating or steaming it at the desired angle and when dry, it will have a very strong structure that can be easily attached to the seat.

• Artek's Aalto stool 60 >
• All products by Artek >
• Red also: Artek’s new collection celebrates the 90th anniversary of the Paimio Sanatorium >

Sway into style

The emerald green Vertigo pendant is a special edition of Petite Friture's classic luminaire: the sparkling ceiling light is a striking, oversized beauty that sways with the breeze and catches the viewer's eye already from afar. According to the designer of the pendant, Constance Guisset, the large, floating shade creates its own intimate area, almost like a den. The sculptural Vertigo pendant will stand out in any space but is at its best when it sashays in large, open rooms.

• Petite Friture's Vertigo pendant >
• All products by Petite Friture >

Big birthday boy

Introducing the all-new anniversary edition of the iconic Fatboy Original chair! Designed by Jukka Setälä, this plush bean bag has delighted the audience worldwide, becoming a timeless classic for those seeking ultimate relaxation and comfort. Now Fatboy is turning 25 years old, and to celebrate the big day, the popular bean bag chair has been dressed in a stylish dark blue polyester fabric and a soft, padded wadding layer that makes it even more cuddly and puffy. To top it all off, the cover is also moisture and dirt resistant – after all, an anniversary edition should withstand small cake or drink spills, right? The Original Puffer chair is available for a limited time only.

• Fatboy's Original Puffer bean bag >
• All products by Fatboy >

Unleash your flower child

Flower prints evoke a spectrum of conflicting emotions, from enchanted to annoyed – and that was the case for Marimekko's founder Armi Ratia when she announced in public that no floral fabrics would be made at Marimekko. In protest, designer Maija Isola created a complete collection of different floral prints. One of them was named Unikko, Finnish for ”poppy”, and it quickly became a favorite of Ratia, as well. Today, Unikko is one of Marimekko's most beloved designs all over the world.

If your own attitude towards flowers is as ambivalent as Ratia's, try bringing Unikko into your day-to-day life in a simple yet elegant shade of off-white! Marimekko's handleless Unikko coffee cups are adorned with the familiar floral pattern in natural white hues that are easy to combine with monochrome dishware as well as other Marimekko patterns.

• Marimekko's Oiva coffee cups without handle >
• All products by Marimekko >

Pretty in pink

If the poppies still don't charm you, you can fill your cupboard with another flower: this summer, Iittala's iconic Teema tableware is garnished with a lovely shade of rose. The rose-colored Teema mug is a seasonal item and available until the end of 2023.

The Teema collection, designed by Kaj Franck, is a multifunctional tableware for both everyday and festive occasions; the Teema mug's simple design serves several purposes and is ideal for all hot drinks from tea and coffee to delicious cocoa. The Teema collection can easily be combined with other Iittala tableware as well.

• Iittala's Teema mug >
• All products by Iittala >

See also:

• What's new at Finnish Design Shop >
• Finnish Design Shop's Summer Shop >

Text: Susa Pääkkönen Images: Manufacturers