Interior architect Maija Rasila talks about her favorite products and styles in Design Stories' Favorites of the Month column. In April, she highlights home comforts and enjoys ‘armchair travel’.
“OUR OWN FOUR WALLS have become familiar in a new way in recent weeks. Now is the time to focus on how your home feels, what it looks like, and how to make it more comfortable. I try to keep my home particularly tidy, adding touches and objects that bring joy to my surroundings. A little everyday luxury and self-indulgence are more than welcome at the moment. A home-spa atmosphere, binge watching, and the occasional delicacy bring much-needed joy to days spent at home.”
For relaxing moments at home
Beautiful, casual and multi-purpose home-wear is now a must. The Terva bathrobe by Lapuan Kankurit is a genuinely multifunctional product for home living: it’s great for leisurely mornings, cooling down after an evening sauna, and as part of a home-spa atmosphere. I admit to even working in the bathrobe on occasions. Its linen-tencel-cotton blend feels pleasantly light, adding a kimono lounge feel to life at home.
• Lapuan Kankurit Terva bathrobe >
Ombre colors
& Tradition's new Collect range includes what may be the most wonderful textiles of the spring, which create a homely atmosphere in the blink of an eye. The set includes attractive cushions, light cotton throws and casual linen bedspreads that are ideal for the spring season. My own favorites are cushions in which the colors gradually fade towards lighter tones: these are great details on a couch or bed.
• &Tradition Collect Indigo SC30 cushion >
A beautiful setting
Trays are a homemaker’s best friend. I use beautiful trays not only for serving, but also for displays and storage – beautiful trays always come in handy. The No. 10 tray collection by Skagerak is beautifully minimalist: Japanese-style products also look great as part of coffee table settings, for example. The oak material adds timeless dignity to the product.
In candlelight
The candlelight season is not over for me – on the contrary. Candles add wonderful atmosphere to spring evenings too. I have swapped large and showy candlesticks for lighter, more summery ones. The glass votive from the Iittala Raami collection is available in fresh shades of salmon red and Seville orange. Both are also great for the summer season.
For the reading corner
It may already be brighter outdoors, but good lighting is still important. I would choose a Yuh table lamp by Louis Poulsen for my pile of books. Due to its versatility and modern look, it is suitable for environments and uses of all kinds. The collection includes options for tables, floors and walls, and the dimmable LED light guarantees the desired ambience for any purpose. Another interesting feature is the timer, which can be used to switch the lamp off after four or eight hours.
• Louis Poulsen Yuh table lamp >
Graceful and luxurious
I think that you can’t have too many comfortable nooks at home. The Cape lounge chair by Warm Nordic is both graceful and invitingly luxurious. Its light, airy form makes it ideal for smaller living rooms or the center of living areas. The chair has been upholstered in high-quality fabrics by Kvadrat – which I’ve loved for many years – for the upholstery. They are made to withstand time and wear.
• Warm Nordic Cape lounge chair >
A virtual journey to Italy
Travel is currently out of the question, so during the evenings I’ve been using streaming services to make short, virtual trips to exotic locations. A recent favorite has been My Brilliant Friend, a series based on Elena Ferrante’s popular book series: the second season was released on HBO Nordic this spring. It offers a dose of nostalgia for past decades, an authentic Italian atmosphere, and an honest description of everyday life in Naples in the 1950s to the 1970s.
My Brilliant Friend, seasons 1-2 now on HBO Nordic.
In this column, interior architect Maija Rasila picks the most inspiring products, objects and issues of the month from novel and classic items. She spices up modern Scandinavian style with plenty of details, surprising colors and personal touches.
Text: Maija Rasila Images: Manufacturers