the
poet’s
blue
1861
there once was an influential man who built a stone apartment building in the centre of Helsinki.
2023
there is once a woman who was impressed by its history and location.
there once was an influential man who built a stone apartment building in the centre of Helsinki.
there is once a woman who was impressed by its history and location.
The Poet’s Blue is interior architect Anne Kosonen’s showroom home at Mariankatu 7 G 3 in the centre of Helsinki. The building was designed by G.T.P. Chiewitz and constructed in 1861 for its merchant owner Henrik Borgström. Its location, opposite the Ritarihuone, also designed by Chiewitz, and the Presidential Palace, places the building in esteemed company.
The design of the renovation was born from three women’s different ways of approaching the design of spaces. The starting point was to decide how to create a functional private home and public work environment in a historic, partially protected milieu. Simple lighting and reflective surfaces harmonize the space’s old structure and unique furniture with each other without driving away the spirit of history.
The Poet’s Blue was designed by interior architect Anne Kosonen in collaboration with Seven Days Studio.
It was important that the aesthetics were balanced between the old and the new, that the spirit of history was not driven away but supported by contemporary design. This was achieved by selecting simple lighting and reflective surfaces to harmonize with the space’s old structure. Italian designer Davide Groppi’s lighting was chosen to illuminate the apartment. The modest light fittings puncture the space with their geometry, allowing the illumination, the basic function of the light fitting, to be the focus. Kitchen and bathroom cabinetry was made to order by Blau. White Corian and mirrored stainless steel in the kitchen extend the visual space and the centre island protrudes as a welcome servery into the living space. The all-white library joinery is by local manufacturer Zacus, and the central workroom features a pair of solid timber tables by Deka Studio that are set with stainless steel aprons to dramatic effect.
The showroom-home was launched in September 2023 as part of Helsinki Design Week. Seven Days Studio welcomed guests to experience the space and feel the poetic touch.
The Poet’s Blue showroom-home is now open by appointment.