Design Gems of Helsinki - Löyly

In the blog series Design Gems of Helsinki,  we are introducing interesting design spaces in Helsinki, Finland. 

Black, wood and sea, Löyly is a design waterfront sanctuary

Written by Margot Scherlin

Although the grey wood blanket merges as a big rock on the harbor, you can’t miss it. The Löyly sauna & restaurant embrace the coast with its triangular shapes hiding an elegant and intimate interior made by a concrete structure painted in black. Löyly combines wood, concrete and steel into unique Scandinavian form. 

Designers from Joanna Laajisto Creative Studio have imagined a place treated very delicately but not too ornamented or textured to bring some refinement and calm into the space. Lines created by the planks and the long vertical bar communicate both serenity and dynanism forming an effective combination. The minimalist aspect is softened by the furniture: the stuffed fabric of chairs bring a comfortable side, a touch of color and texture. Added suspended lights produce rhythm, but their delicacy doesn’t disturb the view. 

Löyly is designed simply to make visitors feel relaxed and admire the beautiful sea view. And of course the interiors are made with sustainable and natural materials, and the delicious food served is organic. We would not expect anything less from this Finnish gem by the sea.

Design Gems of Helsinki - IPI Kulmakuppila

In the blog series Design Gems of Helsinki,  we are introducing interesting design spaces in Helsinki, Finland.

White, wood and splash of color: Ipi Kulmakuppila is the design gem of Kallio cafeteria scene.

Written by Margot Scherlin

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In the corner of the Porthaninkatu’s street you can’t miss it, throught its huge bay windows Ipi cafe spread its warm atmosphere. The interior imagined by Petra Majantie, illustrate wonderfully the idea of Finnish Design. We immediately enjoy the light and airy place given by its global structure made with concrete or brick wall painted in a bright white. To add a dynamic and joyful aspect, several light are suspended randomly and create circular shapes in the air with their cables.

After grabbing some healthy delicious food or a good cup of coffee you can sit on one of those very elegant wood chairs or stools, or enjoy the softness of colorful seats. And if you climb to the first floor, a little mezzanine welcome you with its beautiful leather chairs for a more intimate and relaxed ambiance.

Finally, the combination of very polished or even untreated materials with a few touches of texture and colors generate a strong and pleasant harmony. And if you didn’t know it yet, this cafe owe also its charm to its history, indeed you can notice this beautiful piece of art on the stairs. Through this colorful assembly of triangular shapes we can recognize the name of « IPI », a famous lawyer and sportsman that Finnish people loved so much. Every details make the place calm and confortable: serenity waves transmitted in a beautiful homage.