I Traveled to Finland to Find the Next "It" Decor | domino

Helsinki is a prime destination for design enthusiasts, offering a blend of iconic Finnish design houses and emerging brands that are shaping the future of design. Among the must-visit stores are Artek, Iittala, and Marimekko, each representing a significant aspect of Finnish design heritage and innovation. Artek, founded in 1935 by Alvar and Aino Aalto, along with Maire Gullichsen and Nils Gustav-Hahl, stands as Finland's leading interior design house. Its two-storey store in Keskuskatu showcases a harmonious mix of classic and contemporary pieces, including many of Alvar Aalto’s world-renowned designs like the versatile Stool 60. Artek emphasizes mindful consumption, actively engaging in the restoration and resale of vintage items through its Artek 2nd Cycle initiative, located a short distance from its flagship store. Iittala, established in 1881, is celebrated for its mastery of glassware and a vast collection of timeless home objects. Its global flagship store on Esplanadi features glass art and a full product line, including early designs by Alvar and Aino Aalto and Kaj Frank, alongside contemporary works by leading Finnish and international designers. Iittala is distinguished by its unique approach to color, boasting over a thousand secret pigment recipes. Marimekko, founded in 1951, is known for its vibrant and original prints, offering a wide range of high-quality clothing, bags, accessories, and home décor items. Its Esplanadi store invites visitors into a colorful world where the iconic Unikko flower pattern, created by Maija Isola in 1964, remains a beloved motif across many products, from textiles to tableware. Marimekko's kitchenware and tableware are popular choices for elegant souvenirs. Beyond these well-established names, Helsinki's design scene includes Lokal Helsinki, which curates sustainable and functional homeware, featuring works by Finland's top designers and artists in its gallery. FRENN, a brand launched by Jarkko Laitinen and Antti Kallio in 2013, focuses on sustainable men's clothing that combines casual formality with comfort and durability. Klaus Haapaniemi & Co. offers luxurious artisanal designs inspired by Finnish folklore and mystical nature, with a collection spanning hand-printed textiles, cushions, rugs, and exquisite silk accessories. Nomen Nescio, a Helsinki-based design studio by Niina and Timo Leskelä, specializes in minimalistic, gender-neutral, and seasonless everyday wear, rejecting fast fashion trends. Its flagship store on Mikonkatu provides a tranquil space to experience their design philosophy. Terhi Pölkki, a Finnish shoe designer, offers minimalist luxury footwear known for its longevity and comfort, striking a balance between beauty and practicality, with her store located on Uudenmaankatu. For those keen to delve deeper into Helsinki's design landscape, the Design District Helsinki website (Designdistrict.fi) serves as a comprehensive resource, mapping design companies and shops, and offering local recommendations. These stores collectively highlight Helsinki’s vibrant design culture, blending historical significance with contemporary innovation and a strong commitment to sustainability and quality. #FinnishDesign #HelsinkiShopping #InteriorDesign #SustainableDesign #AlvarAalto #Marimekko #Iittala #DesignDistrict #NordicDesign

Helsinki is a premier destination for design enthusiasts, offering a rich array of stores that showcase both iconic Finnish design and emerging future classics. This guide highlights eight essential design stores in the city, providing a comprehensive overview of their offerings and historical significance. Artek, founded in 1935 by renowned architect couple Alvar and Aino Aalto, along with Maire Gullichsen and Nils Gustav-Hahl, stands as Finland's pre-eminent interior design house. The two-storey Artek flagship store provides a blend of classic and novel pieces, continuing to produce and sell many of Alvar Aalto’s world-renowned designs, such as the distinctive Stool 60. Artek also champions mindful consumption through its Artek 2nd Cycle vintage collection, located a short walk from the flagship store. This initiative demonstrates a commitment to sustainability by bringing old items back to life. Iittala, a glassware company, offers a collection of timeless and essential home objects. Its designs include early works by luminaries such as Alvar and Aino Aalto and Kaj Frank, alongside modern pieces from contemporary Finnish and international designers. The global flagship store on Esplanadi, one of Helsinki’s most prestigious addresses, beautifully showcases Iittala’s extensive range, including its famed glass art objects and entire product line. Originating from a small village where its glass factory was established in 1881, Iittala is distinguished by its mastery of pigment, boasting over a thousand secret colour recipes, which makes its use of color completely unique. Marimekko, founded in 1951, is celebrated for its original prints and vibrant colours. The company offers high-quality clothing, bags, accessories, and home décor items like textiles and tableware. Its iconic Unikko flower pattern, created in 1964 by artist Maija Isola, is a beloved motif found across many items. Marimekko's kitchenware and tableware items, along with Iittala's, adorn many Finnish homes and serve as elegant souvenirs. The Mariskooli bowl, a joint production between Marimekko and Iittala since