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Helsinki is making a bold statement at Milan Design Week, 7.–13.5.2025.

Finnish companies are defining happiness through a new type of furniture and lighting solutions, material innovations, collaborations and product launches from young designers to heritage companies.

“As Finland has been named the happiest country in the world for eighth consecutive years, design plays a key role in shaping a better Helsinki. At the city level, design is integrated into everyday life, influencing areas such as healthcare and education. In Milan, you can see remarkable examples of Finnish design, deeply rooted in the country’s strong design heritage, sustainability, and innovation,” says Helsinki’s Chief Design Officer, Hanna Harris.

Helsinki based design companies are deeply rooted in values, such as equality, functionality and practicality. Finnish design champions the idea of design for all, ensuring accessibility and comfort in everyday objects, from furniture to city planning. There’s a strong commitment to sustainability, with a focus on using natural materials, recycling, and minimizing environmental impact.

In Milano, designers Aino Michelsen, Ville Auvinen and Simo Lahtinen are presented in Salone Satellite with the work highlighting this year’s theme, New Craftsmanship. Furniture companies such as Made by Choice, Nikari and Woodnotes are known for their innovative use of wood, blending traditional techniques with modern design. Ethical and ecologically sustainable material solutions are presented in Habitare Materials & Objects in Alcova.

Designing happiness in Helsinki in September 2025

Helsinki´s celebration of happiness and kindness continues beyond Milan at Helsinki Design Week from September 5th to 14th, 2025, when Helsinki Design Week will mark its 20th anniversary. The theme, Celebration, invites visitors and contributors to this city-wide festival to raise a toast to achievements, solutions, and opportunities. The exhibition curated by Design Writer, Curator, Consultant and Teacher Anniina Koivu, for this milestone year, Designing Happiness exhibition explores a fundamental question: How can happiness be designed? The exhibition is open throughout Helsinki Design Week.

“Helsinki is a city that thrives on creativity, inclusivity, and innovation, and we are thrilled to continue this journey at Helsinki Design Week in September 2025. Helsinki Design Week has always been a platform for inspiration and collaboration, and this milestone year will highlight how design can shape a better, more joyful world for all,” Harris says.