Like Canadians, the Finnish have always been huge proponents of winter and cold weather activities. Unlike us, however, they discovered the art of a good warm up long ago and have mastered relaxing stylishly in the comforts of their own homes. For centuries, both hot tubs and saunas have been extremely popular in Finland, though saunas are now so favourable that there is estimated to be one in every household, including some apartments and hospitals.Jealous yet? Here are 10 gorgeous saunas that will have you planning a Finnish-inspired addition to your home or cottage.
Design & DIY
10 inspiring designs for the perfect lakeside sauna
Lake Huron grotto
On the edge of a rock face in the Sans Souci Island area of Georgian Bay, Canadian design studio Partisans created a one-of-a-kind sauna based on the natural formation of underwater grottos. A rounded cedar interior with parallel wood grains creates the illusion of one large, carved interior, similar to the underwater grooves and caves present in a ideal grotto environment. Multiple spherical windows and skylights allow for gorgeous, unobstructed views of the horizon, and there are seating nooks galore!
Dark interior
Tiny overhead lights and deep, cozy colouring are the main style elements of this boxy sauna. Ample seating space is provided by tiered benches made from warm woods, and a modern minimalist stove sits in the corner.
South American sauna
This sauna in Lago Ranco, Chile shows just how far the Scandinavian love of saunas has spread. The lakeside cabin features the main sauna, as well as a roofed terrace and change room.
Half shower, half sauna
In historical Finnish bathhouses, people would often shower before going for a long, relaxing sauna (most still do). In this modern in-house variation, a glass door separates the shower and sauna sections to create a spa-like environment.
Rustic sauna
Made of rustic beams and textured wood, this sauna would be ideal for the cottage or backwoods setting. Long, horizontal windows provide a perfect glimpse of greenery and natural sunlight behind a perfect pile of chopped wood.
Super cozy
Stone walls, Moroccan candles, and lanterns make this loft the perfect late-night getaway. A large, more industrial-looking stove sits beneath an overlooking indoor deck area. Bonus: the railing acts as a leg rest.
Swedish cabin
The Swedish love their saunas too, and a history of minimalist architecture and muted light comes through in this refurbished lakeside cabin. A large window overlooks a deck space and the archipelago of Stockholm.
Smooth lines
The immaculate placement of different shades of wood and the uniform direction of the grain makes this sauna truly breathtaking, yet remarkably simple. A block chimney at one end, fractured lighting, and a wall of descending benches make it all come together.
Barrel sauna
This simple sauna was formed from a large outdoor barrel. Small, affordable and cozy, this sauna style features little other than two benches and a small fireplace.
Small space
This sauna is in the bathroom of a home and shows how little space is needed to create your own warm slice of paradise. Nine square metres of space, simple details like light wood, indirect lighting, and an accent wall of natural stone give the room a outdoorsy, restful vibe.