the 1960s, is another iconic piece known for its playful details. Lokal Helsinki focuses on sustainable and functional Finnish design, offering a curated selection of handpicked homeware items. The store’s gallery hosts themed group exhibitions featuring works by leading Finnish designers and artists, blending shopping with cultural exploration. FRENN, established in 2013 by Jarkko Laitinen and Antti Kallio, is a men's clothing brand known for its relaxed sophistication and commitment to sustainability. Located on Fredrikinkatu, FRENN designs high-quality, durable clothing intended to last for years, promoting a seasonless approach to fashion. Klaus Haapaniemi & Co., situated in Kämp Garden, is an artisanal design and lifestyle brand known for its magical and ethical luxury goods. The brand's designs draw inspiration from mystical nature and Finnish folklore, offering a luxurious home collection that includes hand-printed textiles, cushions, and rugs, as well as an accessories collection featuring silk scarves, dresses, and kimonos. Nomen Nescio, a Helsinki-based design studio run by Niina and Timo Leskelä, specializes in black, minimalistic, and gender-neutral everyday wear. The studio rejects fast-changing trends in favor of slow fashion, creating timeless collections designed to remain relevant for years. Its flagship store on Mikonkatu provides a peaceful stage for their lifestyle and designs. Terhi Pölkki, a Finnish shoe designer, is known for her minimalist luxury footwear with a tough edge. Her store on Uudenmaankatu offers a cozy shopping experience with amicable staff. Pölkki's designs prioritize longevity and strike a balance between beauty and comfort, making her shoes suitable for various occasions. For those looking to explore more design in Helsinki, Design District Helsinki provides a comprehensive resource, including information on design companies, shops, and local recommendations. These stores collectively highlight Helsinki’s status as a hub for innovative and classic Finnish design, ranging from interior decor and tableware to fashion and footwear, all with a strong emphasis on quality, sustainability, and unique aesthetics. #HelsinkiDesign #FinnishDesign #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #SustainableDesign #AlvarAalto #Marimekko #Iittala

After World War II, Finland, a small nation severely impacted by three wars and territorial losses to the Soviet Union, faced immense physical and financial devastation. In this post-war landscape, the country sought to rebuild its economy by promoting local industries. Amidst this effort, a textile company named Marimekko emerged, playing a pivotal role in boosting the national economy, instilling pride, and creating a globally recognized design. Founded by Armi Ratia and her husband Viljo, Marimekko originated from Printex, a textile and oilcloth company. Ratia observed that most fabric orders were for household items like draperies and tablecloths. This insight inspired her to expand the product line to include vibrant, contemporary prints suitable for clothing. In 1951, Ratia recruited Finnish artists and textile designers, such as Maija Isola and Vuokko Nurmesniemi, renowned for their abstract and brightly colored patterns. The first Marimekko fashion show in Helsinki, showcasing these innovative designs, was a resounding success, leading to the opening of the first retail store the following year. Marimekko fabrics were sold by the yard, with bolts branded with the designer's name and country of origin. Ratia continued to commission designers for clothing lines, which evolved into a more free-form and comfortable style, departing from the structured dresses prevalent in the 1950s. This new aesthetic was seen as a mood-lifting response to the war's aftermath. Among these designs, Maija Isola's Unikko ('poppy') pattern, introduced in 1964, became the most iconic. Isola reportedly created Unikko as a playful defiance against Ratia's initial aversion to floral prints. Isola, known for drawing inspiration from nature, often created her prints by projecting natural elements onto screens and adding hand-painted details. She designed over 500 prints for Marimekko, many of which have been re-released. Unikko, initially available in red, pink, and black, expanded into various colorways and was applied to a wide range of products, from sheets to shower curtains. Marimekko quickly gained international recognition. In 1957, Giorgio Armani invited Ratia to sell her clothes in an Italian department store, introducing the brand to a global audience. Architect Ben Thompson brought Marimekko to the U.S., selling clothing and housewares through his popular Design Research stores. A significant turning point occurred in 1960 when Jacqueline Kennedy appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated wearing a Marimekko dress she purchased at Design Research, reportedly buying six more. This exposure propelled Marimekko to widespread success in the U.S., leading to the opening of retail stores worldwide. Despite global momentum and features in prominent magazines like Life, Elle, and Vogue, Marimekko faced internal struggles and high production costs. Following Ratia's death in 1979, the company encountered significant challenges. The collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1980s triggered a financial crisis in Finland, impacting Marimekko, which had benefited from special trade agreements with the U.S.S.R. The company was