Architecture
Villa Skeppet: Alvar Aalto’s last private home is monumental yet intimate
Designed by Alvar Aalto, Villa Skeppet is located near the center of Ekenäs, Finland. Aalto designed the house in the late 1960s for his close friend, writer Göran Schildt, and Schildt’s wife, Christine. Villa Skeppet would become the last private home Aalto designed during his career.
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KOKO3 designs stunning new junior suites for Hanaholmen
The new junior suites at Hanaholmen hotel in Helsinki are designed by interior architect Jukka Halminen of KOKO3. Finnish Design Shop’s Trade & Contract Sales supplied part of the suites’ interior products.
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For a discerning taste – Fjällen Lumière Penthouse brings refined luxury to Levi
At the foot of the Levi ski slopes in Finnish Lapland, you’ll find a penthouse rental defined by its modern, understated elegance. Finnish Design Shop’s Studio took part in designing this high-end leisure retreat in Levi, creating a setting where contemporary design meets the dramatic Arctic landscape.
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Designed for life – the story of Reima’s new office
In Helsinki’s Vallila district, behind the historic walls of the old Kravattitehdas, Reima's new office celebrates the beauty of time, play, and patina. Step inside to see what happened when design studio Fyra and Finnish Design Shop's Trade & Contract Sales joined forces to create a space filled with character and an effortless sense of well-being.
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In the footsteps of Alvar Aalto – An architectural tour of his hometown Jyväskylä
Alvar Aalto designed nearly 30 buildings in and around his hometown of Jyväskylä, located in Central Finland. Among them are some of his most internationally acclaimed works, which encapsulate his multifaceted and human-centered approach to architecture. The city also features lesser-known early projects, whose tradition-inspired architecture may come as a surprise.
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Meet Lippa – Helsinki’s new summer hangout
How did an abandoned canopy kiosk spark the transformation into this summer’s liveliest meeting spot? Design Stories met up with Hilma Kotkaniemi, who – together with Olavi Uusivirta – turned a forgotten “lippakioski” site on Helsinki’s Mustikkamaa island into the wildly popular Lippa restaurant. The cozy, sun-drenched terrace was brought to life in collaboration with Finnish Design Shop’s Contract Sales team.
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Tove Jansson’s studio: A creative sanctuary and the birthplace of the Moomins
High above the rooftops of Helsinki, Tove Jansson made her home in a quiet studio where creativity took center stage. Comforts were secondary – what mattered most was the work. Design Stories was given the rare opportunity to visit this atmospheric space, sure to move any fan of the Moomins.
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A visit to Studio Aalto, the heart of Alvar Aalto’s creative work
When Alvar Aalto designed a new building for his architectural practice in Helsinki in the mid-1950s, he created a light-filled studio space with gently curved walls and a view of a courtyard shaped like an amphitheater. Join Design Stories for a visit to Studio Aalto – a place where creativity, architecture, and everyday life intertwined.
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TEK Lounge in Tampere, Finland, offers a cozy campus living room for students
Located on the Hervanta campus of Tampere University, the newly renovated TEK Lounge is a welcoming hub for technology students. We spoke with designer Ilkka Palinperä about the redesign of this popular space and the seamless collaboration with Finnish Design Shop’s Trade & Contract Sales team, who supplied nearly all of the lounge’s furniture.
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KOKO3 designed an office for Dottir that breaks all industry stereotypes
Law firm Dottir is anything but conventional – and it doesn’t try to be. This is evident in its office designed by KOKO3, where a bold interior filled with contemporary art feels more like an art gallery than a traditional law firm.
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The House of Northern Lights weaves an unbreakable bond with Lapland’s nature
Joiku Ski & Lake Chalets is a newly completed complex of 17 luxurious villas, located in the heart of Finnish Lapland. The interior design of the standout flagship villa, The House of Northern Lights, was curated by Finnish Design Shop Studio.
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Eero Saarinen’s iconic design transformed: TWA Hotel breathes new life into a decommissioned airport terminal
Eero Saarinen’s iconic TWA Flight Center at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport has been reimagined as a luxury airport hotel. Opened in 2019, the TWA Hotel beautifully preserves Saarinen’s visionary design while celebrating the spirit of the 1960s.
