In this apartment of a family of three, white isn’t an option: “We’ve never had a home with white walls”

The Danish Tree dining table by Woud is one of the few pieces in the home that were purchased new. The dining chairs are finds from second‑hand online marketplace Tori. The tablecloth is sewn from Marimekko’s Mansikkavuoret fabric. The Danish vintage brass pendant was purchased from an antiques dealer at Helsinki’s Hietalahti Market Hall and was a gift from Laura’s parents.

A String shelf holds a collection of Laura’s favorite objects. The living‑room wall is painted in Tikkurila’s H466 Angora.

Laura, how did this place become your home?

We were already living in the same apartment complex and had been looking for a larger place for a long time. Four‑room apartments rarely come up for sale in Helsinki’s Arabianranta. But we got lucky: the former owner of this apartment was looking for something smaller and suggested a swap. The move was easy—we just carried our boxes across the courtyard.

Your home is full of color. What do they mean to you?

We’ve never lived in a home with white walls. When we moved in, it was during the pandemic and I craved earthy tones on the walls. We’ve traveled in Central America and the Caribbean, and I love the color palette there—complementary color pairs and sun‑bleached shades.

The bedroom was first painted burgundy, but the room became too dark. Then they found Tikkurila’s shade L392 Dukaatti. The ryijy rug on the wall was a 30th‑birthday gift from Laura’s parents.

Laura reupholstered the bench she found at Jysk with striped Marimekko fabric. The ceramic orange hook is from Roomage in Karjaa. The painting is a Mother’s Day card Saima made for Laura. The dresser is from Ikea.

The table lamp is from a flea market; Laura made a new shade for it from cardboard. The magazine rack is another thrift find.

Where do you find decorating inspiration?

I admire the lushness of English interior designers’ projects. They combine different textures, prints, and colors, yet everything feels harmonious. I’d like to learn to mix different hues and patterns like that, so they’re in conversation with each other.

Laura, how would you describe yourself as a decorator?

I decorate by intuition. I want our home to be a unique mix of old and new. I’m happy to wait until the right piece turns up, even if it takes a while.

Saima and Kaius sit in an armchair their great‑grandfather made from curly birch. Because the original color felt a bit bland, Laura threw a colorful blanket, found in her grandmother’s attic, over it.

One of Kaius’ favorite things in their home are the houseplants, which also thrive in his room. The Artek wall shelf and daybed were bought second‑hand on Tori. The stool has received a new coat of paint.

The String shelf holds Kaius’ treasures and keepsakes. The world‑map wallpaper was left by the previous residents; it was ordered from Wallpaperdirect.

What have you made yourself for the home?

I’ve sewn sofa cushions, curtains, and a cover for a ceiling lamp, added fringe to an ottoman, and reupholstered seats. I’ve also built a countertop for the bathroom, a shelf for the living room, and painted the bland kitchen tiles a cheerier color. I love working with my hands.

Saima, what’s the best thing about this home?

I love the colors; there’s a totally different vibe here. Before we moved in, the apartment was all white. Now every wall except for the staircase is painted a different color. I got to choose the paint shades in my room, and I love that I got to use two different colors—they’re my favorites.

Kaius, what do you like to do at home?

My favorite thing is playing with VR goggles on the living‑room floor. We also like to play board games on the rug. It’s nice to lounge on the big soft rug and spend time together.

I admire minimalist homes—it’s just not my thing. I like contrast and complementary colors in decor, and I love a touch of glimmer. Brass adds lovely warmth,” Laura says.

“I wouldn’t have chosen a glossy kitchen or a black countertop myself. The backsplash tiles were black too, so I painted them lemon yellow. I picked the shade from a sofa cushion,” Laura says.

Laura has found charming ceramic wall ornaments at flea markets. The fruit motifs fit perfectly in the kitchen.

Laura came across this beautiful Ikea cabinet for the entryway that holds plenty of clothes, shoes, and accessories. The slatted doors keep everything partly out of sight. The entryway is the only space that has stayed white.