Nordic home stories

A warm and timeless Christmas – 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

Aleksi and Milla’s home is a spatial wonder

Interior designer Aleksi Hautamäki renovated a studio apartment that is over a century old into a three-roomed home for a family of three, with high ceilings and a cozy living room. The inventive fixed furniture is self-made. Read the story

This family home features custom-made coziness, light and lusciousness

Sure to catch anyone’s attention? The breathtakingly beautiful wooden surfaces, spaces flooded with light and a garden made with Mother Nature in mind, all found in this cozy wooden house in Kangasala, Finland. Take a peek with us, especially if you have a soft spot for gorgeous kitchens! Read the story

The small cottage on the island of Högsåra is Rasmus and Alexandra’s home base for the summer

In the summer, designer Rasmus Palmgren and art historian Alexandra Enberg live and work on the idyllic island of Högsåra. To serve as their home base, they built an about 20-sqm cabin for which Rasmus designed the broad outlines and the interior. Read the story

Close to nature – This apartment in East Helsinki is decorated to be in harmony with its surroundings

The bold splashes of color inspired by the neighborhood’s 1960s architecture are an important part of Susanna and Marko’s home. The couple chose the shades of green and blue – their favorites – based on the proportions of the apartment and the light filtered through the pine forest. Read the story

Wai Tsui’s family home blends city living with Norwegian outdoor adventures

Wai Tsui, founder of the digital platform Hiking Patrol, resides just outside Oslo with his family, surrounded by forests and mountains. Their 1970s concrete house features a unique interior where original elements meet carefully curated pieces, including designs from the Danish brand Muuto. Read the story

Inside Joanna Laajisto’s home: A showcase of subtle elegance

When a professional oversees the entire project, even the smallest detail is purposeful and meticulously refined. Timeless, soft, yet minimalist and modern – this is the home of interior architect and designer Joanna Laajisto and photographer Mikko Ryhänen in Helsinki’s Töölö district. Read the story