Woodnotes

It's been a busy week, so this morning we packed up our bag and headed to the beach. It was so lovely just to relax a bit! 

My new go-to bag, weather for the beach or a weekend away is this one from Woodnotes. The bag is made in Finland, from 100% paper yarn. Woodnotes were the first to use paper yarn in a contemporary way like this, and in functional textiles (like bags and baskets). 

I absolutely love this bag; it is super generous in size, which is exactly the way I like it. It is ideal for the beach, the sand doesn't get stuck on the bag and is easy to clean up. 

Hope you have a lovely weekend ahead!

This bag was sent to me as a gift from Woodnotes. All opinions are my own.

Mid-Summer Favourite

It's been warm and very humid here in Sydney for the last couple of weeks, so I've been craving cold drinks (anything with lots of ice!). I love this citrus reamer and cooling carafe from a Finnish brand Magisso* They are not only so functional, but look good as well! 

The citrus reamer comes with a little wooden stand, which I adore. It's perfect for my kitchen! Our daughter has been sick with a cold for a couple of days, so I'm making sure my husband and I also get an extra dose of vitamin C. Lots of lemons will do the trick just fine. 

*these were sent to me as a gift from Magisso with no strings attached. All opinions are my own.

#finnishdesign

Supporting Finnish design became even closer to my heart when I moved to Australia 12 years ago. It isn't just the nostalgia I feel for these designs, but the aesthetics and the high quality that make them so special. I wanted to give you a little glimpse into some of my recent #finnishdesign favourites, for more inspiration, please head over to Instagram! 

Images by Lundia, Himmee, Woodnotes, Nikari, Poiat

Iittala x Finlandia

I was fortunate to attend a special event last week, organised by Finnish brand Iittala, in cooperation with another well-known Finnish icon, Finlandia. The Cocktail Masterclass was held at Blanca Bar & Restaurant at Bondi, co-owned by a Finnish celebrity chef Tomi Bjork. 

                        

Finland is celebrating its 100th year of independence this year, a huge milestone for a small but mighty country of ours! Iittala is honouring the year with a new colour for its iconic Aalto vase, the ultramarine blue. I'm a lifelong fan of Iittala and I think this colour is their best so far! 

The floral displays were extraordinary, echoing the signature blue colour. 

Thank you so much Iittala Australia, for having me. As always, the event was stunningly styled and guests were immaculately looked after.


All photos provided by Iittala Australia. I attended the event as a guest and all opinions are my own. 

Saturday Morning

A cup of coffee and some online shopping on a Saturday morning.

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

* Leather iPad case and woolen cushion cover are from www.pikkukota.com

Mother's Day Favourites

Here are a few of my favourites for the upcoming Mother's Day from my online store Pikku-Kota: Iris Hantverk bath brush or face brush, reindeer leather slippers or cosy woolen throws by 1kertaa2.
I'd be happy with any of these on my first Mother's Day!

To celebrate, I'm offering 10% off all orders on Pikku-Kota between now (24/4/14) and Mother's Day (11/5/14). To redeem the offer, use the code "MUM" at check out. 
Happy shopping! 

One Nordic

Have you heard of One Nordic Furniture Company? Their collection includes beautiful and quirky designs that are timeless yet contemporary. I am particularly in love with their Key side table and here's the good news; they deliver around the world!

I am also dreaming of having pendant lights above our dining table and I think this combination of white and copper (with marble in the background!) looks amazing!

All photos by One Nordic

1kertaa2 - A New Textiles Collection Available at Pikku-Kota

I'm so pleased to announce a new textiles collection available at my online shop Pikku-Kota!

Finnish brand 1kertaa2 has a beautiful selection of high quality knitted textiles made in Finland and designed by duo Piia Kalliomäki and Marika Lehti. All 1kertaa2 products are made of 100% wool and have a soft luxurious feel. They are easy to take care of and have a modern, sophisticated look.

Available at Pikku-Kota are the following 1kertaa2 products (with more products hopefully available soon!)

Rihmat - throw

Kylä - throw

Kihlat - cushion cover

Sormus - cushion cover

All images in this post are by 1kertaa2

Lundia

I just stumbled across the gorgeous Lundia catalogue while researching storage solution for our home. Lundia is a Finnish family business making wooden furniture; mainly shelving units, but also side boards and beds, even lighting. I love the simplicity and the amazing quality of these products and I'd swap all our side boards to these in a heart beat, if I could.

All product photos by Lundia

Marimekko Sydney Opens!

It's been a long time coming, but Marimekko has finally found its way back to Australia! I was so excited and honoured to attend the opening party of Marimekko's Sydney store last night - and what a party! 

Marimekko represents time-honoured design and exquisite quality, is functional and absolutely meant for everyday use. This is a brand that is part of our Finnish identity, a brand we all grew up with surrounded in our everyday lives from fabrics to accessories. 

Marimekko has found the most beautiful space in the middle of Sydney (located on 66 King Street) with high ceilings that enable multidimensional and truly unique shopping experience. Nordic style is well honoured with wooden floors and accents, beautiful light throughout the space and of course the most outstanding Marimekko products that would make any space look magnificent.

Last night saw many Sydneysiders, including fellow Finns and Swedes, showcasing their most colourful Marimekko outfits and wholeheartedly enjoying the launch party of the year. Everything was carefully planned, from the nostalgic Finnish music from the 60's and 70's, to staff outfits and product display.

Here are a few snap-shots from last night, hope you enjoy!

Marimekko Sydney
66 King Street
Sydney, NSW