Home again for the holidays: Jade returns to her childhood house
Jade is spending her first Christmas with her own family in the house that used to be her childhood home. The festive style comes from her own ceramics, recycled decorations, and natural materials.
Built in the 1990s in a peaceful forest setting, the house was constructed by Jade’s father. It was her childhood home. The spacious house was a wonderful fit for the young family.
Residents Interior designer, stylist Jade Anetjärvi, sales manager Juho Anetjärvi, and the children Jens and Jose. Jade’s Instagram account is @jadeanet.
Home The house was built by Jade’s father in the 1990s in Southern Finland. It has 160 square meters (approx. 1,720 sq ft) of living space and a separate yard sauna.
A few years ago, Jade and Juho Anetjärvi moved to the countryside in Tuusula, Southern Finland and settled in Jade’s childhood home. The house became available when Jade’s parents built a new, modern place nearby for their large family. Built in the 1990s, the house suited the young family’s needs perfectly: the downstairs was arranged as their home, and Jade set up her workspace upstairs. At the same time, the home got a burst of color.
“We painted the walls with shades that extend the home’s exterior color scheme and reflect the surrounding nature, but in a softer way,” Jade explains.
As Christmas approaches, the glow of candles increases. Jade lights them as early as breakfast, in between brewing her morning coffee.
“I’ve become so excited by the idea that I can truly create a Christmas that feels like our own. In my childhood home, there were so many people—I have 14 siblings—that the holiday spirit came from doing things together rather than from decorations. Now life is calmer by comparison, and I’ve enjoyed decorating our home with the boys.”
Jade has collected Christmas decorations and tableware from flea markets and found amazing treasures, the best of which is a candle holder from an antique shop in France. She especially loves red candle holders.
“In our large family, it’s tradition to craft, bake, and do all sorts of activities together with my sisters. We even have a WhatsApp group just for Christmas ideas. We host crafting nights, wreath workshops, and holiday craft evenings together.”
Jade made a massive wreath from evergreen branches, using a candle chandelier as the frame.
Jade made the coffee table herself using plywood and terracotta tiles. On top sits her most treasured find—a candle holder from an antique shop in France—and a ceramic vase she made herself. The couple got the Bastan Cubi sofa from Finnish Design Shop. The rug and ottoman are from Anno. The long cushion is by Johanna Gullichsen, and the poster is from Bliss Poster. The ceramic pieces on the wall are by Armi Teva and Jade herself.
From the living room, there’s a view of the hallway leading to the entryway. At the far end of the hallway are the children’s room and a playroom. The Christmas tree is real and was purchased from Bauhaus. Jade decorated it with the boys using dried orange slices and paper ornaments.
In Jade’s home, the Christmas look is created by combining flea-market finds, wooden candle chandeliers, and brass candle holders. For her table settings, she chooses ceramics she has made herself or found at thrift stores. Jade baked a gorgeous spiced cake for Christmas with her sister. She brought the brown glass piece back from France to use as a vase. The dining area wall color is 030 Virginia by Cover Story. The paper star is from Watt & Veke.
The home is decorated in soft tones, and for Christmas, it’s enhanced with red, green, and brass. The large paper star by Watt & Veke creates a magical atmosphere in the dining area. Jade prepares for Christmas with her young sons, Jose and Jens, by baking gingerbread cookies and Christmas tarts together.
Making ceramics is a dear hobby for Jade, and some of her pieces are displayed on the home’s walls and shelves.
Jade’s parents had renovated the kitchen six years ago, and it worked well for Jade’s family as it was. Only the walls received fresh paint. A lush vine beautifully frames the window. The candle holder is from Granit.
As a stylist, Jade has a never-ending supply of props. Inside the kitchen cabinets is a stunning collection of ceramics and glassware. Jade bought all the dishes at secondhand shops and recycling centers. She made the pale, speckled clay dishes herself.
This year, Jade is wrapping gifts in soft, recycled white linen and tying sprigs of evergreen and eucalyptus into the knot. The packages often contain repurposed gifts. The children’s wishlist items get colorful wrapping. In Jade’s childhood family, presents are handmade or recycled, and in recent years, they’ve often been shared experiences.
On the bedroom wall hangs a ceramic fruit by Armi Teva, and to the right of the window is one of Jade’s own ceramic pieces. The walls are painted a light gray with Tikkurila’s H486 shade. The candle holder is from an online second-hand markerplace. The sheets are by Marimekko, and the ceiling light is from House Doctor.
Jade has collected Christmas decorations and tableware from flea markets and made some wonderful finds, the best of which is a candle holder from an antique shop in France.
The old piano in the playroom is a find Jade made in Ullanlinna, Helsinki, when the previous owner urgently needed to part with it before moving. Jade bought the Artek table from her mother and the chairs and rocking horse from a flea market.
On top of the playroom cabinet, Jade has arranged some of her Christmas decoration finds. The ceiling light is made by Vasili Lights. Jens and Jose have a small pouch on the cabinet door as an Advent calendar, revealing little surprises each morning.
Jade found the beds for the children’s room second-hand online, along with the candle holder. The rug, Nyytti cushion, and Villatalja floor cushion are from Anno’s collection. The ceramic whale on the wall is Jade’s own creation. The wall is painted in Tikkurila’s Y487 Piazza.
The yard sauna exudes a magical atmosphere. The family goes there to enjoy a Christmas Eve sauna. Last Christmas, Jade’s family spent the holiday at her parents-in-law’s house, but now it’s time for their own Christmas and their own traditions.
Signs of Christmas begin appearing in the home in November, when Jade starts adding candles and Christmas flowers, with hyacinths and Christmas roses among her favorites.
