Marimekko Brings Bold Pattern Play to Artek’s Birchwood Classics

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It’s a perfect match for Finnish design history: Artek’s refined craftsmanship with Marimekko’s joyful print play. But don’t expect a loud takeover. Instead, the limited-edition Artek + Marimekko collection finds a thoughtful balance, tempering Marimekko’s bold graphic language into a gentler rhythm that feels right at home on Alvar Aalto’s birch furniture. The collaboration doesn’t just bring two Finnish design powerhouses together – it’s also part of Artek’s 90th anniversary celebration, marked by a series of special releases crafted with creative kindred spirits.

Originally designed by Maija Isola in the 1960s, the Arkkitehti (Architect) series might seem like a bold choice for Artek’s minimalist forms. Instead of borrowing from Marimekko’s vibrant colorways or layering textiles onto furniture, the two teams took a subtler route: wood marquetry. Using the natural tones and grains of birch, they translated three of Isola’s archival patterns – Lokki, Kivet, and Seireeni – into quiet, softer expressions that beautifully integrate with Artek’s iconic silhouettes.

Five light wooden stools with patterned seats are displayed on a raised wooden platform with circular outlines, set against a yellow floor

Although the collection won’t be available until September 4, 2025, attendees at this year’s 3daysofdesign got a firsthand sneak peek. The exhibition, designed by Linda Bergroth, perfectly captured the essence of the collaboration: beauty through simplicity, restraint without diminishing joy. Among the featured pieces, Artek’s widely-loved Stool 60 appears with all three patterns (Lokki, Kivet, and Seireeni) on its seat. Bench 153B features the scissor-cut polka dots of Kivet and the undulating lines of Seireeni, while Table 90D is adorned solely with the Seireeni motif. Each marquetry application emphasizes movement and texture, offering a new dimension to Aalto’s timeless silhouettes.

A light wood stool with a round seat featuring an interlocking wavy pattern, photographed from above on a light-colored floor

Photo: Courtesy of Artek

Two light wood tables with curved inlaid patterns on their surfaces are placed on a smooth, light-colored floor in a minimalist room

Photo: Courtesy of Artek

At the heart of the collaboration is a shared design DNA that goes beyond Finnish heritage. Both Artek and Marimekko draw inspiration from architecture, nature, and a distinctly human-centric pragmatism – a common ground that makes their union feel not just natural, but inevitable. Show-stopping without needing to command the spotlight, the collection is a  masterclass in restraint and reverence.

A minimalist room features light wood furniture, including a round table and stools, with vertical wood paneling and a yellow floor

Four light wood stools are stacked neatly in the corner of a room with light-colored walls and yellow flooring

Minimalist showroom with light wood stools and chairs on a yellow floor, featuring “artek marimekko” signage on an unfinished wooden wall

Interior of a storefront with wooden stools, a wavy wooden panel, and "artek + marimekko" written on the window. Natural light fills the space

Storefront window featuring a large, wavy wooden panel and interior with wooden furniture; "artek" and "marimekko" logos visible on the glass

Collage of black-and-white figures, modern furniture, and patterns on an orange background featuring “artek + marimekko” and “Celebrating 90 years of Artek Marimekko.”.

Photo: Courtesy of Artek

To shop the Artek + Marimekko collection when it drops later this fall, visit artek.com and marimekko.com, their physical stores, and select retailers worldwide.

Photography by Elizabeth Heltoft Arnby, unless otherwise noted.

As the Senior Contributing Editor, Vy Yang is obsessed with discovering ways to live well + with intention through design. She’s probably sharing what she finds over on Instagram stories. You can also find her at vytranyang.com.





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