Nordic home stories

Darren’s creative sanctuary in leafy London Fields

Serendipity struck when Darren Rowlands found his dream home – not once, but twice. The first time, it slipped through his fingers. Eight months later, it reappeared, and this time, he didn’t hesitate. The flat needed a full renovation, so Darren called on his friend Benni Allan. Ahead of its sale via The Modern House, the duo share how they turned it into a true dream home. Read the story

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. Read the story

Decorating with intention: Chef Rose Chalalai Singh’s layered home and lab kitchen

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

Inside Poul Madsen’s home: A vibrant fusion of art and design

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

“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! Read the story

Nordic design in Japan: Inside Jun and Yoshiko’s Japanese countryside home

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

Mira and Ville’s family celebrates with design and traditions

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

Ildar Wafin’s two-room apartment expands with a stunning rooftop terrace

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

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. Read the story

Discovering the art of calm with Baina’s Bailey Meredith

Step inside the serene world of Bailey Meredith, the co-founder of the towelling brand Baina. In her charming 1930s Art Deco apartment, Bailey shares how her passion for timeless design and mindful craftsmanship shapes not just Baina’s beautiful bathroom textiles, but also her own home. Read the story

A dream house by the lake – Fall in love with the unique Villa Valo

Almost every window of the house gives a stunning view of the nearby lake. Water and nature are constant companions at Villa Valo, where the atmosphere changes with the weather and seasons. Take a home tour with Design Stories! Read the story

This urban home in Helsinki exudes Danish elegance

Emma and Philip renovated the apartment into a peaceful home, perfected by earthy tones, timeless surface materials and a myriad of lovely design items. The couple likes decorating with Danish design and has also managed to make great second-hand finds. Read the story

Art and textiles bring warmth to this carefully curated home

When two minimalists moved in together, they decorated their shared home with a discerning eye and understated elegance. Warmth and coziness are added to the overall look by large textile surfaces, the patina of the furniture, and art. Read the story

Akiko and Simon want their home to feature the original architecture of Raili and Reima Pietilä

A walk along a rocky seashore made the Japanese-Swiss couple see Finland in a different light. The vintage classics in their home in Suvikumpu, Espoo, are not only a passion but also an investment. Akiko and Simon see beauty in pebbles and whiskers alike. Read the story

Ditch the rules! Lauren MacLean’s show-stopping home in Montreal

Lauren MacLean follows a simple yet profound design philosophy: break free from the norms and surround yourself with items that spark real joy. Read the story

A sense of belonging – Mikko Nissilä’s family home in a modern wooden house is an art of balance

A home is at its best when it blends authenticity, coziness, and practicality. The house architect Mikko Nissilä designed for his family in Espoo, southern Finland, demonstrates that beauty, quality, and moderation can coexist in perfect harmony. Read the story