Inside the extraordinary home of Finnish design icons Vuokko and Antti Nurmesniemi

Remember the exquisite house that served as the backdrop for our story featuring Finnish Eurovision sensation Käärijä? Well, it happens to be one of Helsinki’s most iconic homes, belonging to the legendary design powerhouse duo Vuokko and Antti Nurmesniemi. Located on the island of Kulosaari, the modernist atelier house, nestled among swathes of pine trees and perched on the Baltic Sea, is a design classic of its own, still maintaining its appeal after almost 50 years. “It was so inspiring to shoot at an iconic location like this,” says photographer Karoliina Bärlund, who shot Käärijä for the feature. “Every shape and object has been carefully considered, resulting in a stunning space.”

It was the winter of 1974, and Vuokko, a renowned textile artist, and Antti, an equally talented interior designer, decided to take a ski trip to the quaint city of Lahti. While enjoying breakfast at their hotel, the pair spotted a land sale announcement in the newspaper. Both instantly recognised the plot, as it was the same one the couple had been eyeing for a while from the balcony of Antti’s old studio, right across the street from the now-vacant land. The duo packed their bags and immediately returned to Helsinki to inspect and purchase the plot.

Related: The story behind Alvar Aalto’s three most iconic interior pieces

“It surely was the seashore, the large pine trees and the close proximity to Helsinki city centre that made Vuokko and Antti fall in love with the land,” says Mere Eskolin, Vuokko’s niece. Eskolin started working for her aunt over two decades ago and is now the managing director of the Vuokko brand and the custodian of the residence in Kulosaari.

Building the couple’s dream house took nine months, during which plans were changed and refined. “Initially, Antti had a different plan for the building. Sketches and a miniature model of that version exist, featuring a roof with a more curved, almost dome-like shape,” Eskolin recalls. “But in the end, he went for a more cubic design.” The Nurmesniemi residence is an excellent example of the minimalism that prevailed post-war modernism, with nods to California mid-century modern, the clean architectural style admired by the couple. “In 1967, Antti and Vuokko met the American design mavens, Charles and Ray Eames, visiting their Pacific Palisades home several times,” Eskolin says. “A few elements, such as the truss structure of the roof and the gigantic, floor-to-ceiling windows, were most likely influenced by the Eames’ house.”

In 1975, Vuokko and Antti finally moved in, and it was time to furnish their new abode. Differing from the prevailing spirit of the '70s, the 250-square-metre home was made into an open and cohesive space (except for the bedroom, toilet, and bathroom facilities), leaving lots of room for playing around with the decor. Spread across three floors, the ground level boasts the kitchen and dining room with sweeping sea views, while the library, the sprawling living room and the pair’s bedroom are located on the top floor. Downstairs naturally houses a sauna, a spacious lounge area and a swimming pool where Eskolin has forged countless treasured childhood memories. “Vuokko and Antti were truly devoted to us children when we visited the house, and many exciting and playful moments have remained in our memories,” Eskolin says.

The first purchase for the empty Nurmesniemi house was a Chinese chair from the early 20th century, which still sits in the entrance hallway. “Vuokko wanted to bring a piece of history into this newly minted, modern house,” Eskolin says. The rest of the home was mainly adorned with pieces designed by Antti, and most of them were explicitly crafted for the building. Later, these items became available to purchase from Vuokko’s company. In the house, Vuokko’s touch can be seen in her hand-made ceramic objects dotted across the house and the upholstery showcasing her signature stripe print.

Related: "She has been a role model for later female designers": Celebrating 100 years of Nanna Ditzel's influential design

“The home reflects the uncompromising nature of Antti and Vuokko Nurmesniemi as the messengers of modernism and good design,” says Eskolin. “The interior is thoughtful and finessed, hiding many references to the couple’s personal history in the details. For instance, throughout the house, there are objects purchased from the pair’s trips around Asia.”

Countless parties, events and gatherings were thrown at the Kulosaari residence, which proved to be the ideal place for entertaining. Antti’s office was also built into the house, so there were many hectic days with his employees scurrying around and working on the many projects Antti would have on his plate. The pair’s home indeed became the epicentre of their lives – work and leisure – and it seems they wouldn’t have had it any other way.