Wrap up memories and meaning – Akiko Mori’s gifting tips
Ceramic artist Akiko Mori favors Christmas gifts that carry memories. Get inspired by gift ideas that are sure to make a lasting impression! Read more
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The new Finnair Lounge at Helsinki Airport combines comfort with Nordic design
Finnair’s new lounge areas offer a calming respite before boarding. The airy spaces decorated with Nordic design were created by Studio Joanna Laajisto. The majority of the products were ordered via Finnish Design Shop’s Contract Sales. Read more
The small cottage on the island of Högsåra is Rasmus and Alexandra’s home base for the summer
In the summer, designer Rasmus Palmgren and art historian Alexandra Enberg live and work on the idyllic island of Högsåra. To serve as their home base, they built an about 20-sqm cabin for which Rasmus designed the broad outlines and the interior. Read more
TOP 5: Summer design alert – the most inspiring new products of the month
Finally, the best of all seasons has arrived, and we couldn’t be more excited! Finnish Design Shop’s newest arrivals for May are overflowing with summer vibes that shout sunshine and fun. Now is the time to enjoy the heat and light with all your senses. Read more
Playful vegetables and fruits flourish in Oiva Toikka’s glass garden
In addition to his popular glass birds, Oiva Toikka also designed luscious-looking glass fruits and vegetables. Some of these whimsical glass sculptures have made a return to Iittala’s collection. It’s worth searching for vintage Toikka glass art, for example, from Franckly’s selection. Read more
Franckly Favorites: The season’s most followed outdoor furniture
Pondering whether to part with your cherished design piece? To help you make the final decision, we’ve listed the most coveted pre-loved design gems from the marketplace Franckly – these outdoor items are sure to sell in no time! Read more
What to bring as a gift to the summer cabin? 8 thoughtful cottage gift ideas that’ll keep the invitations coming
You have been invited to the summer cottage, but what to bring as a gift? Fresh strawberries straight from the market and pre-chilled summer drinks are always a sure choice, but if you’re looking for something that will bring a smile to the host’s face for years to come, keep reading. Design Stories put together eight swoon-worthy cabin gift ideas – take a look and keep the invitations coming! Read more
Love at first light! Top tips on choosing a lamp
Buying a lamp is no mere technicality; it's a magical touch that transforms the ambiance and functionality of your space with a flick of a switch. We put together a guide with tips on how to choose the perfect lighting fixture for your home – read on and get inspired! Read more
Modern log house Villa Havu delights with its light-toned spruce surfaces
The vision of interior designer Laura Seppänen on light spruce surfaces combined with timeless interior decoration creates a serene atmosphere for Villa Havu, one of the favorite houses at the 2023 Loviisa Housing Fair. Finnish Design Shop’s Contract Sales had the pleasure to be involved in furnishing Villa Havu. Read more
Kitchen heroes: 7 essential kitchen tools every home should have
The enjoyment of cooking comes from having good kitchen equipment. We’ve picked out seven top-of-the-range kitchen utensils that everyone should have. With these seven top-tier kitchen tools, you can elevate your own cooking or indulge a gastronome friend moving into a new home. Read more
Our Summer Shop is open – step in and get set for the sunny days ahead!
It’s official: the countdown to summer has now begun! At Finnish Design Shop, we’ve continued our seasonal tradition and opened the virtual doors to our Summer Shop. Come in and have a look around! Read more
What’s new: Cabin Fever by Gestalten
Gestalten’s new book Cabin Fever whisks you away to remote modern hideaways and offers inspiration for anyone dreaming of a cabin of their own. Read more
The social media fell in love with the svamplampa – introducing 9 irresistible mushroom-shaped lamps
A mushroom-shaped lamp – or as the Swedish call it, a svamplampa – is a social media sensation. Sympathetic mushroom lamps bring just the right amount of adventure and a hit of good humor to the interior. A mushroom lamp is also a fun gift idea for a passionate mushroom picker – fill your basket with these delightful treats today! Read more
The legacy of Jean Prouvé lives on in Vitra’s re-editions
French designer Jean Prouvé was a multi-talented pioneer whose significance has only been realized in recent decades. Design Stories traveled to Prouvé's hometown of Nancy to meet his daughter Catherine, who is passionate about preserving her father's design legacy. Read more
Minna Kemell-Kutvonen’s idyllic summer cabin in the Houtskär archipelago
The windows of the sheltered cabin give a magnificent view of the landscape in Houtskär, an island group in the Finnish Archipelago. Large ships pass by every now and then, their sound giving a rhythm to the flow of the day. The Kemell-Kutvonen family lives a tranquil life on the island during the summer, enjoying relaxed activities and the simplicity of the surroundings. Read more
Ask the Customer Service: “Can I order products directly to my summer cabin?”
