Originally designed by Alvar Aalto as staff accommodation and now carefully restored, this apartment at Finlandia Hall concert and conference venue in Helsinki gives guests the opportunity to experience first hand an authentic Finnish home atmosphere
Photo Riikka Kantinkoski
Finnish Design Shop, one of the world’s largest online stores specializing in Nordic design, plays a pivotal role in promoting the values that have contributed to Finland being crowned the world’s happiest country for the eighth consecutive year in the World Happiness Report published by Gallup, Oxford’s Well-being Research Center and the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network. By curating a collection of furniture and home accessories that emphasize simplicity, functionality and sustainability, the company embodies the Finnish commitment to enhancing everyday life through thoughtful design. Its offerings reflect the country’s architectural ethos, where clean lines and natural materials create harmonious living spaces that foster well-being and contentment. I sit down with Teemu Kiiski, CEO of Finnish Design Shop, to discuss how design and architecture contribute to national happiness.
Finland has been ranked #1 on the World Happiness Report report since 2018. What role have Finnish design and architecture played in making Finland the happiest country in the world?
In Finland, good design is practically accessible to everyone. Well-designed products don’t necessarily have to be expensive or considered luxury items. Think of Iittala tableware, which you’ll find in most Finnish kitchens, or Marimekko’s home textiles. We also grow up with design from an early age, as many of us Finns are introduced to Artek tables and chairs in daycare. They’re everywhere, and they’re a perfect example of durable, timeless design. Finnish design and architecture are all about practicality and functionality, and maybe that’s part of what makes life here easier and happier. That’s also the idea behind Finnish Design Shop’s slogan: “Pieces of Nordic Happiness”. We’re sharing a bit of that Nordic happiness with the world, one piece at a time.
Remmi lounge chair designed by Yrjo Kukkapuro
Photo courtesy of Finnish Design Shop
Finnish design is often associated with simplicity, functionality and harmony with nature. How do these principles align with the Finnish approach to living a happy and fulfilling life?
Finnish design reflects the way we approach life: keeping things simple, functional and deeply connected to nature. Of course, a happy life comes from many things, but for us Finns, nature plays a huge role. Even in the heart of Helsinki, you can hop on a bus and be in a nature reserve in just 30 minutes. Summers here in the north are short, so we make the most of them. Many Finns spend their holidays at summer cottages, surrounded by nature. This connection to the outdoors is also reflected in our design. Whether it’s natural materials like wood or forms inspired by our landscapes, it’s all about creating harmony and balance.
How does Finnish architecture prioritize public spaces, and how do these spaces foster community, connection and mental well-being?
I think Finnish architecture has always been more about practicality and functionality than flashy, showstopping designs. Even public buildings tend to focus on how they serve the people who use them. A good example is the Paimio Sanatorium by Alvar and Aino Aalto. It wasn’t just about creating a beautiful building; it was designed in the 1930s to support the health and mental well-being of its patients in every detail, from the placement of windows to the color of the walls. That kind of thinking feels very Finnish to me: designing for people first.
A more recent example is the Oodi Central Library in Helsinki. It’s such a welcoming space where you can read, work, play with your child or just hang out. What I find amazing is how it’s become a real gathering place for everyone, not just a library in the traditional sense. So rather than focusing on creating architectural “wow” moments, the emphasis here is often on how spaces can genuinely improve everyday life and bring people together. And I assume that’s why these kinds of spaces have a positive impact on the community and mental well-being.
The anniversary edition Stool 60 Celebration by Artek + Moomin based on a design classic originally conceived by Alvar Aalto in 1933
Photo courtesy of Artek
Sustainability is a cornerstone of Finnish design. How do you think this commitment to sustainability impacts the collective happiness of Finnish society?
Sustainability is definitely something we take seriously, but it’s a complex challenge. I think responsibly produced design should already be a given in today’s world, but the responsibility also lies with consumers. That’s why we’ve tried to make it easier for people to make more sustainable choices. In 2023, we introduced our Product Sustainability Framework to help both consumers and design professionals evaluate the sustainability of the products in Finnish Design Shop’s selection. The ratings are visible directly on our website’s product pages, making it simple for customers to make informed decisions. I’d like to add that a well-designed, responsibly made item isn’t just something that lasts – it can even retain its resale value. I think this kind of mindful approach to design and consumption contributes to happiness in the long run because people feel good about owning something that stands the test of time and aligns with their values.
