Design Stories joins forces with Helsinki Playground to explore inspiring homes in Tokyo, curated from their creative community. First up: Takashi and Mana Kobayashi of IMA design office, whose deep-rooted connection to Finland brings a Nordic twist to their Japanese home. Read the story
What does a home look like when an architect designs it for his own family? Step inside Sebastian Mendez’s New York apartment, where urban living feels exceptionally inviting. Read the story
At the top of a hillside neighborhood in Seoul lives a creative couple, Dora and Egg 2. Design Stories visited this elegant home to meet the owners and learn about their inspirations, daily life, and the thoughtful renovation that brought their dream home to life – complete with a curated collection of vintage Artek pieces. Read the story
When NHL goaltender Kevin Lankinen and his wife Iina found a pied-à-terre in Helsinki’s Töölö district, they wanted it to feel like a true haven whenever visiting from abroad. Finnish Design Shop’s Studio team helped the couple create a cozy yet refined atmosphere – both indoors and out on the stunning rooftop terrace. Read the story
Tuuli Kalliosalo and her family live in a striking house nestled in the natural surroundings of Sipoo, Finland. Though minimalist and modern on the outside, the home feels warm and richly layered within. Intriguing artworks and handcrafted furniture add character and charm to the interior. Read the story
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Copenhagen, you'll find the singular studio of Selma Lamai, Head of Art Direction at Muuto. Come spring, the doors of the mere 12 sqm space open onto a backyard that hosts dinner parties, playtime, and laid-back weekends with family and friends. Read the story
Sonja and Olli had built their dream home for three – but when a baby came along, space for four became tight. That’s when the couple found this architect-designed semi-detached house in Vartiokylä, a peaceful neighborhood in East Helsinki. Read the story
The playful home of illustrator Saerom Kim, book and magazine publisher Pilwoo Nam, and their 7-year-old son Seojin is an ever-evolving mix of styles. Design Stories visited their vibrant mountainside home near Seoul to talk about creativity, family life, and their love for Nordic design. Read the story
Built by their grandfather in Helsinki’s Munkkiniemi district, this cherished family villa has found new life as a home for a blended family of seven. Here, old traditions are honored, and new ones are joyfully created. Read the story
Chef Rose Chalalai Singh lives in the 2nd arrondissement in Paris with her son Gabriel, in a classic Parisian apartment filled with natural light and objects she has collected over the years. In addition to her home, she loves to host dinner guests in her lab kitchen. Read the story
The Copenhagen home of Poul Madsen, co-founder and CEO of Normann Copenhagen, overlooks the city’s historic lakes. His art-filled residence is a vibrant reflection of both his personal taste and the design philosophy that has shaped the brand – timeless yet forward-thinking. In this exclusive interview, Madsen shares his thoughts on sustainability, his love for travel, and the personal touches that make a house feel like home. Read the story
Jutta Tanninen and her partner bought this apartment as an investment, but it quickly became their dream home. Combining bold colors, art, and custom design solutions, this space reflects Jutta’s love for experimentation and authentic materials. Join us for a tour of this vibrant home in Turku, Finland! Read the story
In the Japanese countryside, a contemporary house in Tottori Prefecture brings together sharp Japanese lines and Nordic design. Owners Jun and Yoshiko Maeta invited Finnish Design Shop to visit their warm home, filled with music, laughter, and illuminating light that moves throughout the day. Read the story
Interior designer Mira Karhunen’s family home blends timeless design with heartfelt traditions, creating a cozy setting for the holidays. Carefully selected classics, festive touches, and the joy of togetherness bring the Christmas spirit alive in their Espoo home. Read the story
Jewelry designer Ildar Wafin’s minimalist 44-square-meter one-bedroom apartment in Helsinki’s Punavuori district is brought to life with carefully curated details, including a raised kitchen, wooden floors, and a green wall relief by Wäinö Aaltonen. The rooftop terrace adds an international flair to the atmosphere. Read the story
Laura Mattila and Mikko Merz designed the renovation of their home to respect the building. For the duo running design and architecture studio Mattila & Merz, the home offered the opportunity to carry out a meticulous renovation that dug deep into the history of the apartment – without any time pressure. Read the story
