Not only are those Finns the happiest folk in the world (six years in a row at the time of writing!), they're also a clever bunch with a distinct design pedigree of their own. Like the Scandi design powerhouses of Sweden and Denmark, their style is rooted in Nordic minimalism for sure, but as a layman (I'm a merchant not a maker) it feels like Finnish Design is often enriched with warmer, more decorative influences, and with generous dollops of inspiration from their natural environment. Anyhow, there is no arguing with their fabulous design heritage, e.g. Arabia, Artek, Iittala, Marimekko, whatever the inspiration.
Muurla is a relatively new kid on the Finnish design scene. Actually, their story began way back in 1974, with a glass factory located near the town of Muurla (an hour so from Helsinki in the car), but in recent years Muurla has shifted emphasis, evolving into a modern design house, where Finnish design and functionality form the core of their design philosophy. Moomin products (it's Finland after all) also form a big part of their collection with Muurla now a key Moomin licensees producing products in enamel, glass and Finnish birch.
