Laura Seppänen's Design Agency created a tranquil apartment in the center of Helsinki, in the hip Kallio district for the innovative, pop musical composer/producer, Hank Solo, inspired by his existing work, but also aimed to inspire the composition of new work in the resident himself. One of the elements that makes this private residence so special is that, despite its mere 72 square meter floor plan, the sunny space boasts very covetous, three meter high ceilings, a feature which gives the illusion of more square meterage than the apartment actually possesses.

With the idea of an "industrial and luxurious yet cozy New York-style hotel room" in mind, the designer approached the interiors with a light yet bold hand, infusing the general ethos of the design with simple fundamentals that hold a strong appeal. A clean palette on a predominately white and pale gray background with subtle strokes of black and exclamation points of natural colors and textures such as wood and brick, form the basis. 

Photo by Paulina Salonen.

Photo by Paulina Salonen.

Photo by Paulina Salonen.

Photo by Paulina Salonen.

Photo by Paulina Salonen.

Photo by Paulina Salonen.

Photo by Paulina Salonen.

Photo by Paulina Salonen.

The apartment's symmetrical floor plan is evident as soon as one enters, with the entry hall's white washed wood floor branching out into three doorways leading to the kitchen, the living room and the bedroom, respectively. Although each room is unique, they are all tied together through the clean, monochromatic colorway and play off the rich textural elements, which range from the smooth and glossy -the shiny, brass coffee table in the living room- to the rough and tumbled -the hand woven, thick wool carpets throughout the apartment.

The living room is the perfect illustration and sets the tone of the apartment. The custom-made works by Finnish abstract artist, Tanja Meski, are displayed on the white-painted sections of the walls, exuberantly offsetting the exposed brick corner wall facing them. Meanwhile, the heavy and monolithic, concrete dining table adds a gravitas to the décor, offset by the woven leather arm chairs and light wood shelving. But perhaps the piece de resistance is the resident's black-painted, walnut wood piano which has been given a makeover by Finnish graffiti artist, Otto Maja, to now feature a swirling pattern of "paper planes" gliding up and around the instrument's entire front.  

Photo by Paulina Salonen.

Photo by Paulina Salonen.

Photo by Paulina Salonen.

Photo by Paulina Salonen.

Photo by Paulina Salonen.

Photo by Paulina Salonen.

Photo by Paulina Salonen.

Photo by Paulina Salonen.

The bedroom and kitchen both mirror that same interplay of rich textures and simple colorways. The first, features more artwork by Tanja Meski displayed on the concrete-covered wall - which acts as both the bed's headboard as well as the room's focal point. Across the room, the birch veneer covered wardrobe extends from the floor to the ceiling making it both a dramatic element in the room… as well as providing some much-needed storage space. The graphic, black and white, woven carpet on the floor brings in another texture as does the concrete cast side table beside the bed.

All in all, we can imagine that its resident composer is sure to wake up each day to more than ample inspiration cues thanks to this relaxed and truly livable apartment that has nothing to envy of its "New York-style hotel room" inspiration. The only thing that it could possibly be lacking is the 24-hour room service… 

Photo by Paulina Salonen.

Photo by Paulina Salonen.

Photo by Paulina Salonen.

Photo by Paulina Salonen.

Photo by Paulina Salonen.

Photo by Paulina Salonen.

Photo by Paulina Salonen.

Photo by Paulina Salonen.

Photo by Paulina Salonen.

Photo by Paulina Salonen.

Photo by Paulina Salonen.

Photo by Paulina Salonen.

Photo by Paulina Salonen.

Photo by Paulina Salonen.

Photo by Paulina Salonen.

Photo by Paulina Salonen.

Photo by Paulina Salonen.

Photo by Paulina Salonen.

Simply Great: an Apartment in Helsinki by Laura Seppänen

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