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Everyday Design

Almost all Everyday Design's products have their origins in the lack of a comparable product on the market or something being significantly wrong in their practicality. So, we have had to do better ourselves and trust that others would appreciate similar practicality and functionality.

Where did it all start?

The idea to start my own business originated when Everyday Design's founder, Helena Mattila, wanted to create products that were functional and made everyday life easier. Helena's background is a bit surprising, as she hasn't studied industrial design or creative arts in general. She wanted to be a doctor, but when the doors of the medical school didn't open after two attempts, she ended up studying law. However, she has not worked as a lawyer for a single day, even though she has a Bachelor of Laws degree. She worked for years in the banking industry as a venture capitalist and studied for an MBA while being a mother to her young children. Her background as a lawyer-economist has certainly not been an obstacle to her entrepreneurial activities, but the most important thing for the business is definitely a good product.

How did Everyday Design get its name?

Everyday Design was founded in 1995, but back then the company was called Basic Furniture. The name just didn't fit well for the Finns, nor did it best describe the products. Certainly, the products are minimalistic and timeless, but they are not boring or ordinary. Their main function is to make everyday life easier, and so was the final name also found: Everyday Design.

Design awards and international channels

Over the years, our products have won several international design awards and have featured in the following contexts, among others: International Design Year Book / 1998 Richard Sapper and 2000 Ingo Maurer, Helsinki European Design Capital 2000, German Design Council 2015-2016.

‘When I couldn't find one ready-made, I made it myself’.

Helena Mattila, founder of Everyday Design