Helsinki Design Live like the Finnish

Affordable design for everyday living was, and is, the credo of world-renowned Finnish designers of the postwar era. To date, they combine functionality and classic Finnish product design and create distinctive furniture pieces such as the "Hocker 60", one of the classics from Alvar Aalto, or even the Aalto vase he once created for Iittala, which to this day is still produced in their workshops.

Nowadays, the stylish furniture and accessories from Finland and Scandinavia in general are indispensable in the design world. They instantly enliven any home, which was always a special concern for the Scandinavians because of the long, cold winter season. This influenced Finland born Johanna Talka to bring her culture and the beautiful design products from Finland and Scandinavia to Switzerland.

In 2013 she opened her attractive online store under the name "Helsinki Design". Here the selection of furniture and home accessories are mostly from renowned manufacturers and designers of mainly Finnish origin. Including well-known brands such as Artek (which since 2013 belongs to Vitra), Carl Hansen & Son, and of course Iittala.

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Johanna wants to bring Swiss, but also new Finnish brands closer. For example, Lapuan Kankurit, a Finnish family-owned business that produces high quality fabrics exclusively in its own weaving mill in Lapua; or Nikari, a manufacturer of exceptional wooden furniture that is made from only locally certified wood of the highest quality.

A selection of the products from the web shop are also always on exhibit at Stilhaus in Rothrist (between Zurich and Bern), and until Christmas, the first pop-up store can be found at Idaplatz in district 3, Zurich. A worthwhile visit, not only for design furniture fans, but also for those who like to be inspired by perfect gift ideas for Christmas. These can be found here and for every budget!