Some people may be hesitant about ordering from online stores during their summer vacation, as they may not be at home to receive the deliveries. There are often alternative shipping methods available, however, and delivery to summer homes is also possible. Design Stories’ column seeks answers to questions that puzzle design lovers around the world. Read more
An inventive summer home on the cliffs – Lille Arøya was built on nature’s terms
Located on the southern coast of Norway in Larvik, in the tight embrace of rocky terrain, stands Lille Arøya – an inventive summer home designed by Lundhagem Architects. Turning the challenging topography into its unique resource, Lille Arøya is an ideal hideaway for taking in the surrounding landscape to the fullest. Read more
Column: It just feels right
“The feeling of inauthenticity creates bad energy,” writes Design Stories’ columnist Hanna-Katariina Mononen. Read more
Creativity is key in Kirsikka Simberg's summery table settings
Kirsikka Simberg's summer includes dining al fresco, tending the garden, and bicycle trips – with a side of ice cream of course. Design Stories visited Simberg's summer home and got the best tips on what to bring as a gift to the cabin and for creating a summery table setting. Read more
Sommarnöjen’s tiny summer home built for the House by an Architect exhibition has all the essentials – and loads of character
The lightly furnished mini cottage contains only the essentials. That's enough: this is what a great summer is made of. Read more
Column: Summer at home
Design Stories columnist Hanna-Katariina Mononen ponders whether you can enjoy the feel of a summer cottage without leaving home. Spoiler alert: you can. Read more
Franckly Friends: Pete Rahikainen loves Art Nouveau and makes discoveries in his attic
Fashion professional and dancer Pete Rahikainen lives in Katajanokka, Helsinki, in an apartment where it always seems to be summer. The apartment features muted tones, a mix of styles and eras as well as a touch of Italian-style effortless elegance. Read more
Tasty tart recipes for summer – enjoy the best the harvest season has to offer
Go for an easy yet tasty smoked salmon and asparagus tart or make a vegan tart with new potatoes and onion. Cherry tartlets flavored with almond butter and mascarpone will tame any guest’s sweet tooth. Save these delicious recipes and try them out this summer! Read more
Give your summer home décor a makeover with our 7+1 simple ideas
Decorating the summer house might often be last on the list and no wonder: there are strawberries to savor and sunshine to be soaked in – and to-do lists to scrap. Design Stories put together seven simple ideas for a summer cottage mini makeover, take a look and get inspired! Read more
The modern leisure home of Joanna Laajisto and Mikko Ryhänen invites to unwind
This holiday home designed with emotion, skill, moderation and common sense offers a calm contrast to the everyday city life of interior architect Joanna Laajisto and photographer Mikko Ryhänen. Read more
Start the barbecue season with style – discover the best gas grill, BBQ accessories and everything you need for an outdoor kitchen
It's time to open the grilling season! In order for the BBQ delicacies to be a delight to prepare and serve, the summer kitchen requires a high-quality grill, practical kitchen utensils, and beautiful textiles. Take a look at our best tips for the dreamy barbecue oasis. Read more
Muuratsalo Experimental House was Alvar Aalto’s playground
The Muuratsalo Experimental House functioned both as a summer residence of Alvar and Elissa Aalto and a test site for architectural elements. The Experimental House, located in Central Finland, gave Alvar Aalto the opportunity to play with construction materials and test new kinds of structural solutions. Read more
Franckly Friends: The home of Iida Lappalainen got dressed in colors
Iida Lappalainen, the founder of vintage store Curated and an expert in sustainable clothing, lives in Helsinki with her boyfriend Antti and dog Kaapo. Iida’s new home made her realize that the way she decorates her home has something in common with the way she dresses: carefully selected pre-owned treasures and colorful patterns. Read more
Studio Puisto’s Space of Mind cabin allows you to travel without leaving home
Space of Mind is a minimalist and modular cabin developed as a response to the pandemic travel restrictions and the new era of local travel. The compact, prefabricated cabin resulted from a collaboration between three Finnish companies: Studio Puisto, Protos Demos and Made by Choice. Read more
Lovely Valentine’s Day surprises – see 7 little gift ideas!
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! Delight your loved ones with a handwritten card, quality time together, or a small gift that really lasts. If you wish, the little package travels also easily to your valentine’s door. We picked seven adorable products that show that you care. Read more