Habitare Talents 2026 – introducing four creatives of the new wave of design

Habitare Talents 2026 highlights four multidisciplinary creators from the new generation of designers who move seamlessly between artistic practice, design, and craftsmanship. The work of Iina Kettunen, Waltter Mahlberg, Carlo Raymann, and Rita Vaali emphasizes a creative union of form, material, and craftsmanship that challenges traditional design. The work of Iina Kettunen, Waltter Mahlberg, Carlo Raymann, and Rita Vaali emphasizes a creative union of form, material, and craftsmanship that challenges the traditional ethos of functionality. The Habitare Talents exhibition is on view at Habitare at the Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre from September 2–6, 2026.

The work of the young designers in the Habitare Talents 2026 group – Iina Kettunen, Waltter Mahlberg, Carlo Raymann and Rita Vaali – displays a strong sense of individuality. The designers are moving toward more artistic practices and workshop-based work, expanding their working methods in an individualistic direction. “The use of raw materials, a rough archaism, an appreciation for the handmade touch, self-expression, and a value placed on craftsmanship are strongly evident in this year’s collection. Designers’ shift from the concept of mass production towards the idea of unique collector’s items reflects both the challenges of cost structures of the industry and the desire for individuality and slow processes,” say Elina Aalto and Saara Renvall.

Elina Aalto and Saara Renvall of Imu Design are responsible for curating and producing the exhibitions. The exhibition jury also includes Habitare’s creative advisor Päivi Helander and, as this year’s rotating member, designer Reeta Laine, who participated in the Habitare Talents exhibition in 2025. Habitare producer Ida Ågren serves as the competition secretary.

Habitare Talents 2026 designers:

Iina Kettunen
Iina Kettunen is a concept-driven designer who works at the intersection of design and art. Her background as a textile and accessory designer brings a sensitivity to materials, details, and proportions. For her, objects are not merely functional, but also tools for observing, experiencing, and understanding the surrounding world.

iinakettunen.com        @iinakettunen

Waltter Mahlberg
Waltter Mahlberg is a modern craftsman. He creates sculptural objects, functional furniture, and combinations of the two. Mahlberg’s artistic practice emphasizes the relationship between the maker and the material, as well as their presence. Mahlberg is particularly interested in how to express the movement that emerges from the material itself.

walttermahlberg.com

Carlo Raymann
Carlo Raymann is an interior architect and artist based in Helsinki. The wooden sculptures and functional objects he creates are built on the terms of form, respecting practicality and durability. The machining marks left by power tools give the works character, creating a connection between traditional themes and design language and contemporary working methods.

carloraymann.com     @carloraymann

Rita Vaali
Rita Vaali is a designer and visual artist whose work centers on textiles, particularly weaving and pattern design. A versatile use of color and an illustrative approach are essential parts of her expression.Her exploration of traditional fabric structures and their experimental application has been as a recent source of inspiration for her work.

ritavaali.com  @rit.vaa

Further information:

Päivi Helander, Creative Lead, Habitare, puh. +358 40 588 4211, studio@paivihelander.fi

minestrone.workshop@gmail

Habitare, the leading furniture, design and interior event in the Nordics, will next be held at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre from 2 to 6 September 2026. | habitare.fi | @habitarefair | #habitare2026