THE POET'S BLUE
The Poet's Blue is interior architect Anne Kosonen's showroom home at Mariankatu 7 in Helsinki.
The building was designed by G.T.P. Chiewitz for merchant Henrik Borgström and his family in 1861. Chiewitz also designed the Ritarihuone (Knight's Room) opposite which was built at the same time. Architecturally, the building is significant as it represents an early example of the renewed stone construction method of the 1800s. It also has historico-cultural value connected to the people who contributed to Finnish culture and society at the time that have lived in the area, such as Finland’s ‘national poet’ JL Runeberg, author Zacharias Topelius and philosopher JV Snellman. Today the building’s central position opposite the Presidential Palace houses apartments and offices including architect and design studios.
The Poet's Blue apartment renovation has been designed by Seven Days Studio, led by interior architect Anne Kosonen. The starting point was to decide how to create a functional private home and public work environment in a historic, partially protected milieu. A simple yet atmospheric lighting design and reflective surfaces harmonize the apartment's old structure with custom made unique furniture without driving away the spirit of history.
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.
More information about this project is on The Poet's Blue website.