The Finns have taken democracy to a new level – by inviting one and all to dream up a design for the new “Klaus K LIVINGROOM.” The competition by Klaus K hotel in Helsinki began last August when general manager and owner Marc Skvorc called for entries via an open Facebook invitation – “be a designer for a day”. It sought new ideas to transform the lobby and bar into an informal hangout space. Entries were accepted in any form, from a cocktail napkin sketch to 3D CAD formats or even an inspiring picture. It was the perfect opportunity for in-the-closet designers, upcoming designers and professionals alike. Amongst many worthy entries, a special idea was found – that of local budding talent Jukka Juhola with his project "HomeWork". Having recently opened its doors, find out what happens when you give creativity a free reign at “Klaus K LIVINGROOM”. Read more: www.klauskhotel.com/en/livingroom

The Designer for a Day idea was part of the Helsinki World Design Capital 2012 official program. An innovative example of co-creation in the travel industry, this new den is the result of a collaboration between Marc Skvorc and the Swedish interior design agency Stylt Trampoli, which also designed the hotel in 2005. The LIVINGROOM has the warmth of a noble library with the cushy comforts of modernity - antique books sit alongside modern classics. An elegant chandelier, indirect wall lighting and wooden columns add structure to the design of the room. A strong color palette of turquoise, yellow and red, plays alongside large, handcrafted armchairs and a mélange of different sofas and lamps to give the LIVINGROOM a cozy feel. The ground floor bar area is well-connected to the first floor with a glass staircase. Set to become the hippest new hangout space for guests and locals, nibble on Finnish delicacies in the form of elk, crab or salmon mini-burgers and try a glass from Klaus K’s own wine label.

Two New Rooms For Cinema Aficionados and Those Looking For Peace
The Finnish designer Harri Koskinen, who in the past collaborated with Marimekko, Iittala and Alessi, has designed two new rooms for Klaus K. In the Movie Room, guests can sit back in a comfortable armchair with popcorn and enjoy a film – just like a home cinema, only better. In the Urban Nature Room, Koskinen has taken inspiration from the surrounding forests. The choice of colors, from light brown to dark green, as well as the use of light wooden furniture gives the room an organic flair. A glass-wall divides the room into a bathroom and bedroom, creating the feeling of open space.

Inspired by the Finnish National Epos
Located in a late-19th-century building in Helsinki’s design district, Klaus K is inspired by Finland's national epic, the Kalevala. Each of the 139 guestrooms represents a theme from the myth’s primary emotional elements: desire, passion, mysticism and envy. The hotel also has a strikingly unique trattoria style restaurant, Toscanini. Klaus K’s Ahjo club becomes a haven for nightlife lovers as the club's DJ hosts parties every Friday and Saturday. The Renaissance-inspired Rake Ballroom is perfect for meetings and other private events. In 2012, Klaus K was presented 'Finland's Leading Hotel' at the World Travel Awards. Future Klaus K Hotel projects include increasing the current capacity of 139 rooms to 160 rooms and adding 400 square feet of solar roof panels.

Rooms start at EUR 155.