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A Scandifornian home with a bright and elegant kitchen
Olavi Kujanen
Location
Finland
Material
Dekton / Silestone
Application
Kitchen: Countertop, Bathroom: vanity top, wash basin
Thickness: 8 mm
20 mm
Architecture/Design
Olavi Kujanen, Kontio
Colour
Entzo, Desert Silver
End date
2021
Photography
Pauliina Salonen
A Finnish log house with a Californian flair
A house with warm Californian vibes in Finland’s cold winter. A strange combination? Not really: the combination of these two very different and far apart decorative styles is called Scandifornian, and reinterprets neutral Scandinavian interiors by adding touches of the American South in the form of ethnic patterns, animal prints, handicrafts, vintage pieces and dry climate plants such as cacti.
In this house, however, the influence between the two worlds is genuine, to the extent that it is also reflected in the floor plan: the house features many windows, a clear layout, functional rooms, good views and a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, just like on the west coast.
It was designed by Olavi Kujanen, architect and creative leader of the world’s foremost log house manufacturer, Kontio. Kujanen, who is also the owner of the house, travels a lot and drew inspiration for his design from his favourite area of Palm Springs, California.
Luxurious and timeless materials for the kitchen: the choice of Dekton
Together with Kujanen, designer Piia Kalliomäki has opted for luxurious yet relaxed and timeless materials to dress the interior of the house: the sofas are upholstered in brown velvet and the coffee tables are made of brown marble; the Ralph Lauren blankets and cushion covers are in brown and dark blue cashmere, and the fabrics are in linen and cotton.
As for the kitchen, the furniture belongs to the Kontio Living collection by Kontio, a series that was specifically updated for this project. However, Kujanen chose Dekton Entzo for the worktop and splashback because of the beauty, durability, timelessness and outstanding properties of this ultracompact surface, which features advanced technical properties such as exceptional resistance to ultraviolet rays, scratches, stains and thermal impact, while at the same time having a very low water absorption rate. “I was familiar with Dekton from previous projects, so it was natural that it was part of this project as well”, says the architect.
Dekton Entzo, a realistic and natural colour
“The house reflects the lifestyle and luxury of California, so we have tried to bring the same spirit inside. That’s why the materials are high quality, classic and a natural colour. The furniture, fabrics and art pieces that Olavi has collected on his travels have found a perfect place in this setting”, explain the project managers.
For all these reasons, Dekton Entzo, a colour inspired by refined Calacatta Gold marble, was chosen to finish off the kitchen, which like the rest of the house features shallow, translucent units that let in light.
Realism and authenticity can be found in the random patterns of the golden veining, which blend beautifully with the collection of handmade ceramics in the room. “We used it in the kitchen to emphasise the realistic and high-end atmosphere of the house”, says the creative leader of Kontio.
A Silestone washbasin to finish off a luxury home
“Olavi has so many different ideas, and together we found a calm, beautiful and peaceful balance in this house project”, says Kalliomäki. So when they came across Silestone Desert Silver in the Cosentino Finland showroom, they didn’t think twice: its calm, textured grey shade had to be part of the interior design of the house.
But not only did they take into account the beauty of this mineral hybrid surface, but also the fact that Silestone, like Kontio, is a leader in its sector. This hybrid surface of premium minerals and recycled materials is highly resistant to stains, impacts and scratches and is easy to clean and maintain without compromising its high depth and gloss.
Silestone Desert Silver was used in the bathroom of this peaceful house. Specifically, it was the colour chosen to finish off the bathroom furniture, consisting of a seamless countertop and washbasin designed by Kontio. This choice not only ensures the high quality and exquisite design of the entire project, but also with thanks to the use of a single continuous washbasin surface, enhances the spaciousness of the room. In fact, the house is 142 square metres but it looks much bigger thanks to smart decisions like this one.