Marimekko's designers share how they create their patterns, choose colors and became a Finnish design icon.

Nordic design studios are known for their simple shapes and clean, reductive patterns. The industry here, whether in interior design or architecture, favors natural products and practical designs. Given the extreme seasons, with close to full days of sunlight in the summer and prolonged hours of night in the winter, it is necessary for inner space to be comfortable and practical, warm and bright.
Finnish design can take the next step to prominence when it breaks away from the Nordic typecast, and it does so best when it is able to touch on history and the value of freedom and equality in Finnish society today. In this regard, the Finnish design studio Marimekko has made great leaps in taking their designs to a personal level. Instead of cool tones and simple shades that are trademark of Nordic design, Marimekko’s aesthetic is warm and bright, playful and homey.
At Helsinki Design Week, Marimekko’s designers shared with Design Milk the origins of their design ideas as well as what values they stand for today as a company.
Marimekko was started in 1949 by Armi Ratia. Armi Ratia’s husband, Viljo Ratia, owned a textile printing factory and she wanted to create new prints for his company. Finland had lost part of the country to Russia, and Armi Ratia thought people needed something bright and beautiful in their lives.

Marimekko had a big br...