Vallila Pillows + Mom's Living Room

Get ready blog friends because I'm revealing some of the drool-worthy goods we picked up (on sale!) from Finn Style.  I've made a quick detour to visit my family in my hometown, in between staying in Duluth MN and heading home to the townhouse, so I thought I'd show you what my Mom bought first.

My mom has a knack for picking perfect pieces.  Whether we're at a yard sale rummaging through heaps or at a high end boutique fondling the wares we can't buy, my Mom can skillfully pick out the prettiest and most unusual gem.  While shopping at Finn Style last week I ogled the Marimekko textiles until my eyes bulged out.  Meanwhile, my Mom found stunning Villila pillows.  A lesser known but equally inspiring design house, Villila makes gorgeous textiles.  The print covering my Mom's pillows depicts an urban street in Helsinki, Finland.

Take a peak at the pillows in their new home, the living room of my parents' 1950s home (my paternal, Finnish great-grandfather built the home).

Mom's house is a work-in-progress so wide angle photos are expressly prohibited but I couldn't help providing a little sneak peak into the rest of the living room, where she's hung one of my paintings.  Mom & I also now own the same sofa, but hers is this great cinnamon colour.  I love how she made the matching ottoman look less matchy-matchy (and more soft and cuddly) by tossing on a sheepskin. 

Mom also picked up a fabulous Marimekko dress (on sale).  It looks like the one on the left, but in a black with beige polka dots that are a bit smaller and more irregular.

Marimekko

My Dad bought this mug.  Cute, right?

Aarikka Moose Mug, Photo from Finnport

With the addition of some discounted Marimekko giftcards (pictured below), that's Mom's haul.

Finn Style

P.S. Here's a little glimpse into Mom's library from last year. 

Finn Style

Because I speak Hungarian, sometimes I feel closer to my Hungarian heritage than my Finnish heritage.  But then I spot a Marimekko print in a shop window or see bloggers go gaga over Iittala birds and I feel a rush of pride.  I'm a devoted fan of Finnish design because I love pretty (and good quality) things, but also because it's in my blood.  Which is why we went on a day trip to Minneapolis last week, purely so I could check out Finn Style, a store I had been aching to visit after I read about it in the July 2011 issue of Lucky magazine.

The Lucky Mag article that led me to the store.

It was definitely worth the drive.

Finn Style is a must-see shop for any style connoisseur (Finn or otherwise).  This spacious shop boasts impressive collections of Marimekko fabrics, linens & clothing, Iittala glassware, Arabia porcelain and Kalevala jewellery.  Plus, you'll find fun & funky Aarikka jewellery, coveted Iittala glass birds and, of course, delicious Panda licorice (that's a staple snack in our household).  But for those shopping for something a little more unusual, this shop also sells more exclusive items, like the Vallila pillows my mom scooped up (I'll post photos soon).

Take a look at just some of the goodies sold in store and online:

Marimekko Fabrics

Marimekko Towels (& other goodies)

Iittala Products

You knew I'd drool over the Alvar Aalto pieces . . .

Kitchen Accessories, Linens & Arabia Dishware

Clothing & Accessories

Funky Aarikka jewellery

Marimekko Change Purses

The selection, and prices, were fabulous and my mom and I definitely enjoyed a little shopping indulgence, each leaving with bulging bags.  I even bought the same dress featured in the Lucky article that led me to the shop (steeply discounted because it is a summer piece).  Even my dad bought himself a mug and Hubby filled his pockets with licorice.  I'll show you all of our Finn Style goodies later but here's a sneak peak of what I bought, in the form of a hint:

Need a better hint?

From table settings to upholstered pieces, the shop is chock full of smart and stylish ideas, which made us buzz with creativity.  Check back to see what we whip up and take a peak at some of the inspiration.

Gorgeous Tablescape

Upholstered Chair - Marimekko Unikko Poppy Upholstery Fabric



Upholstered Chair - Marimekko Kanteleen Kustu Upholstery Fabric

I really, really like this chair.

See the Finn Style website for more info (if you can't make it to Minneapolis, you can also buy online).  I'll be sharing photos of what we bought this week or next.

P.S. A quick note to new blog friends: I'm only blogging about this store because I loved it so.  I haven't been perked or paid.

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