Niina Apaala

How long have you lived in Brighton? What made you move here?

Since 2006 – I had spent some time here in the late 90s but didn’t end up staying that time. This time, I didn’t have a special reason to move here, and I only intended to stay for two years…

What does Finnish design mean to you?

First and foremost, simplicity and functionality, and sometimes, playfulness. In that respect, Finnish design is similar to Scandinavian design – Swedish or Danish. I expect Finnish design to be durable and timeless. I’m a great fan of Alvar Aalto and Eero Saarinen, but pay attention to current trends also: the Block light by Harri Koskinen is just one item on my wish list. When I think of Finnish design, I think of everyday objects. I love the fact that you’ll find Moomin mugs from every Finnish home, and everyone will have ridden a Jopo bike at some stage in their life. Finnish design is accessible to all and not precious.

Does Finnish design play a part in your daily life in any way?

Of course it does! My scissors are made by Fiskars, I drink my coffee and eat my food from crockery by Arabia with Iittala’s Mango cutlery; I wear Kalevala jewellery, dry myself in Marimekko towels and sleep between Finlayson sheets.

Which Finnish design item have you decided to be photographed with and why?

I chose my Reino slippers as I wear them every day and they remind me of my childhood – my father and both of my grandfathers wore Reinos. The pink pair I have was a present from my sister and my mother; I didn’t live in Finland during the revival of Reinos – when they unexpectedly sold out everywhere, after being less popular for decades. Only later did I see young presenters wear them on TV, and discovered the colour and size range the company had to start supplying in response to the demand. The design may not be trendy or particularly beautiful, but it’s simple and functional, which is what I expect from Finnish design.

Photo by Sirpa Kutilainen.