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
Ever heard of Finnish everyman’s rights? The freedom to forage and roam the countryside allows for berry picking and endless outdoor enjoyment. To celebrate harvest time, we picked eight designs inspired by Nordic nature. Expect blueberry hues, apple aesthetics and even some vegan treats! Read more
In February, snow has fallen, but here at Finnish Design Shop, we definitely have turned our gaze toward the approaching spring. An easy way to get a head start to the light is to update your décor with bright new colors. Check out this month’s colorful newcomers and pick up your vivid favorites from this kaleidoscopic quintet! Read more
“At the heart of Iittala has always been an experimental, open-minded, and bold approach to design,” says Iittala’s creative director Janni Vepsäläinen. Read the exclusive Design Stories interview to find out how the beloved Finnish brand was revamped, logo included – and what Vepsäläinen’s own Iittala favorites are! Read more
Another trip around the sun, and here we are – a new year with its bag of surprises. However, there are a few constants in life, like the endless attraction of good design. Once again, Design Stories has curated this month’s most irresistible finds at Finnish Design Shop just for you. Check out our favorites and pick up yours! 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
Are you in search of holiday gifts for a friend, buddy, or work colleague? We have carefully curated 8 unique gift ideas, perfect for bringing joy long after the holiday season. Some of these stocking stuffers are small, inexpensive gifts that can conveniently fit into an envelope. Find the perfect gift that suits your loved ones! Read more
Our editorial team combed through Finnish Design Shop’s selection and picked the best present ideas for the upcoming gifting season. Read more
Wool socks are on, candles are lit, and the first box of chocolates is opened. We guess now is the time to finally admit it: the holiday season is approaching fast. To help you get into a festive frame of mind, we have opened our traditional Holiday Season Shop – step inside and get set for the season ahead! Read more
Iittala’s new collection pays homage to the legendary Finnish designer and artist, Oiva Toikka, whose bold and joyful expression deviated from the strict, clean lines of Nordic design. Read more
Oskari and Jere have a passion for interior design, and their impeccable sense of style guides them to choose cozy paint colors and complement them with furniture from different eras. Take a home tour with Design Stories! 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
Did you get invited to a Midsummer party, someone’s holiday home or a friend’s house? Even though meeting people you like is the most heart-warming thing about the visit, it is still nice to give the host or hostess a beautiful, high-quality gift – such as a Finnish design item! We picked seven ideas for gifts available in our selection, representing Finnish design at its best. 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
Iittala’s 2023 releases include another batch of design treasures buried in its archives – which truly are incredibly extensive considering Iittala’s 140-year-old history. This spring, especially fans of Alvar Aalto or Oiva Toikka are surely in for an abundance of treats! Read more
Have you heard the buzz about blue? Many intense colors were on display at Stockholm Furniture Fair, but only one hue truly stole the show: bright electric blue. Capture the sparkling shades of blue and give your home a fresh, vibrant new look! Read more
On Valentine’s Day, February 14, we celebrate love and friendship. A memorable Valentine’s Day gift should be something cute and meaningful but still as long-lasting and timeless as your friendship. We picked 8 Nordic Valentine’s Day gift ideas that will charm your sweetheart! Read more
It’s not a secret that nature has inspired designers and other artists through the ages. Take a look at the Finnish Design Shop’s favorites for January, which include fruits, plants, animals and other wonders of Mother Nature. Read more
“There is something special about a flickering flame that makes everything cozier and creates an atmosphere of relaxation.” Blogger Kasia Rutkowiak introduces us to her favorite candles and candleholders that combine Nordic elegance with a warm hygge spirit. Read more
Established in the 19th century, the Iittala glass factory is the largest in the Nordics and the only one left in Finland. Design Stories got to take a tour of the glassworks to see how Aalto vases, Leimu lamps, and Ultima Thule glasses are made. Come along! Read more
Tokyo-born textile designer Eri Shimatsuka shared her holiday memories with Design Stories from both Finland and Japan and chose her favorite presents from Finnish Design Shop’s selection. “The best thing about Christmas is for the family to spend time together, enjoying good food for several days,” she says. Read more
People have been admiring the timeless quality of Vuokko and Antti Nurmesniemi’s home for close to fifty years. The atelier home, located on the seashore but hidden from view, encapsulates the couple’s lifestyle devoted to design and friends. 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
August is well on its way and brings with it not only the return to school and work but also ambient evenings slowly turning darker. We selected nine multi-purpose rechargeable lamps that bring style and additional light to both a bedside table and a work desk – and are also apt for setting the mood outdoors! Read more
A perfect wedding gift can be either a traditional design classic or a special surprise – the most important thing is that you gift something carefully selected that will delight the happy couple for years to come. We put together timeless and delightful gift ideas for newlyweds from high-quality design dreams to practical everyday aesthetics. Read more
The apartment in a 1960s terraced house in Vartiokylä, Helsinki, evolved into a bright home that both reflects the spirit of the era and functions in the everyday life of a family with children. Read more
The everyday morning routines can be turned into pampering spa getaways when you upgrade your bathroom into a relaxing oasis. The quick and easy way to revitalize your bathroom is to add soft textiles and charming details. Create an inviting bathroom where your mind and body can rest! Read more
Franckly is a thriving pre-owned online design marketplace run by a team that’s passionate about curated vintage design and responsible consumption. Design Stories interviewed Franckly’s Sales Manager Lotta Kuuteri, who has found her calling in the marvelous world of pre-owned design. 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