Artstore.fi: an oasis of distinctive art and interior-design

By Molly McPharlin | Photos: Artstore.fi

Whether you’re looking for a painting to add ambience to your walls, a distinctive Nordic-design chair or modern desk, or a sleek Finnish pendant lamp, the web shop Artstore.fi is the ideal hunting ground. Founded in Finland, Artstore.fi combines art with interior design in one shop, offering unique pieces that create cosy and complete living spaces.

The name Artstore.fi stems from the company’s mission to offer artistic interior design in a responsible and ethical manner, while working in close collaboration with individual artists. When a product is bought in the web shop, it is shipped directly from the producer to the buyer.

Susanna Blomgren, the creative director of Artstore.fi, is a trained interior designer. She worked for many years in the furniture industry, but dreamed of opening her own web shop with a sustainable and practical purchasing process, that would allow buyers to decorate their homes with artful items that would outlive changing trends. She also wanted to empower people to decorate their own living spaces. “I select the products that we sell, with a focus on local items. But the main guideline is that goods are responsibly made, either by or in collaboration with artists, designers, or craftsmen. Most of our lines are made in small batches,” Blomgren explains. “We want people to feel it’s okay to be unique. There is no need to follow trends that come and go. We want to encourage them to decorate their homes for themselves.”

Artstore.fi: an oasis of distinctive art and interior-design

Left: Mouthblown glass vases in sandblasted texture by Tiia Tirronen. Right: Creative director Susanna Blomgren.

The influence of Finnish design

Finnish, as well as Nordic design, is a strong source of inspiration for Artstore.fi. “Finnish design is globally popular because of its timelessness,” says Blomgren. “The most inspiring aspect for us is its use of natural materials. Sustainability and responsibility have always guided Nordic design.”

The company carries many Finnish brands, from large established names to smaller, more niche labels that customers might be seeing for the first time. Rather than the familiar, the company tries to focus on those that share their mission and vision. In fact, Artstore.fi has been granted the Key Flag certification for its Finnish customer service, and the Design from Finland certification, both of which signify a deep care for and promotion of manufacturing and design from Finland.

Besides the web shop, the company also has a small showroom in the city of Mäntsälä, about an hour from Helsinki. The showroom is open mainly by appointment, but customers are always welcome to visit when Blomgren is there working. Currently Artstore.fi’s focus is establishing their market in Finland, but its sights are set on future growth into the wider Nordics and other parts of Europe.

A collection of singular pieces

In addition to rare European and Scandinavian brands, Artstore.fi carries Finnish brands such as Pauliina Rundgren Handicrafts, JP Studiokeramiikka, Sukarwood, Kaihe made to order wall textiles, and glass artist Tiia Tirronen’s products. They have also just launched their new Eternity Art Prints collection, based on the original works of eight Finnish artists. Artstore.fi is also collaborating with Finnish paint factory Uula Color to create a collection of colours. Some of their most popular products include the Sukarwood lamps, handmade ceramicware and wallpaper by Pihlgren & Ritola, while paintings and artwork are also highly sought-after. “I love the innovation of the Sukarwood lamps,” says Blomgren. “They are sustainably and self-sufficiently made, using very little energy.”

The Golden Shine in a Pile of Twigs by Atelier Blomgrens.

A platform for emerging designers

While there are numerous design shops in Finland, finding a web shop that incorporates so many different home interiors along with art is unusual. Artstore.fi actively seeks out independent manufacturers, designers and artists to diversify their collection, and encourages collaboration with design partners.

On the website, potential partners – hobbyists and industry professionals alike – can submit a portfolio of their work or retail collection for consideration. For emerging brands looking to gain a stronger foothold in their market, Artstore.fi can act as a dealer and an ideal platform from which to build a name.

With an impressive range of artful products, Artstore.fi is the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind designs to elevate your home interior.