Finnish Design Shop Design Stories July reading list

Welcome to the monthly reading list of Design Stories, Finnish Design Shop’s online magazine. In July, we have picked five stories for you to enjoy, whether you’re basking in the sun in full vacation mode or in need of some inspiration at the office.

Discover Sommarnöjen's tiny yet charming summer home, Laura Seppänen’s path to a sought-after interior designer, surprising color combinations to try at home, the architecture of the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki, and our columnist Hanna-Katariina Mononen’s musings about how to achieve the summer cottage feel at home.

Built for the Architect's House exhibition in Fiskars, Sommarnöjen’s timber-clad and lightly furnished Sommar 30 cottage has all the essentials – and loads of character. That's enough: this is what a great summer is made of.

Laura Seppänen is highly regarded as a designer of stylish spaces and beautiful interior images, and a product designer whose social media feeds not only offer inspiring interior design ideas but also hard-hitting criticism of the construction industry. What was Laura’s path to becoming an interior design entrepreneur?

Bold color combinations are one of the season's most addictive trends. Bright, strong colors paired with soft pastels look irresistibly attractive and add a delightfully retro touch – especially when incorporated with a minimalist Scandinavian mood. If you're craving a more colorful interior, see our tips and get inspired!

The 1952 Olympics, held 70 years ago, had a significant impact on the cityscape of Finland's capital. Design Stories went on a tour of the sites of the Olympic Games to see what they look like nowadays. Join us!

Design Stories columnist Hanna-Katariina Mononen ponders whether you can enjoy the feel of a summer cottage without leaving home. Spoiler alert: you can.