Finnish designer couple Saana and Olli adore serene and breathable spaces, where materials and ambiance evoke the essence of Japan. At Pop Å in Turku, they designed a showroom that seamlessly serves as both an office and even a dining space when needed. The end result is a perfect ensemble exuding timeless ambiance and tranquility amidst the urban setting.
Tell us about the design process of the space and the atmosphere you've created!
We greatly appreciate empty spaces, and in designing the showroom, Saana's experience living in Japan heavily influenced our work. Recently, we've been involved in many design projects for Japanese clients, and the country has been on our minds. We adore traditional paper shoji screens for their ability to soften light and their timeless simplicity. These, along with natural materials and a soft color palette, inspired the design of the showroom.
We also designed Arkken's kitchen within the space, aiming for a distinctly Japanese feel. We wanted the kitchen to seamlessly blend in, so we chose the same tone for the kitchen's base color as the walls.
Our goal was to create a harmonious blend of clean lines, neutral tones, and natural materials. Trusting our intuition, we aimed for a timeless and spacious tone in the space. As it's also an office space, the soft color choices create a tranquil atmosphere conducive to work.
Serendipity played a significant role as well. Besides the client's furniture, we used only recycled pieces in the interior design. The result was a soft, breathable, and calming space – a space that feels good to inhabit and work in.
The space has a soothing color palette. How did the color design come about?
We aimed to create a warm and soft atmosphere in a compact space, serving as a showroom for multiple brands and a workspace.
We chose the neutral and soft light 008 SYLVIA shade for the walls, allowing the surrounding elements to breathe while casting warm light. For the ceiling, we selected the 030 VIRGINIA shade, aiming to infuse the interior with the house's precious old spirit and a special atmosphere.
We believe painting the ceiling is an excellent way to introduce surprise and interest into the space. Particularly in showroom spaces, a strong color adds softness and a cozy atmosphere.
What inspires you at the moment?
As spring progresses, the increasing light is always bewildering and dazzling. Likewise, the soon-to-bloom greenery and the impending scent of lilacs and freshly cut grass.
At the moment, our own garden inspires us, especially wildflowers and creating a bee-friendly yard. We've been renovating our 110-year-old village schoolhouse, and now that the indoor renovations are nearing completion, we're focusing on making our garden as lush and oasis-like as possible. We're not the greatest gardeners, but that doesn't stop us from enjoying tinkering in the garden.
Saana and Olli are a Finnish designer couple and an award-winning design studio specializing in a textile collection made entirely from hemp fabric produced in Finland. In addition to their collection, they have worked on design projects for dozens of international and domestic clients and participated in numerous design projects and exhibitions from Reykjavik to Lagos. Saana and Olli possess a strong vision and craftsmanship, along with an impeccable understanding of beauty in everything they do.
