Yrjö Kukkapuro’s Experiment lounge chair, originally designed in 1982, was out of production for nearly 30 years, but now this postmodern masterpiece is making its comeback! The re-release by Hem was created in collaboration with Yrjö Kukkapuro and Isa Kukkapuro-Enbom. Read more
Cabinetmaker Kari Virtanen is the winner of the Kaj Franck Design Prize 2022, one of the best-known design prizes in Finland. Over the years, Virtanen has designed a wide range of wooden furniture for Nikari, a company he founded in 1967, and collaborated with Alvar Aalto and even Kaj Franck himself. Read more
Unused Moomin mugs gathering dust in your cupboard? If you're ready to part with them, they might find a new home on Franckly – check out which Moomin mugs are the most sought-after! Read more
According to our friends at Iittala, festive gatherings are not about creating the perfect table setting or precisely planned schedules, let alone a meticulously curated guest list. Inspired by this philosophy, let us present seven Iittala tableware collections to create an elegantly mismatched festive spread! Read more
Finnish textile designer Johanna Gullichsen has won the Kaj Franck Design Prize 2021. According to the prize jury, an appreciation of natural materials, handicrafts and the preservation of the weaving tradition are clearly visible in her textiles. Read more
One can easily gather clues about the Japanese couple’s fondness for Nordic design in their Helsinki home, which exudes a delightful mix of light and warmth. But it’s only when you take a moment to sit down at their kitchen table that the stories behind their cherished items come to life. Let’s listen! Read more
Moving into your very first home is a major milestone, filled with both joy and excitement. To ensure your new space feels like a true sanctuary, the editorial team of Design Stories has curated a comprehensive list of 9 must-have products to tackle all interior design needs for your new space. Home sweet home! Read more
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! Read more
Finland, as well as many other countries, celebrate mothers, grandmothers, mother figures and everyone who considers themselves a mother on the second Sunday in May. If you are still pondering what to get for Mother’s Day, not to worry, as we give you seven ideas for design gifts that will delight your loved one and brighten up their home for years to come. Read more
Anna Vartiainen, communications director and member of the jury of the Paimio Sanatorium 90 – Human Perspective poster competition, is working with the Paimio Sanatorium Foundation to outline guidelines for the future of the landmark building designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto. Design Stories got to visit Anna above the rooftops of Helsinki—where, by complete surprise, we found a bit of Paris. Read more
Nita Hauhia, a Helsinki-based interior stylist, social media influencer and big-time Christmas fan, chose seven timeless gifts for friends and family from Franckly, the online marketplace for pre-owned design.“I love it when items have a life history of their own and have maybe taken a few knocks here and there over the years, just like people,” says Nita. Read more
Whether you're looking for a gift of great design for a dad, grandfather, or other father figures – even for the one who says he has everything – we got you! Forget the last-minute gift panic and take a look at these picks to wrap under the tree. Read more
Eero Aarnio is one of the most internationally renowned Finnish designers. The home of the designer, who turned 90 in July, reflects his life-long career in design. Step inside Eero and Pirkko Aarnio’s modern studio home with us! Read more
The holiday season is full of special moments, whether it be parties and jolly gatherings or cozy evenings at home, fully embracing me time. Either way, the season’s comforting foods and warming drinks taste the best when served on charming crockery – see our tips for setting the table with Arabia’s alluring tableware! Read more
The elegant, tradition-inspired Biennale stool takes at least 12 weeks to make, requiring not only skill but also quite a lot of physical strength from Nikari’s cabinetmakers. Read on to find out how exactly the stool is made! Read more
Finnish designer and interior architect Ilkka Suppanen has been awarded the Kaj Franck Design Prize 2020, granted by Design Forum Finland. According to the jury, Suppanen moves between industrial design and art with agility. Read more
Whether you're looking for tips to liven up a casual dinner setting or to decorate a festive table, there's only one rule: forget the rules. Check out our inspirational ideas for feel-good table settings! Read more
Finnish designer Tapio Anttila's very own furniture line, Tapio Anttila Collection, creates timeless, functional, and responsible designs. In an interview with Design Stories, the long-time designer and interior architect talks about how important it is to consider sustainability at all stages of the design process. Read more
Finnish Design Shop’s Showroom Manager Maija Rasila and her team pick the showroom’s most interesting products and interior decoration trends every month. In June, the new and old will be brought together as the vintage treasures of marketplace Franckly adorn the interior of the showroom. Read more
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
The beautifully decorated home of Jenny and Santeri Carlsson is really easy on the eyes. The apartment, located in a semi-detached house in Pakila, Helsinki, has a calm and cozy atmosphere. Read more
Iittala’s first new arrivals of 2022 feature bold colors and playful patterns inspired by the brand's history – offering a nostalgic blast from the past, the new tones and prints come from the glass factory’s extensive archives. Read more
Design industry influencer Isa Kukkapuro-Enbom and researcher and architect Aija Staffans from Aalto University sit for a chat on a 1960s Ateljee sofa in Aija’s home. The discussion starts with the sofa itself, moves on to what makes for quality design and a good home, and finally to sustainable development and living in the way that best suits one’s own tastes and aspirations. Read more
In 2022, Kaj Franck’s Teema collection will reach the respectable age of 70 years. To celebrate the occasion, Iittala will launch the classic tableware in new colors inspired by the original tableware from 1952. Read more
“Are ordinary yet functional objects boring? Not in my opinion. In fact, I think they deserve to be praised for being so ordinary,” writes Design Stories columnist Hanna-Katariina Mononen. Read more
Iittala’s glorious glass lamps and lanterns rise to the occasion as winter evenings call for additional light. Now is your chance to enjoy 25% off selected Leimu, Putki, Virva and Lantern lighting designs. Join us in discovering Finnish Design Shop’s frequently updated product campaigns, allowing you to save on long-term interior investments. Read more
Stockholm-based designer Matti Klenell picked seven gift tips from Finnish Design Shop’s selection. The choices embody his love for contemporary Finnish design and creativity. Read more
The mid-20th century Milan Triennials in Italy have influenced Finnish design more than you might think. The treasures of the industrial art success story are on display in the Finnish Glass Museum's summer exhibition in Riihimäki. Read more
Edited by Florencia Colombo and Ville Kokkonen, the Iittala book is the first one to provide a comprehensive picture of the 140-year history and advanced design philosophy of this iconic Finnish design company. Read more
In his work, Kaj Franck sought the beauty underneath the surface. The unembellished Teema tableware and Kartio tumblers are the delight of table settings even today. Read more