Being drawn to sculptural yet functional shapes, Mia Mortensen chose her favorite items from Finnish Design Shop’s selection. Her choices include playful shapes, organic materials and pieces that create emotion.
Hello Mia, thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Could you please briefly introduce yourself and tell us about the path that led you to where you are today?
“I’m a full-time photographer and interior stylist, working with interior and design brands, social media, content creation and visual communication. I’m 33, live together with my son and boyfriend in a 1950s’ mid-century house, which we have renovated with respect for the old details and materials. I have always been interested in art, architecture and music, and I have always been creative in many ways, such as playing guitar and piano, painting and doing analogue photography. I think that has created a path towards the creative industry.”
Do you have a dream creative project or collaboration?
“My dream collaboration would be with the Belgian design studio Muller Van Severen. I love the colors, lines and effect their products create in a room. I would love to do a campaign that mixes interiors with people and modeling and create a set with a special mood or architecture.”
What does good design mean to you? What makes a design classic?
“Good design can last through time, centuries and trends. When form, function and materials stand for themselves, there is no need for background colors or contrast to stand out.”
Top 6 picks by Mia Mortensen:
1. Wavy feel
“The Alvar Aalto room divider has a sculptural feeling, being organic in its waves. It has softness but also the power to change a room instantly. I would use it to divide a bedroom between a sleeping area and a dressing area, or to create zones in a large living room.”
2. Splash of color
“Alessi’s Pulcina moka pot is so playful with its layers and graphic form combined with a splash of contrast – in one of my favorite colors, red. I love the reflection of the steel surface, and it really stands out when placed on a kitchen shelf.”
• Alessi’s Pulcina espresso maker >
3. Floating light
“New Works’ Tense pendant is the dining table lamp of my dreams. Its floating design with diffused light and tactility makes this lamp particularly interesting. It is almost like a sculpture but with a great purpose: to light up your dinner.”
4. Soft hugs
“The Puffy lounge chair by Hem has a 70s feel with its white-coated legs, but it also adds to the space something contemporary and puffy with its duvet-like cushions that embrace you like a hug. This is a piece that creates emotion.”
5. Retro and modern
“Form & Refine is a Danish duo who respects organic materials and classic lines. Their Trefoil table is timeless, yet with details that are both retro and modern. I think it gives warmth to a room.”
• Form & Refine’s Trefoil dining table >
6. Favorite material
“One of my favorite materials is stone, especially travertine and marble. They are perfect combined with a wooden floor or soft rugs. The Androgyne lounge table from Menu is an art piece or installation that will make everything look pretty on it.”
• Menu’s Androgyne lounge table >
See also:
• Mia Mortensen on Instagram >
• New arrivals at Finnish Design Shop >
Text: Silvia Filippelli Images: Mia Mortensen, Suvi Kesäläinen and manufacturers