Rugs inspired by the central park avenues of Helsinki
ESPLANADI & BULEVARDI design Minna Ahokas 2026 (4+4 colorways)
New arrivals from Woodnotes' Woven Paper Yarn Carpet collection 2026: Esplanadi and Bulevardi.
Esplanadi and Bulevardi are both a continuation and a subtle renewal of Woodnotes’ patterned classic paper yarn rugs, where the repetition of the full-surface design creates a balanced rhythm and highlights the timeless power of quiet simplicity. Esplanadi and Bulevardi differ from Woodnotes’ earlier patterned rugs through their three‑colour compositions – the previous designs have been two‑coloured – as well as through a stronger use of colour and a three-dimensional sense of depth created by the pattern. The skilful use of colour and the rhythmic structure of the design create an illusion of richness and add a sense of fullness to Woodnotes’ distinctive paper yarn material and established weave.
The names follow the city-inspired theme of our paper yarn rug collection. They are street names of our hometown Helsinki.
The rhythmic, grid-like patterns of Bulevardi and Esplanadi rugs are easy to associate with the tree-lined boulevards and residential streets framed by buildings from different architectural eras, as well as an interpretation of Helsinki's cobblestone streets and the tram tracks that crisscross the city.
Bulevardi is more than just a street – it is an experience where the elegance of a bygone era meets the lightness of modern life. Along the traditional cobblestone-paved street, buildings influenced by Art Nouveau and Classicism stand side by side with art galleries and museums, as well as theatre and café culture.
Esplanadi and Bulevardi are two park avenues that have preserved their essence and basic form well for 200 years. The park avenues originate from the city plan of the new capital from the 1810s, and as implemented park avenues with different characteristics, they are relatively early and rare in their kind. Some of the capital's architecturally significant building stock is concentrated along the park avenues.
The checked patterns of the rugs and their rhythmic repetition draw inspiration from the structures of urban nature and architecture. From the countless options in the collection, the deep natural tones—such as terracotta and greyish blues—reflect the historical layers of Helsinki’s cityscape. Light shades like stone, light grey, and natural colour are notes of soft experiences of natural light. The organic character of the surroundings is present both in the colour palette and the tactile feel of the paper yarn rugs: both are rooted in nature.
Throughout the year, the changing seasons bring shifting light, shadows, and colors that echo across these neighborhoods.
The accent colors draw inspiration from the blossoms and plants on balconies, in park gardens, and outside restaurants, as well as the hues reflected from passing people, cars and bikes onto rain soaked streets. Even the violet accent can be imagined as a splash of color—a purple umbrella or a delicate lilac—brightening a grey, misty Helsinki morning. And you can encounter a gentle light brown hue in a passing woman's wool coat or in the braided manes of brewery horses.
