Punavuori translates into “Red Mountain” in English. A trendy neighbourhood in Helsinki, Salonen lived and roamed the district, establishing Mottoform Design Studio there. The numbers in the textile are inspired by the neighbourhood street numbers found above apartment and store-front doors.
Elizabeth Salonen’s 2012 print collection for Vallila Interior highlights the beauty of the everyday in a bold series of prints inspired by her local surroundings: a view from her studio at Viiskulma, a morning walk down Huvilakatu to the sea, or a stroll through Punavuori. “I’m interested in bringing exterior architectural elements into interior spaces. Plus, I like to tie my designs to real memories, so they have a connection to a time or place.” The designs were printed the same year Helsinki was selected World Design Capital.