Scandi tip #13: Iittala

Although I am true to my Swedish roots, when it comes to design and especially kitchen design, I look to Finland.

There is one company in particular – Iittala – that has so many pretty yet functional things for the kitchen, I don’t know where to start.

When I grew up, what constitutes Iittala now was three different companies; Arabia for china services, Iittala was glassware and Hackman pots, pans, knives etc. There are even more companies owned by the Iittala group but they have kept there own brandnames, where as Arabia, Iittala and Hackman all merged intoIittala.

The most famous design by Iittala are wavy bowls and vases designed by Alvar Aalto, one of the most famous Finnish (and Scandinavian) designers.

If you want to buy Iittala product there are a few good webistes, and also John Lewis and other department stores has some of the range.

http://www.skandium.com/search_results.asp?keywords=iittala

http://royaldesign.co.uk/Iittala.aspx

Scandi tip #3: Skandium

When I need my Scandinavian design fix, I always go to Skandium. You can find this wonderful shop in three different locations around London; Brompton Road, in Selfridges and in Marylebone.

They have everything from furniture classics like Arne Jacobsen to Marimekko prints and all the lovely glassware from Iittala.

I go here to buy presents sometimes, or to buy something nice for myself. I prefer the Marylebone shop because of its lovely surroundings. Close by you find the Conran shop, several nice clothes shops and nice restaurants. I love the whole feel on Marylebone high street so do venture here if you haven’t already.

The picture is from Skandium’s website.