Peek in Minna’s cupboard under the stairs: “When you open the Christmas door, you can step right into an elf cottage!”
The Orhaluoma family can watch elf antics every day if they wish, because behind their staircase door is an adorably decorated elf cottage filled with Christmas magic.
At first, it looks like an ordinary wooden staircase. Look closely and you can spot a small door in the paneled side. When you open it, a hearty dose of Christmas cheer flows out. Tucked under the stairs is the sweetest little elf cottage, complete with its own inhabitants. We asked the mother of the family, Minna Ohraluoma, how it all began.
What kind of crafter are you? It seems you get excited about bigger projects.
I'm not really a dedicated crafter. I occasionally crochet rugs, but I don't do many other crafts. Crafting is fun whenever I have time for it. On the other hand, interior decorating is a very important and a beloved hobby of mine.
How did you come up with the idea to build a Christmas elf cottage?
There was already a hatch in the space under the stairs, left there by the home's previous residents. They had probably used the area under the steps as storage for shoes and other seasonal items. We also used the space for shoes initially.
Then I took a closer look at that nook and thought it was far too charming to be used as storage—especially with the log wall in plain sight. That's how the brainstorming started. Before long, we came up with the idea of turning the space under the stairs into a delightful little elf cottage.
“I took a closer look at that nook and realized it was far too nice to waste on storage—especially with the log wall showing.”
How big is the cottage? What was furnishing it like?
The space is about 120 cm (47 in) deep and a bit over 170 cm (67 in) wide. The height is such that an adult can sit there comfortably.
I decorated the elf cottage over just a couple of evenings. We already had all the materials on hand. I wallpapered the walls with old gift wrap. Then I simply arranged the furnishings, and bought a few more elves. The cottage is lit by string lights. For candles, I recommend using safe LED options.
I run a small-scale interior decor project on social media, which is a hobby of mine.
How does the approach of Christmas show up in the daily life of the elf cottage?
In summer, all of our elves stay in the elf cottage. When I decorate our home for the holiday season, some of the elves move elsewhere in the house.
Of course, a few elves remain in the cottage, going about their business. One Christmas, I placed a small gingerbread house there, and sometimes I add presents or other holiday props to the space.
Were the children involved in decorating, or was the cottage a surprise for the little ones in the family?
Our children were already older when we moved into this house. Back when they were younger, and we lived in our previous home, I surprised them with a Christmas elf cottage in an old cabinet. That setup had a small mailbox, which delivered letters from the elves and Santa Claus.
In our current elf cottage, my sister’s children play. They’re just the right age to enjoy it.
“You’ll find a surprising amount of old stuff at home that you can put to good use, so it’s not about spending money.”
How do you discover new ideas to put into action?
I guess I have a pretty vivid imagination. I browse Instagram, Pinterest, and various magazines for ideas, then refine them in my own way.
What advice would you give others for crafting?
It’s good for adults to let themselves be kids again sometimes and just be playful. Let your imagination run free. You’ll find a surprising amount of old material at home that can be reused, so it’s not about the money.
The elf cottage has also delighted people on social media. What’s the most memorable comment you’ve seen?
The elf cottage has received plenty of admiration and heartwarming feedback. Someone even said it looked like it came straight out of a fairy tale. Many people have said they'd love to move in there themselves! Every comment has warmed my heart.
