TOP 5: Honoring artisanship – the most inspiring new products of the month

Some things never go out of style – traditional craftsmanship is one of them. Finnish Design Shop’s final top 5 collection of the year celebrates the beauty and timelessness of meticulous, handcrafted design. Happy New Year!

The art of transparency

Marset’s Fragile lamp is a testament to impeccable design, earning designer Jaume Ramírez the prestigious Monocle Design Award at its 2023 debut. Made from clear glass, the table lamp’s transparent form reveals every detail, leaving no room for imperfection in the production process.

Despite its meticulous craftsmanship, Fragile luminaire boasts an effortlessly sculptural form. The warm, downward-directed light creates an inviting ambiance, while the lamp itself serves as a poetic reminder of the beauty in fleeting moments.

Celebrating Finnish design

Artek’s Aalto experimental wood relief brings the beauty of Finnish forests and a touch of design history into your home. Originally designed by Alvar Aalto, this birch masterpiece made its debut in 1933 at the Wood Only exhibition held at Fortnum & Mason in London. Now, the wooden relief makes a stunning return to celebrate Finnish Design Shop’s 20th anniversary.

If the flowing lines of the relief feel familiar at first glance, there’s a good reason for that: the wooden relief reflects the inviting shapes of Aalto’s iconic Armchair 41, also known as the Paimio Chair. The elegant form can be admired from multiple perspectives, as the relief can be hung on the wall either horizontally or vertically.

• Read also: Alvar Aalto’s wooden relief celebrates Finnish Design Shop’s 20th anniversary >

Shining in striking stripes

Marimekko’s iconic Umpu vase has seen many delightful colors over the years, each more charming than the last and perfect both on their own or paired together. Now, the vase debuts in a vibrant new striped design.

Designed by Carina Seth Andersson, the Umpu vase captivates with its striking combination of a slender neck and a rounded base. Mouth-blown from clear glass, the vase brings a playful yet elegant touch to any space.

Raw charm

The Artifacts collection by valerie_objects redefines simplicity with its raw, organic beauty that strips away all the excess details. The Artifacts II jug, with its textured and rugged finish, adds character to any table setting while effortlessly doubling as an elegant vase. A perfect blend of functionality and artistry!

Timeless elegance

Copenhagen Venice’s T20 Vetri Murano table lamp brings the beauty of Italian glass artistry and timeless sophistication to any room. The luminaire's minimalist design is adorned with a mesmerizing swirl pattern created using an original mould from the 1970s.

Made from opal glass, Vetri Murano lamps are mouth-blown on the island of Murano, Venice. Known for its centuries-old glassmaking traditions, Murano is home to some of the world’s most skilled glass artisans – craftsmanship at its finest!

See also:

• What's new at Finnish Design Shop >

Text: Susa Pääkkönen Images: Manufacturers