A black-and-white home in Helsinki, following the art lines of the 1960s, is the ideal location for a colorful collection of contemporary art.

HAY’s Arcs shade is part of the eagerly awaited Muller Van Severen for HAY collection. The steel shade plays with curved shapes and creates a gentle soft glow, both on the table or hanging on the ceiling.

Ilmari Tapiovaara is best known for his interior and furniture design. Most people are familiar with the Domus chair and Pirkka collection, but did you know that Tapiovaara also designed lamps? One of the most beautiful is Maija, which is currently part of Santa & Cole’s selection.

The dark and cold months of later autumn and winter are bound to make you miss the warmth, light, and colors of summer, but there’s no need to despair. Avotakka Art Director Elina Henttonen put together a to-do list for Design Stories on how to really get the best out of long evenings at home. She also threw in some great gift tips for good measure.

Annaleena Leino, Suvi Melender-Lågland and Allan Torp each received honorable mentions for their pioneering and sustained work as design-focused content creators, as part of the first FDS Influencer Awards. Design Stories spoke with the tenacious trio about their early days, memorable encounters with followers, and elements that keep things interesting.

The memories related to objects convert the most ordinary items into treasures. “Most of the items in my home have a value that cannot be measured in any currency,” says Design Stories columnist Hanna-Katariina Mononen.

Pertti Männistö has collected an incredibly extensive collection of lamps and furniture designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto. The collector’s home in Kaarina, Finland, is also decorated with Aalto furniture that exudes timeless beauty. Timeless indeed – the newest furniture in Männistö’s Aalto collection was made in the 1960s.

Graphic designer Päivi Häikiö selected gifts, available at Finnish Design Shop, for the home decorator, board game player and bookworm, among others. “Simple, leisurely moments together are what make a good holiday,” she says.

Meander housing, designed by American architect Steven Holl and Newil&Bau, will be built in Töölö, Helsinki. In the meandering shape and under the green roof of the building, there will be a variety of apartments of different sizes, all sharing the beautiful light that changes with the seasons.

Copenhagen-based Anne and Christian have been collecting art all their lives. They believe hanging art on the walls is the easiest way to make your home look unique.