acquired by a conglomerate, but its troubles persisted, pushing it to the brink of bankruptcy. In 1991, ad executive Kirsti Paakkanen took over, revitalizing Marimekko by engaging younger designers and repositioning the brand. This led to partnerships with companies like Crate & Barrel, H&M, Converse, and Manolo Blahnik, reintroducing the prints to a new generation. Marimekko products were also featured on television shows like "Sex and the City." Paakkanen later handed over a revitalized company to Mika Ihamuotila in 2008. In 2010, Marimekko opened a flagship store in New York City, and by 2014, it operated over 125 stores and licensed retailers globally. The brand debuted its collections at Tokyo Fashion Week in 2012 and launched Marimekko Village, a social network appealing to the Pinterest community. Marimekko has solidified Finland's reputation as a design-savvy culture, alongside other renowned Finnish companies like Artek and Iittala. The brand continues to support and promote Finnish artists, acting as a cultural ambassador with a mission to enhance the quality of living. In celebration of Unikko's 50th birthday, Marimekko released new product lines with fresh color combinations, demonstrating the pattern's enduring appeal and contemporary relevance. Unikko remains one of the world's most recognizable patterns, connecting people to its origins and Finland's design heritage. #Marimekko #FinnishDesign #TextileDesign #PostWarFinland #MaijaIsola #UnikkoPattern #FashionHistory #DesignResearch #CulturalPhenomenon

Rome, a city renowned for its art and history, also offers a vibrant scene for interior design enthusiasts. This guide highlights a curated selection of the best furniture and home decor stores in the city, perfect for those looking to refresh their living spaces with unique and inspiring pieces. From established galleries to emerging concept stores, each location presents a distinct approach to home aesthetics. Galleria Mia, situated near Piazza di Spagna, offers a fusion of retro and contemporary styles. This store features a diverse range of items from bedroom and bathroom essentials to kitchenware and accessories, all selected for their beauty and individuality. Founded by three women with a shared vision for unconventional luxury, Galleria Mia's collections provide ample inspiration for furnishing a flat. Yaky, located in the Jewish Quarter, caters to those with an appreciation for Asian influences and new design experimentations that incorporate ancient artisanal techniques. The gallery emphasizes finesse, style, and attention to detail, creating an immersive cultural journey with its Art Deco, modern, Western, and Asian-inspired pieces. Yaky also provides personalized advice from architects and interior designers. Sleepers, found in the Nomentano neighborhood, specializes in Nordic design. For nearly two decades, this store has showcased classic and original designs with a focus on conscious and fashionable living. Beyond larger furniture items, Sleepers offers a selection of accessories and high-quality Danish bed comforters made with white goose feathers. Notable brands carried include Muuto, Normann Copenhagen, and Fatboy. Atelier Monti, nestled in the artistic Monti area, embodies the neighborhood's creative spirit. This store offers a wide array of decorations for every room, characterized by pop colors, creative designs, and finesse. The Atelier also functions as an ideas laboratory where customers can collaborate on custom furniture pieces. Scenography in Parioli presents an industrial and vintage aesthetic, resembling a Brooklyn loft. This store is a destination for those who enjoy decorating and experimenting with interiors, blending classic curves with ultra-modern colors. A unique aspect of Scenography is that some pieces are sourced directly from movie sets, appealing to those who wish to incorporate a cinematic flair into their homes. Ines Art Design, another gem in Monti near the Cavour metro stop, functions as a showroom that explores the interplay of light and shadow through contrasting colors and materials. Founded in 2003 by Italian artist and designer Oçilunam, the store successfully merges art, craft, and interior design, offering a playful and inspiring selection. Dispensabile, a mini-store located in Piazza Venezia, combines Roman and Nordic design elements. It primarily features refined and sophisticated accessories suitable for any room. Created by three architect friends, Dispensabile continuously refreshes its collections with inventive and inspiring items. La Rinascente, the department store on Via del Tritone, dedicates its underground floor to interior design. This section, designed by Claudio Silvestrin and Giuliana Salmaso, offers a comprehensive range of items including art pieces, gadgets, accessories, small furniture, lighting, and electronics, providing a vast selection for any home decor project. Finally, Fóndaco on Via della Frezza in Centro Storico is the go-to place for the latest design trends. Its Design Gallery highlights emerging designers and features a blend of Italian contemporary, 20th-century, and Nordic designs. The concept store is not only a source of inspiration but also a place to purchase unique design pieces, particularly within its lighting area, which showcases leading light design brands. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #FurnitureStores #RomeShopping #DesignTrends #ItalianDesign #NordicDesign #LuxuryDecor #HomeAccessories