A tangle of electrical cables and echoing space gave way to soft tones when interior designer Laura Seppänen converted a former hairdressing salon into a studio and showroom for herself.
INTERIOR DESIGNER LAURA SEPPÄNEN had long been seeking suitable facilities in the Punavuori district of Helsinki, when the right place finally turned up. The venue had once been a hairdresser's salon. Screws and tubes left on the floor from the hairdresser's chairs were a reminder of the premises' former purpose.
Pipes, a battery heater and enclosures for fixtures and fittings occupied the kitchen area. The electrical cabling was ancient, and new cabling could not be hidden under the skirting boards, which had been cast in place. The place echoed and the hard tiled floor was crying out to be counterbalanced by a softening element.
On the other hand, the layout of the space was perfect: a large window looking out onto the street, a kitchen to the rear, and a storage space for samples and props. A subdued interior decor was required as a background for the various shade and material samples destined for the showroom.
”I am delighted with the general ambience. No matter what life brings, this will be the ideal setting for design and invention."
The electrical cabling was concealed by furniture and drapes during the renovation. Three-phase, dimmable track lighting on the ceiling is critical to the ambience and functioning of the room. They make it easy to discuss lighting issues with clients. Several table and wall lamps add to the atmosphere.
The original cream-tiled floor forms the basis of the tones and materials used in the studio. Although Seppänen uses colors in her work, she prefers neutral, pale tones around her: wood, mud and sand tones, and a spectrum of greys.
She chose the 'Driftwood' shade of beige by Tikkurila for the walls. To match, she opted for dividing curtains made of heavy, acoustic fabric. The shade is reprised in the lime plastering, based on travertine, which crowns the entrance walls.
The original cream-tiled floor forms the basis of the tones and materials used in the studio.
In addition to the large tabletop commissioned as the facility's centerpiece, a Lundia shelf with desk surfaces sits at the kitchen entrance. Work done there can easily be hidden behind the adjustable desktop.
Seppänen coated the shelf surfaces across from the entrance with lime plaster, so that they seem part of the wall structure. The window recess, created when the heating panel next to the window was enclosed, has also been plaster-coated.
The recess is the designer's favourite place and an outstanding display window. Passers-by stop to peruse its changing arrangements.
See also:
•DCW éditions' Mantis BS2 wall lamp>
•Vitra's DKR Wire Chair>
•Hay's Paper Porcelain tableware >
Text: Taina Ahtela Images: Pauliina Salonen Portrait: Riikka Kantinkoski
The story was originally published in Avotakka'sissue 3/2019.
You might also like
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! Read more
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! Read more
Martta Wendelin Day Care Centre is the winner of 2023 Finlandia Prize for Architecture
The winner of the Finlandia Prize for Architecture 2023 is The Martta Wendelin Day Care Centre designed by architect studio AFKS Arkkitehdit.Read the jury's remarks and the winner's fresh comments on Design Stories! Read more
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. Read more
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. Read more
Most popular
Dive into the world of &Tradition, where Danish design heritage and innovative modern pieces merge beautifully. Discover the story and favorite products of &Tradition with us – and remember to visit the brand’s showroom next time you’re in Copenhagen! Read more
Janni Vepsäläinen is steering Iittala towards a new era
“At the heart of Iittala has always been an experimental, open-minded, and bold approach to design,” says Iittala’s creative director Janni Vepsäläinen. Read the exclusive Design Stories interview to find out how the beloved Finnish brand was revamped, logo included – and what Vepsäläinen’s own Iittala favorites are! Read more
Objects of love – Johanna Bruun’s Helsinki home is a playground of different eras
In a home crafted within an old printing house, there’s a vast, open space bathed in light from large windows. Interior designer and stylist Johanna Bruun’s approach is nonchalantly Parisian:the line between a curated arrangement and charming disarray is finely drawn. Read more
Art and design blend harmoniously in this unique home in Helsinki
1960s architecture meets warm interior decoration in a home that combines old and new seamlessly. Michelle Planting and Thomas Zambra decided to make their home a place where friends and family love to get together. Read more
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! Read more
Seasonal
Artichoke lasagna: A taste journey to springtime Italy
This delightful artichoke lasagna brings to mind sunny days and springtime in Italy. Save the recipe for spinach and artichoke lasagna and cook it for your family or friends this weekend! Read more
Stockholm Furniture Fair 2024 – Introducing the latest trends and the most interesting new designs
At the Stockholm Furniture Fair, bold, exaggerated shapes and strong colors reminiscent of the 70s atmosphere stood out. Design Stories was touring the fair and the showrooms– check out our picks from Stockholm! Read more
Get ready to meet HAY Dogs – this new collection charms both dogs and their owners
Who let the dogs out? Well, HAY did! The beloved Danish brand is making a surprising move and introduces its fresh collection for spring, designed for none other than our four-legged pals. The charming HAY Dogs series includes everything your furry friend has only been able to dream of until now. Read more
Finnish Design Shop’s surprise hits of 2023 – check out our unexpected bestsellers!
When the popularity of Artek luminaires, String shelves, Marimekko tableware, and other beloved design products remains strong year after year, we decided to spotlight the surprises of 2023. The list features exciting new products that have quickly gained popularity, as well as familiar classics that have been successfully updated for the modern day. Discover Finnish Design Shop’s unexpected hits of 2023! Read more
Moomin Arabia’s new glass tableware collection is made in Finland
The latest Moomin dishware collection is called Mystical Forest. The glassware, made in Finland, is decorated with charming embossed designs featuring familiar Moomin friends peeking out amidst branches, leaves, and flowers. Explore the new items and adventure into the enchanted forest with the Moomins! Read more