Jan Ketonen, Marketing Director at Finnish Design Shop, has created a stunning showcase of Nordic design in his compact 450-square-foot apartment in Helsinki, Finland. The space, located in a renovated 1906 horse stable, perfectly balances coveted mid-century furniture pieces with a carefully curated collection of contemporary art that Ketonen has been building since 2013.
The apartment is situated in Helsinki's vibrant Punavuori neighborhood, known for its walkable streets lined with restaurants, cafes, and small galleries. Ketonen's historic building, nestled between two larger structures, underwent a meticulous renovation by Helsinki studio Avarrus Arkkitehdit in collaboration with the Helsinki City Museum. The restoration preserved the original wooden railings and doors while maintaining the courtyard facade with its authentic gray paint and red wooden windows.
"I have wanted Hans Wegner's Wishbone chairs since I was a kid," Ketonen explains, referring to his prized furniture pieces that anchor the dining area. "And I just love them more and more! I'll have them forever." This passion for timeless design perfectly aligns with his professional role leading marketing for Finnish Design Shop, the premier e-commerce platform for top Nordic design brands, from emerging companies to heritage manufacturers and renowned designers.
As a Finland native, Ketonen admits his appreciation for Finnish design evolved over time. "Now as I get older, I am leaning into it. From a typology perspective, I feel that Finnish design is a bit more angular. Danish design is softer. But there's a place for both," he says. This philosophy is evident throughout his home, which serves as a delightful showcase of colorful, refined Nordic design pieces complemented by contemporary artwork.
The apartment's unique character stems partly from its unusual history and location. Before renovation, the building had been unused for fifty to sixty years and was in poor condition. "Now it is a sanctuary where you don't hear any city noise, which is unusual in Helsinki," Ketonen notes. The ground-level unit features a full wall of windows overlooking a shared courtyard, creating an unexpectedly tranquil environment in the urban setting.
Ketonen shares the cozy space with his two dogs, Lempi and Kaapo, making thoughtful use of every square foot. The apartment came move-in ready with distinctive red terra-cotta flooring mixed with ash wood, eliminating the need for major renovations. "I don't see a home as an investment; most importantly, it needs to make you feel something," he explains about his decision to choose this particular space over six or seven other apartments he viewed.
The historic building's equestrian origins remain visible throughout the structure. Old wooden stairs were specifically built for horses to move safely between floors, while the restored wooden doors on the second and third floors clearly indicate the building's stable heritage. Ketonen embraces these historical elements, advising others considering historic properties to "lean into the contrasts of the building, the new and the old."
Lighting presented particular challenges in the garden-level apartment, but Ketonen found creative solutions. "Instead of bringing in more lights, I found art that works in a darker space. It makes low-light areas in the apartment more engaging and interesting," he explains. His art collection includes works by contemporary Finnish artists Tuukka Tammisaari, Marianne Nieminen, Jaakko Mattila, Jaakko Uljas, and Milja Havas, along with pieces by Akiko Mori from her Grid series.
Regarding his approach to collecting art, Ketonen considers himself an enthusiast rather than a formal collector. "I don't overthink or overanalyze art, but every piece needs to spark some kind of emotion. If I am lying on the sofa and looking at the walls, I love to just stare and see what feelings come up," he shares. He actively visits galleries and conducts weekly art walks, particularly enjoying smaller, up-and-coming shows and purchasing exclusively from living contemporary artists.
The compact space requires strategic organization and storage solutions. While the kitchen and bedroom offer built-in storage, Ketonen maintains a minimalist approach by regularly cycling through his possessions. "If I haven't used something in a year, I see how I can get rid of it," he explains. This philosophy extends to his decorating approach, where he gravitates toward design classics that have "earned their place" for being both functional and enduring.
Working at Finnish Design Shop has deepened Ketonen's appreciation for quality design while presenting its own challenges. "Being surrounded by great products means it's easy to become overwhelmed. There are so many good options!" he notes. To combat the temptation of constantly redecorating, he maintains a calm and intentional approach, creating a serene atmosphere through thoughtful lighting choices, fresh flowers, and quality incense.
Among his many design pieces, Ketonen identifies the Akari 1AY lamp by Isamu Noguchi as his current favorite. "There's something incredibly comforting about coming home to its soft glow; it lights up both the apartment and the courtyard with this warm, welcoming tone," he explains, particularly appreciating its impact during Finland's darker winter months.
The apartment showcases an impressive array of Nordic design pieces, including a Calmo 95 Sofa by Hugo Passos for Fredericia Furniture, a C62 Table from FDB Møbler surrounded by the beloved Wishbone chairs, and a green PH 5 Mini pendant from Louis Poulsen. Storage solutions include an olive green sideboard from Montana Furniture and an Eames storage unit from Vitra, while textiles feature a Laine rug from Sera Helsinki and bedding from Bongustan.
The building fosters a sense of community among its eighteen residents, with Ketonen noting that most are around the same age and know each other well. The shared courtyard provides additional outdoor space where he tends to small plants and plans to expand his gardening efforts in the coming spring. This combination of thoughtful design, historical character, and community connection makes Ketonen's compact apartment a perfect example of how Nordic design principles can create beautiful, functional living spaces even in the most challenging urban environments.
