Senior designer Sami Ruotsalainen is the creator of the Oiva (superb) tableware series. Sami’s passions are vintage ceramics and cooking, and the latter often inspires his new product ideas. We met up with Sami to learn his tips and tricks on how to make the most of summer living.
1. What turns your home into a relaxing summer oasis?
For me, the best thing about summer is that you can expand your home into your garden, balcony or the courtyard. I love to be bare foot, immersed in all the light and greenery around me. My summer home is all about being carefree, keeping windows open all the time, having linen curtains, and enjoying your coffee and fresh fruits outdoors.
"My summer home is all about being carefree, keeping windows open all the time, having linen curtains, and enjoying your coffee and fresh fruits outdoors."
–Sami Ruotsalainen
2. Share your secret on how to bring together different types of prints?
The key is open-mindedness – and good taste naturally helps (grins). A good starting point is to combine small-scale, quiet patterns with something bold and exuberant: you can bring the prints together with a balanced color palette. Try also pairing classic designs with new pattern arrivals by spicing up a subdued scheme with vibrant accents.
3. What are the season’s most delicious color combinations?
This summer, it’s all about ripe apricot hues and subtle khaki shades, a warm color palette with refreshing sprinkles of cool, aquatic blues. In our tableware, the terra colored Oiva pieces combine beautifully with the blue Umpu vase. And the whimsical pair of cats in the Kaksoset (twins) print are your perfect new house pets!
4. Name your three personal favorites from the new Marimekko home collection?
My top three are the Kaksoset throw, the Umpu vase in the season’s fabulous blue, and the partly hand-painted, terra colored Oiva pieces carrying the Alku (beginning) pattern. These Oiva items will be available later this summer.
5. Your hint for the perfect little summer gift?
The aqua colored Pikku Koppa serving dish is an excellent present to give on any summery occasion. Fill the dish with strawberries or some other seasonal treat, and you’ll surely bring joy with your gift.
