For their latest interior design project, Laura Seppänen Design Agency has created a serene home for Finnish music composer and producer Hank Solo. Located in the hip Kallio district in Helsinki, Finland, the small apartment has a wonderful feeling of spaciousness thanks to its three metre high ceilings. 

A Creative Haven in Helsinki by Laura Seppänen
A Creative Haven in Helsinki by Laura Seppänen

Simple yet homely, the kitchen has been modernised and made functional with beautiful pieces from HAY, Frama, Lampe Gras and Ellos.

A Creative Haven in Helsinki by Laura Seppänen

Taking into account the artist’s wish for a peaceful space to enjoy slow mornings and concentrate on his musical work, Laura came up with an idea of an “industrial and luxurious yet cosy New York-style hotel room”. Peeling back layers to reveal beautiful wooden flooring and an original brick wall was a great starting point. Located in the living room corner, the brick provides contrast and a raw and edgy element alongside the white painted walls. The addition of warm wooden tones, patterned rugs and a mix of materials including brass, glass and leather provide further layers of textural goodness. 

A Creative Haven in Helsinki by Laura Seppänen
A Creative Haven in Helsinki by Laura Seppänen
A Creative Haven in Helsinki by Laura Seppänen

A Creative Haven in Helsinki by Laura Seppänen

One of the many things I love about Laura’s work is her ability to mix both iconic Scandinavian and Finnish design with custom-made pieces and those sourced further abroad. Some of these include a hand sketched sideboard from Spanish brand Treku, the Workstead wall lamp from Brooklyn, NY, and a huge custom-made bronze glass mirror. A strong concrete dining table grounds the living space while abstract paintings created by Finnish artist Tanja Meski create a striking focal point. My favourite element however has to be the piano which features a unique ‘paper planes’ patterning in greyscale by Finnish graffiti artist Otto Maja.

A Creative Haven in Helsinki by Laura Seppänen
A Creative Haven in Helsinki by Laura Seppänen
A Creative Haven in Helsinki by Laura Seppänen
A Creative Haven in Helsinki by Laura Seppänen

The soft industrial theme continues in the bedroom with one wall featuring a concrete effect, decorated with beautiful artworks. This room includes two of my favourite lamps, the Floor lamp by Flos and Wall lamp by Frama. I also love how the wardrobe has been given a new lease of life with a simple birch veneer made by a local carpenter. 

A Creative Haven in Helsinki by Laura Seppänen
A Creative Haven in Helsinki by Laura Seppänen
A Creative Haven in Helsinki by Laura Seppänen
A Creative Haven in Helsinki by Laura Seppänen
A Creative Haven in Helsinki by Laura Seppänen

Interior design by Laura Seppänen (@laurajuulia) / Photography by Pauliina Salonen
Styling Assistant – Minna Ritvanen

Warm and homely with space to breathe, I have no doubt this apartment will provide a tranquil and creative haven for its lucky owner.  

Images courtesy of Laura Seppänen Design Agency

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