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Alvar Aalto’s Finlandia Hall enters a new era
Located in the heart of Helsinki, Finlandia Hall has reopened its doors to locals and visitors alike after an extensive three-year renovation. The iconic event venue, designed by Alvar Aalto, now offers a unique opportunity to stay overnight, as two former staff apartments have been restored and transformed into accommodation.
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Restaurant Bouchon Carême brings effortless charm to central Helsinki
Bouchon Carême offers sweeping views of bustling Aleksanterinkatu, right in the heart of Helsinki. Set within the historic Lundqvist building, the restaurant blends French elegance, market hall-inspired design, and an inviting atmosphere. Finnish Design Shop’s Contract Sales helped furnish this exceptional space.
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This vacation home blends modern design with Finnish archipelago charm
A vacation home on Kimitoön in Southwest Finland underwent a complete transformation when Finnish Design Shop’s Studio redesigned its interior. The gray cliffs, archipelago pines, and the home’s unique details served as inspiration for the design.
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Nin Hao is a harmonius fusion of Fujianese heritage and Nordic-inspired design
From art installations to surprising dining setups, every detail of Brooklyn restaurant Nin Hao is crafted to invite curiosity and connection. Finnish Design Shop’s Contract Sales were involved in curating the unique scene – join us as we explore this ever-evolving space where culture, design, and community come together!
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The new Finnair Lounge at Helsinki Airport combines comfort with Nordic design
Finnair’s new lounge areas offer a calming respite before boarding. The airy spaces decorated with Nordic design were created by Studio Joanna Laajisto. The majority of the products were ordered via Finnish Design Shop’s Contract Sales.
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Alvar Aalto and the colors of the Paimio Sanatorium
The Paimio Sanatorium is considered to be one of Alvar Aalto’s most important works. The functionalist building was built as a tuberculosis sanatorium. It is situated in the middle of a beautiful pine forest in Paimio, Finland, and is an impressive site up to this day.
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Kantola in Sunila is a captivating convergence of Aalto and the timber trade
Kantola, designed by Alvar Aalto, is part of the culturally significant Sunila residential area in Kotka, Finland. This unique factory manager’s home has always been more than just a residence – it’s a space for hosting and gathering together.
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Discover your dream getaway – explore Piperi House in the Greek Cyclades
Set in the turquoise embrace of the Aegean Sea, Piperi House by Sigurd Larsen is a striking architectural feat. Enjoy the breathtaking images and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of this experiential residence.
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The renovated interior of Hotel Royal in Vaasa combines bold colors and unique patterns
The renovated tower building of the Original Sokos Hotel Royal in Vaasa opened in February 2024. The interior design was led by the award-winning Helsinki-based KOKO3, which even designed completely new upholstery fabrics for the hotel. Finnish Design Shop’s Contract Sales supplied a large portion of the hotel’s furniture.
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Sponda’s Helsinki office embraces hybrid work
What kind of office space best supports the evolving ways of working? This was the question tackled by Studio Joanna Laajisto’s team as they designed the new premises for real estate development company Sponda in downtown Helsinki. Some of the furniture for the project was sourced through Finnish Design Shop’s Contract Sales.
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The Aalto House in Helsinki surprises with its timelessness
The Helsinki home of Alvar and Aino Aalto, and later Elissa Aalto, remains as modern today as it was nearly a hundred years ago. Discover the charming home of the Aaltos in Helsinki with Design Stories!
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The Sandbox’s headquarters in Los Angeles serve as an entryway into the metaverse
The new headquarters of gaming company The Sandbox in Culver City, Los Angeles, mimic the virtual world in a tactile way. Finnish Design Shop’s Contract Sales had the pleasure of participating in a project that will help put Finnish interior architecture on the map.
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Finn Juhl’s House is an embodiment of Danish style and cozy atmosphere – with discreet splashes of color
Finn Juhl is one of the best-known Danish designers and architects. He designed his home, located north of Copenhagen, to be a “total work of art”, including the architecture, clever color choices and sculptural furniture. Join us on a tour of the Finn Juhl House!
