A red wooden house in the heart of Helsinki: inside illustrator’s vintage-filled, color-packed family home
For Finnish illustrator Jenna Kunnas, a home is like a significant work of art through which she expresses herself. “Quirkiness is wonderful; I wish there was even more of it,” she says of her family’s wooden home.
Home: An apartment in a two-family house built in 1910 in Helsinki, 5 rooms + kitchen, 149 m² (about 1,600 sq ft).
Who lives here: Illustrator, artist Jenna Kunnas, 42, and writer, science journalist Mikko Pelttari, 42, children Elle Kunnas, 12, and Myry Kunnas, 7, plus Lucius the cat.
Follow on social media: @jennakunnas
Jenna, what is the history of your house?
The house was designed by architect Antero von Bell, and it was built in 1910 for the drivers of Kumpula Manor. The apartments were extremely small. At one point, more than a dozen families lived here. The house later became an alcoholism treatment center, and it was also occupied by squatters, until it was left to deteriorate to near-demolition condition. Thankfully, in the early 2000s, this beautiful building was saved, the spaces were divided into three apartments, and a thorough renovation was carried out.
A man got in touch with us recently, saying that his childhood home was “in one corner upstairs” in the 1960s. He gave us a wonderful gift: a plaster head made using one of the drivers who lived here as a model.
Jenna’s tip: “Dare to experiment with different shapes, for example around door openings. You create interest in basic surfaces and get the illusion of extra trim at the same time. Rounded shapes soften the look.”
Jenna’s tip: “Posters are an easy way to refresh a room. Reuse them and switch them around from one space to another.”
Have you made any changes to the home?
Before we moved in, the home was renovated by people versed in traditional construction. When we moved in about thirteen years ago, we only did surface renovations, choosing wallpaper and paint we liked.
We didn’t have much experience, but learned by doing—for instance, how to hang wallpaper. We’ve updated the surfaces a few times since then.
Seven years later, when we got the chance to purchase the small downstairs apartment next to ours, we renovated under the creative guidance of the talented Marinka Paasikivi. It was fun to figure out inventive solutions together, like how to combine floors on different levels.
Jenna’s tip: “Don’t throw away broken dishes. They add a fun touch to mosaic work while preserving memories. Create abstract bursts of color or recognizable motifs like flowers. A neat grout finish completes the piece.”
Jenna, how would you describe yourself as a decorator?
I have a keen visual sense and know what I like. I’m not too strict, and I don’t adhere strictly to any single era or style. Mikko and I both enjoy 1950s furniture, but our home also includes other styles. I’m particular about lighting; stark light makes me anxious.
“I easily end up decorating in other people’s homes, too, if they don’t mind.”
Home is like an important work of art to me, a way to express myself. There are no leftover corners here; every space is carefully considered. I work at home a lot and need beauty around me.
Quirkiness is wonderful, and I wouldn’t mind more of it. I’m an expert at arranging, both in art and interior design. I often find myself decorating in other people’s homes as well, if they don’t object. I’ll fold blankets and turn on accent lights.
Jenna’s tip: “An old cabinet door made a functional, interesting entrance to our outdoor storage after painting it in a checkerboard pattern with bright trims. Always see the potential in old doors!”
What is your relationship with color?
As an illustrator and artist, color is a vital part of my everyday life. I love living among vibrant hues. I’m a color maximalist, and I’m not afraid to use their power. My childhood home also embraced color, so for me it signifies warmth and coziness. There’s no need to fear color, and you can always change it. After all, it’s only paint. I might grab a brush on a whim and repaint a wall.
