Each of the four complete room arrangements, that have been brought from VitraHaus in Germany to the summer exhibition at the Artek Helsinki store, represents a different style. The Elegant arrangement combines harmonious colours with sophisticated, carefully chosen, high-end materials, which creates a basis for lasting elegance. Uniform elements and comfortable solutions create a soothing atmosphere where everything is in good order. The arrangement includes furniture by, among others, Antonio Citterio and Jean Prouvé, and is complemented by classics from Vitra, Artek and Flos.

For each of the four exhibition arrangements we sought out someone whose personal approach to interiors connects to that of one of the different styles on show. In many ways, the VitraHaus Elegant interior arrangement reminded us of the style of interior designer Laura Seppänen, who is known for her restrained, meticulously finished designs. We put a few questions to Laura.

How did you get to know Vitra and how has it inspired you?

I can’t say when I first encountered Vitra, but no doubt it was through one of their iconic design classics. In any case, it was a long time ago. Even as a young girl I dreamed of Vitra DSW chairs and years later I continued to prioritise them and bought a set with my first pay cheques as a designer.

Vitra is one of the best-known design houses in the field. It is safe and familiar, something dependable. At the same time, they manage to be a classic, ahead of the times and to point to where we are going. But it’s not as if the Vitra Collection is all safe classics. There are also a lot of very bold and special pieces of furniture, newer designs and weak signals, some of which won’t appeal to the masses, and that’s just how it should be.

Vitra furniture is suitable both for homes and for public spaces and to me that says all you need to know about the quality. The Vitra recipe is unbeatable: top designers, durable materials and high-quality work. When you get the key pieces of the puzzle right, it is that much easier to be successful. As an entrepreneur, that is something I strive for.

What is your interior design philosophy?

I believe in holistic design, where all details are important and valued. My preference is the life found in natural materials, durability, and aging with grace. Understanding the various working stages of crafted products and respecting all kinds of professional work is important to me. I spend a lot of time thinking about the process of creating rooms and objects and how it is done.

When designing a space and various surfaces, I strive to bring harmony, cohesion and peaceful moments to everyday life. I am fascinated by structural minimalism, where one leaves out all that is not relevant, and focus instead on putting all the beauty on display. I look not for great contrast but for a bit of edge and layers in a plethora of materials rather than bold combinations of colours. The most beautiful details stand out when you take the time to stop and look. I love to play with movable parts, create layers and mix styles and times.

What connections do you see between your home and the VitraHaus Elegant arrangement?

The number of seats. I love having people over and it is important to me that my guests are comfortable in my home and that there is a place for everyone. I have quite a small flat in the city centre, but I have a big sofa and seven chairs, two of which are from the Vitra catalogue.

Like Vitra, I use a palette of earthy colours and play with various materials. The different hues of jute, sand, brown, details in black, and a wealth of green plants. Different structures in surfaces, furniture and in textiles. Wood is my favourite natural material. I especially like mixing different kinds of wood and those with a clearly defined pattern of woodgrain are something I use in my home. When combined with safe and neutral greys, playing with materials really pays off.

On a smaller scale, I like to combine vintage objects, souvenirs of seeing the world and works of art from near and far. In my home, I have a collection of works by Finnish artists as well as ceramics and sculptures from around the world. Throughout my life, I have travelled a lot, which is especially important to me. I want my home to contain visible memories of the different countries I have visited and the people I have met.

The Jean Prouvé Fauteuil de Salon is one of my favourite armchairs. It makes skilful use of different materials and structure, such as a wholly upholstered cushioned seat and backrest, slim metal curves and solid wood. It is soft and comfortable but also modern and light. In fact, that sentence picks up on a lot of the things I like.

Light fixtures by Flos are my weak spot. I love their shapes and technical brilliance. I have them in my home, but I’ve also never designed a single space where I wouldn’t have used the Flos catalogue of lamps.

// Laura

@laura.seppanen

VitraHaus x Artek Helsinki
8.6.–4.9.2021
Keskuskatu 1 B
00100 Helsinki
Mon – Sat 10– 18

Artek Helsinki 
Keskuskatu 1 B
00100 Helsinki, Finland
tel. +358 10 617 3480
artekhelsinki@artek.fi
Mon-Sat 10:00 – 18:00