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César Manrique: The visionary artist who transformed Lanzarote
César Manrique left an indelible mark on Lanzarote, blending art, nature, and community. Explore his life, works like Jameos del Agua and Mirador del Río, and his enduring legacy.
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Renovation turned a dark and dreary house into a cozy and spacious home for a family with children
Now that the extensive renovation project is almost complete, the atrium house built in the 1970s no longer resembles a haunted house but provides an attractive home for a family with children. The goal was to restore the original atmosphere of the brick house.
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Modern log house Villa Havu delights with its light-toned spruce surfaces
The vision of interior designer Laura Seppänen on light spruce surfaces combined with timeless interior decoration creates a serene atmosphere for Villa Havu, one of the favorite houses at the 2023 Loviisa Housing Fair. Finnish Design Shop’s Contract Sales had the pleasure to be involved in furnishing Villa Havu.
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Matri House is a cozy B&B in the Mathildedal ironworks village – and a resort where a good night’s sleep is a matter of honor
Finnish bed manufacturer Matri has opened an intimate boutique B&B in the picturesque Mathildedal ironworks village. What makes the place particularly interesting is that the old building is decorated with modern Nordic design. Finnish Design Shop’s Contract Sales helped furnish the stunning B&B.
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Hotel Sandsund – Join us on a tour of the exclusive rooms in the historic villa
In spring 2022, Design Stories interviewed a group of friends who embarked on an ambitious project to transform historical Villa Sandsund into a new kind of boutique hotel offering effortless luxury. Now Design Stories returns to Tampere and Hotel Sandsund.
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Café Savoy brings an elegant French atmosphere to the center of Helsinki
Restaurant Savoy, a true Helsinki classic, now has a French sibling located in the same building. The interior of the new Café Savoy was designed by Studio Joanna Laajisto.
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The refreshingly retro Lunain is a piece of Paris at its finest
Get ready to be swept off your feet and transported to the heart of Paris with this stunning Art Nouveau apartment renovation. With a mix of vibes from the 1920s and the 1970s, the apartment balances modern comfort with timeless elegance. From the original stained-glass windows to the striking marble marvel of a bathroom, this apartment is a one-of-a-kind oeuvre.
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Say goodbye to dull home offices and stuffy corporate spaces – Linden Palais is a luxurious oasis for office returnees
Norm Architects and TOG teamed up to create a stunning office space in the heart of Berlin that’s so chic, you’ll forget you’re actually being productive. Don’t believe us? Take a peek inside the recently opened Linden Palais, where work and play are perfectly balanced.
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Newil&Bau builds new and renovates old while respecting the spirit and identity of each area
The Finnish apartment developer Newil&Bau has become known for its innovative projects that blend visionary architecture with concepts created by interior architects. One of the company’s latest projects, 76&Piha, is located in Helsinki and involves transforming a former office complex into a modern residential building.
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More room, less rooms – Edition Office’s Melburnian replaces linearity with a lavish labyrinth
Melburnian, a unique high-rise apartment designed by Edition Office, invites you to explore and interpret living space from a new perspective, without traditional room divisions. The simultaneously open and intimate space creates an experiential framework for both core everyday activities and rest.
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Captivating contrasting colors – Futurice’s new Helsinki office supports the active atmosphere of the working community
Futurice, an outcome-focused digital transformation company, has built its workspaces around the company’s highly interactive organizational culture. The result is a relaxed and playful yet stylish office for a new age, designed by Rune & Berg Design. Take a tour with us!
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Architecture on Design Stories
The architecture stories on Design Stories explore the built environment, homes, and spaces through a design-focused lens. We publish articles on contemporary Finnish and Scandinavian architecture, as well as selected architectural destinations from Finland and around the world.
In the Architecture category, we look at private homes and public spaces alike, covering new builds, renovations, and the relationship between architecture and interiors. The selection also includes reference projects from Finnish Design Shop’s Trade & Contract Sales and Studio interior design services.
Design Stories is the online magazine of Finnish Design Shop, created to inspire and delight design lovers everywhere. We hope you enjoy exploring with us! Have a story tip or thoughts on our content? We’d love to hear from you.
