Michel, Helsinki

Here is a restaurant that I have been inspired by recently - it is called Michel and located in Helsinki, Finland.
Designed by the clever Joanna Laajisto, a Finnish interior architect and designer who trained and made her career in Los Angeles designing large scale commercial projects before returning to her native country. Laajisto was inspired by 1940's kiosks that were built in the Finnish capital for Michel. I love the use of white tiles, pistachio green painted panelling, marble lined walls, natural timbers and cognac leathers. The interiors are light, modern and fresh (as well as stunning and timeless), which works beautifully alongside Michel's uncomplicated, fresh and approachable menu. Lovely.

Photographs via Joanna Laajisto

The House in the Woods

 

Today's posting is about a house in the woods, but not as we know it.
These beautiful photographs are by Finnish amateur photographer, Kai Fagerstrom, who ventured in to the woods and came across what he thought was a group of empty dwellings. However, as he later found out they were definitely occupied - by wild woodland animals. Mice, badgers and foxes are among some of the animals that have made themselves at home and they have been beautifully captured by Fagerstrom. He explains to National Geographic that "there's consolation in the idea that nature is reclaiming the places it has lent to the people." Indeed.

 

 

Photographs by Kai Fagerstrom.