Arts and culture

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

I have lived in Brighton ten years. Before that I lived in London. My British husband is from Brighton, and we decided to have our home in here.

What does Finnish design mean to you?

I have an interior designer in my close family, so I have learned a lot from her. Of course as a Finn I have always known all the Scandinavian classics too. Personally I enjoy Finnish/Scandinavian design and I feel comfortable in rooms designed Scandinavian style, but I do not follow the decoration style at my home.

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

We haven't decorated our home with a totally Finnish style. However I am sure there are still some elements I have brought in from my home country. I keep on receiving Finnish presents from my family and friends that represent Finnish design. These are things like pieces of jewellery, dishes or decorative items. All of them I am very thankful and proud to have.

Which Finnish design object have you chosen to be photographed with and why?

Oiva Toikka’s Ruby Bird was given to me by mum’s uncle Vili. He also gave a similar bird to my mum, but hers was brown. I was delighted to get the red one, since it is my favourite colour. The great-uncle is getting older, so all the presents from him are given with the label 'the final gift', but luckily Vili is still healthy and well. The Ruby bird is on display in my living room. It is beautiful to look at and it reminds me of my great uncle, but also generally of my Finnish family. Vili is the last family member alive from my grandparents’ generation.

Photo by Sirpa Kutilainen.