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A summer house in the Finnish archipelago built on nature’s terms
This waterfront retreat blends seamlessly into its surroundings. Robert Holmström designed it as an uncompromising, deeply personal family escape.
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A new cabin in a familiar spot: Inside the Puotila family’s summer retreat on Lake Saimaa
The Puotila family has been spending summers on the shores of Lake Saimaa since the 1950s. When their old log cabin finally called for a major overhaul, the family arrived at an unusual solution: tear down the original and build a new one in exactly the same spot. Everything that had worked well was recreated – only better.
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In perfect harmony – A serene Helsinki home shaped by design
Stepping inside, the entrance and the view unfolding through the window instantly put the mind at ease. Guided by a pursuit of harmony, Juha Koskinen and Pauliina Tenho have shaped their home into a cohesive and refined whole, where precise lines and a carefully curated palette of materials flow seamlessly from one space to the next.
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Calm, creativity, and beauty in Milla Vaahtera’s 1950s wooden home
Artist Milla Vaahtera found a home for her family in Porvoo, a historic town about a 50-minute drive east of Helsinki. In a modest yet beautiful post-war house, she enjoys views of trees and sky, and a space where every detail reflects her love of beauty and craft.
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Inside a thoughtfully designed family home in Finland
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.
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A new chapter for a beloved family villa: “Preserving the house’s original atmosphere was essential”
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.
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Villa Kokkonen – a unique artist’s residence designed by Alvar Aalto
Alvar Aalto designed a home for composer Joonas Kokkonen that blends beautifully into the landscape, and inside opens up like a fan around the studio and grand piano. Come and explore Villa Kokkonen with Design Stories!
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“My own home can be more experimental,” says interior designer Jutta Tanninen
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!
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Respecting the past, living in the present: A thoughtful renovation 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.
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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.
