Architecture stories

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! Read the story

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. Read the story

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. Read the story

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. Read the story

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. Read the story

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. Read the story

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 the story

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. Read the story

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 the story

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 the story

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. Read the story

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 the story

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. Read the story

The doors to Hotel Sandsund are open! 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. Hotel Sandsund is now open for reservations, and Design Stories returns to Tampere. Read the story

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. Read the story

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. Read the story