Finland is well known for its design classics and modern architectural gems, and a trip to the capital is the perfect opportunity to delve deeper into their history, as well as to discover many other attractions

Oiva/Melooni serving dish, Oiva/Pikku Koppa serving dish, Oiva/Unikko mug, all Marimekko. (Opposite) Tea Trolley 901, Pendant Light A331 ‘Beehive’, Armchair 41 ‘Paimio’, all by Alvar Aalto for Artek

PHOTOS: (THIS PAGE) MARIMEKKO IMAGE BANK. (OPPOSITE) ARTEK MATERIAL BANK

Timeless or trendy. Which do you opt for? Do you choose something classic, long-lasting and generally more expensive, or do you go for the fun, frivolity and affordability of fashion, of things that are fabulous for a little while before fading forever?

If planet Earth had a vote, it would choose timeless. It would urge you to buy things that will endure through the decades, while pointing to the colossal amount of stuff that ends up in landfill. Many brands and marketeers, however, would have you do the opposite. It’s in their best interest to persuade you that your life could be improved by their x, y, z du jour. There probably are times when that might prove true, but on the whole, these goods are aptly described as du jour – of the day – because they’re not intended to last.

Bucking this trend is Finnish design. From when it first emerged as an identifiable style during the middle of the last century to the items being made today, it has put sustainability at the core of its values – achieving it through combining durability with an enduring aesthetic that transcends trends.