Studio Tuula Y: From passion to practice: interior design with intention

By Ndéla Faye

Studio Tuula Y’s founder, Tuula Ylinenpää, is a designer who has always had an innate eye for beauty. She has turned a lifelong passion into a career built on craftsmanship, soft aesthetics and a deep respect for materials, light and space.

Each of Ylinenpää’s projects is infused with a sense of calm and cohesion, marked by earthy palettes, natural textures and a thoughtful serenity that seems to breathe through the walls. “Each project begins with listening to the client, the space, and how it can best serve its users,” she explains.
With offices in both the Rovaniemi region in Northern Finland and in Helsinki, Studio Tuula Y operates across a diverse range of projects, from private homes to cafés, workspaces, restaurants, boutique hotels, and public spaces.

Studio Tuula Y: From passion to practice: interior design with intention

The use of wood, tile, copper and gently curved walls gives Pizzeria Fieno a soft, inviting atmosphere. Photo: Arto Liiti

A holistic and personal approach

For Studio Tuula Y, user-friendliness is essential, and designing is a collaborative process. A prime example is Fieno, a pizzeria in Saariselkä, where Ylinenpää and her team worked closely with the client to create the best possible design for the space and bring warmth and intimacy.

In several projects, Ylinenpää also designs the staff uniforms and curates the wall art herself, showcasing her versatile and hands-on approach. A good example of this is the popular Arktikum Café, located in the museum and science centre in Rovaniemi.

Korundi House of Culture in Rovaniemi. Photo: Arto Liiti

Material choices are made with care – not only for aesthetic impact but also for their environmental and health implications, including air quality. No detail is too small; from lighting placement to textures, Ylinenpää believes that every element plays a role in elevating the space.
Sustainability is not just a guiding principle; it is woven into every stage of the process. “Creating interiors that can evolve with time and changing needs is essential, and we design with longevity in mind,” the founder says.

A kitchen, designed by Ylinenpää, for artist Eemil Kaarila. Photo: Arto Liiti

Ylinenpää assesses each project holistically and often works with clients throughout the entire process, from the first sketch to the finishing touches. The holistic service also includes budget planning and cost estimates as part of the design process. In addition, Ylinenpää often collaborates with local artisans and custom furniture makers to create spaces that are personal and deeply rooted in Finnish design traditions.

Whether a cosy café or a sleek workspace, Studio Tuula Y brings a human-centred and detail-oriented approach to every project. With a blend of warmth, practicality and thoughtful design, the studio continues to create spaces that not only look beautiful but truly feel like they belong.