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Showing posts with label Finnish. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Finnish. Show all posts

Homes to Inspire | Simple Elegance

Following on from Friday's post, here is the home of interior architect Joanna Laajisto, as promised. Located in Töölö, Helsinki, Joanna and her husband Mikko Ryhänen have carried out a full renovation. Mikko is a photographer and took these lovely shots. 


As with all of Joanna's work, the house is exquisite. White washed interiors and pared back styling make for a simple, yet beautifully elegant home. Her choice of lighting which includes an interesting mix of pendant lights and floor lamps is superb. I'm especially fond of the Louis Poulsen lamp above.




Dark wood details provide a stunning contrast against the white. 


Even though the home is pristine and uncluttered, I love that it still has a homely, lived in feel. I never tire of the classic Eames coat hook!    


Oh, how I adore this rug. The colours are amazing! 





More gorgeous Bertoia chairs in the kitchen, and little terracotta pots which feature a lot in Joanna's work. The home has some lovely vintage touches, like the storage crates under the shelves. 


Doesn't the all white bedroom look peaceful? I really like the sleek wardrobes and organised storage. 


Eye-catching subway tiles and a mirrored cabinet add texture to the bright bathroom.

According to news on Joanna's site, they have since purchased and renovated another apartment, in the same building as their current home! Although the walls are again a bright white, Joanna has chosen a light grey colour for the floors, and it looks incredible. For a sneak peek, take a look here. 

All images via http://emmas.blogg.se

Joanna Laajisto

I discovered Helsinki based interior architect Joanna Laajisto via Emmas Designblogg. I'm actually itching to show you her home, which is amazing, but that will have to wait until Sunday when I write my 'Homes to Inspire' post! 

Having studied in the US, Joanna designed large scale commercial projects at an international architect firm in LA, before returning to Finland. Driven by both functionality and aesthetics, I love her design philosophy "not to clutter this world with unnecessary things but to find the hidden beauty of each space and to enhance it by creative solutions." Also an expert in environmental design, Joanna likes to team up with like minded creatives including artists, designers and photographers, and has an amazing portfolio to show for it. Here are some highlights.  

Bar & Co Restaurant, Helsinki.

Private Residence, Helsinki



Euro RSCG, Advertising Agency, Helsinki





Tiger Sushi Restaurant, Espoo

I get so much enjoyment looking through Joanna's portfolio. She clearly has an amazing vision when carrying out these projects and there are so many gorgeous pendant lights and sconces! A mix of Japanese and Scandinavian design, the Tiger Sushi Restaurant is one of my favourites. I love the combination of plywood and black details, especially the ceramics.



All images via http://joannalaajisto.com

Style Queen | Susanna Vento

I find the work of Finnish stylist Susanna Vento flawless. She takes a very pure approach to interiors with precise and thoughtful arrangements of modern and classic design pieces, combined with quirky 'DIY' touches. Such a talented lady! Take a look at her impressive portfolio here. 


I spotted Susanna Vento's home recently on one of the blogs I follow, Design*Sponge. She shares the small apartment in Helsinki, Finland with husband Jussi and their daughter. What it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in style. All-over white, floors and ceilings included, maximise brightness. Black has been added for a gorgeous monochrome look, as well as colour or natural wood accents. When it comes to furniture, flea market and thrift store finds sit alongside design classics like the two Bertoia Diamond chairs which Susanna has used in replace of a sofa. 

Susanna's signature style. I want those horses!
A glimpse of one of the gorgeous Bertoia Diamond chairs
Monochrome styling. Love the graphic rugs 
Cool wallpaper!
How cute is this bedroom? You just can't beat a classic Eames Hang-It-All 
coat hanger!
Smeg fridge and superb styling on top. This black vacuum jug by Stelton
 is on my wishlist!
You can see more of the Vento's home here.