The Scandinavians Win Again: A Smart, Flexible Housing Solution With Style

published Sep 7, 2016

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(Image credit: Photos by Krista Keltanen )

Project by: Laura Seppänen Design Agency
Location: Helsinki, Finland

This model home highlights all of the things we’ve come to love about Scandi style: gorgeous lines, spectacular use of black, white and neutral colors, and, of course, brilliantly designed storage space.

(Image credit: Photos by Krista Keltanen )

From Laura:

YIT launched a new housing option called “Smartti;” a flexible and affordable solution that combines functionality and adaptability with reasonable prices.

The design of Smartti apartments is based on standard dimensioning. The apartments have no partition walls; rather, the space is divided by cabinets and sliding doors, which also provide more storage space. They can be added or removed, according to the resident’s changing life circumstances. The surfaces are lined with replaceable furniture boards, which allows the dweller to change the style and decor of the apartment without extensive renovation. Smartti homes come with a range of pre-designed interior styles that make them more personal and adaptable to different lifestyles and preferences.

The Smartti concept was presented to the public at Kansalaistori in Helsinki last May, and I had the privilege of decorating and styling my version of it. This Smartti home, which was built in a shipping container, is a 26-square-meter studio apartment that I furnished for a young woman that owns a flower shop. My aim was to use as many ecological and organic materials in the furniture and textiles as possible, such as wood, cork, wool, rattan and flax. Green plants bring color to otherwise calm tones and neutral surfaces. The items that she used in the decoration are mostly collected from a local shop owners and entrepreneurs.

The Smartti model will be presented in 10 Finnish cities during the summer and autumn: Oulu, Lahti, Tampere, Riihimäki, Kaarina, Kuopio, Jyväskylä, Lappeenranta, Kirkkonummi and Vantaa.

(Image credit: Photos by Krista Keltanen )

Resources:
Posters: THE POSTER CLUB
Chairs: Casuarina
Rug: Nest Factory
Plants: Inbloom
Mirror: Formverk

Shops:
Cilla’s
Destinystore
OUT OF THE DARK
Gulled

Thanks, Laura Seppänen Design Agency !

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