Scandinavian design that fits into your everyday life. A trip to Helsinki to find your favorite items

You're sure to find a partner for your life at this Finnish design gallery and shop.

LOKAL

Design brightens up everyday life in Finland. Products with simple forms and warm decorations and colors have made the name of "Finnish design" known worldwide. The "Design District" in the center of Helsinki is the epicenter of Finnish design. With a diameter of about 1.5 kilometers, it's just the right size for a leisurely stroll, and is home to around 200 design shops and galleries.

The gallery and shop "LOKAL" is located in the heart of this design district. The owner, who has built a career as a photographer, opened the shop to provide a platform for artists and designers living in Japan.

The shop sells small items and accessories for everyday use. The items on offer allow you to feel the story behind the products, from the materials, through the hands of the designers, to the items being delivered to you. What kind of craftsmen put in the effort to create the items made from precious birch wood? Why are candles an essential part of life in Finland? The staff will give you friendly explanations about the handicraft process and the thoughts of the makers, and you will naturally gain a deeper understanding of design.

By valuing natural materials and placing importance on using them for a long time as companions in daily life, simple designs will remain. You will surely find a Finnish design masterpiece that you will want to use for a long time even after you return to your daily life from your trip.

Welcome to the illustrator's small room, where the atmosphere is calm and peaceful.

Atelier Matti Pikkujämsä

Just a short walk from Lokal, on a block lined with record shops and sweet shops, you'll find a small, softly lit atelier. It's the workspace and shop of Matti Pickjamsä, a local illustrator.

Matti is a graduate of the local University of Art and Design Helsinki. In addition to illustrating magazines, books, and newspaper columns, he is loved around the world for his wide range of work, including picture books published in Japan and portrait drawings, which have been hugely popular since he began drawing four years ago.

In the atelier, Matti's favorite records are playing, and on the shelves are rows of unique mugs for the coffee he serves while he paints. You can take Matti's perspective and look at nature and animals, or just feel the calm air that flows through the atelier. Why not visit this special space that is unlike any other?

Find your perfect favorites forever. Find what you really want to wear.

MARKET

Northeast of the Design District. Facing the harbor, in the area of Market Square where a market is held on weekends, you will find Torikorttelit, an area packed with Finnish handicrafts, delicious food, and charm. The area is lined with Finnish brand shops, handicraft shops, craft beer restaurants, Nordic restaurants, and more.

MARKET, which just opened in one corner of the mall in July 2018, is garnering attention as a shop jointly run by R/H, a women's clothing brand renowned for its playful designs and functionality, PAPU, a children's and women's clothing brand that is immensely popular among mothers raising children, and Frantsila, a long-established herbal skincare brand.

"The three companies all share a common mindset of being smart and concise, so it was a natural progression to open a store together," says Susanna, a shop staff member. For each of the three companies, this is the only directly managed street-front store.

Papu uses organic cotton produced in neighboring countries, reducing the costs and resources involved in transportation and distribution, and is committed to creating clothes that are kind to both the environment and consumers. R-Ho is supported for its unique product development, which keeps the shape of classic styles unchanged so that customers can continue to buy the size that fits them for a long time. Francila's fragrances that you can make yourself by combining natural essential oils are popular. What the three companies have in common is the value of "environmentally conscious manufacturing."

"Many customers who used to wear R Ho start wearing Pap when they become mothers. It would be great if we could share the values we believe in with customers of all ages." Susanna's straightforward and concise words seem to symbolize the market as a place.

Enjoy your stay surrounded by your favorite furniture. Experience the essence of Finnish design through use.

Hotel Helka

After a long stroll around the city of Helsinki, why not relax in a design hotel where you can experience Finnish design rooted in everyday life? Hotel Helka is a long-established hotel conveniently located just one subway stop away from Central Station, or a 15-minute walk away.

The most distinctive feature of the guest rooms is the clean interior that puts into practice the principle of "knowing what is enough." Guests can stay surrounded by the furniture of their dreams, including furniture designed by Finnish design master Alvar Aalto and the Block Lamp, known as the breakthrough work of young designer Harri Koskinen. The essence of Finnish design is not only to be understood by its appearance, but also by feeling its functionality. By actually using it, you will understand why it has been loved for so long.

This hotel has also received the international standard eco-label "Green Key" given to environmentally friendly accommodations, and uses cotton bed linen that does not emit microplastics even when washed, and sheets and towels are only changed upon request. Although amenities are minimal, the hotel also provides allergy-free, fragrance-free skin care free of charge upon request, a thoughtful touch. Hotel Helka is located in a 90-year-old building and is celebrating its 50th anniversary since its founding, and like Finnish design, it is full of charm that will not end as a passing trend.

From furniture and tableware to fashion and illustration, Finnish design is constantly evolving. However, what remains unchanged at its core is the idea of valuing design that is part of everyday life. Perhaps the true appeal of the design nurtured by the people of this country can only be understood by walking around the country. Helsinki is also convenient for connecting flights to other European countries. Please stop by to take a look at daily life in this city.