Kalevala jewelry designer Ildar Wafin’s 44-square-meter rental: “I fell in love with the rooftop terrace”

“As a creative person, I dreamed of a place to unwind. I need to feel free and relaxed at home. Rest is an important counterbalance to my creative work,” says Ildar Wafin.

The rooftop terrace has a rugged look thanks to the brick wall. Yellow and green metal furniture brighten up the space. Ildar furnished the terrace with lightweight, café-style pieces from Fermob.

The terrace offers a view across the rooftops in Helsinki’s Punavuori.

There may be few square meters, but the minimalist style of this one-bedroom is truly enchanting. The space is split into an open-plan kitchen-living area and a sleeping area that opens onto a magical rooftop terrace. The views stretch over the city’s rooftops. White walls and painted plank floors create a neutral setting that highlights the kitchen built on a concrete platform. Artist and jewelry designer Ildar Wafin, whose newest work includes a collection for Kalevala, lives in this 44-square-meter top-floor apartment in Helsinki’s Punavuori.

Ildar, what’s the story behind your home?

I used to live in Lahti while studying for my bachelor's degree at the local Institute of Design. Later, I moved to London for my master's. When the pandemic hit, I returned to Finland for my final year of studies. I’ve grown attached to Punavuori and wanted a larger rental than my previous apartment in this area. I searched for a long time because I was looking for something special. When I finally spotted this apartment online in autumn 2023, I knew it was the one.

The dining nook next to the kitchen is versatile. The round table by Yrjö Kukkapuro was found on the Tori marketplace. The Artek stools were a gift from Ildar’s grandmother. The mirror has a hand-forged frame made in Morocco. The pendant lamp is the Stemlite by Gubi. On the windowsill are some of Ildar’s favorites: everyday glass pieces designed by Saara Hopea.

In the living area, the floor transitions from painted plank boards to concrete in the triangular kitchen space. An authentic blue Berber rug from Ildar’s family’s store, Mattocenter, marks the living room as its own zone. In the all-white kitchen, only carefully chosen objects are on display. The old Artek chip chair is from Ildar’s childhood home.

Sturdy yet slender wooden chairs are all that’s needed to furnish the living room. Ildar bought them at Bukowskis Market. The rug is from his family’s store, Mattocenter. The wall relief is by Wäinö Aaltonen. The bolster and floor pillows are from By Saide, a collection by Ildar’s mother, Tinet Wafin. The wall relief is by Wäinö Aaltonen.

What made you fall in love with this apartment?

I was drawn to the abundant light, which I feel boosts my mood, and the rooftop terrace, which I never thought I’d find. The brick wall on the terrace is especially striking. I also fell in love with the kitchen, its concrete floor, and the apartment’s rugged materials. Concrete pairs beautifully with white. I love how the raised concrete floor sets the kitchen apart even though it's part of the living room. The plank floors are fantastic too, and the place has a slightly bohemian feel.

How does the floor plan fit your day-to-day life?

I live alone, so the layout is perfect. The bedroom is walled off from the living room, with plenty of light and storage. The living room and open kitchen form the main space where I spend most of my time. The bathroom is practical and beautiful.

A large mirror leaning against the wall brings a sense of spaciousness and reflects the light.

The bedroom sits behind the living room in its own quiet corner, accessible from both sides of the wall. Ildar bought the futon bed from Futonia Outlet. The bedding is by Tekla.

The painting in the bedroom is Mesikämmen by Hannu Väisänen, on loan from Ildar’s brother.

What do you think works best in this home?

I like how the spaces can function together or separately. Even though it’s only 44 square meters, the well-equipped kitchen lets me cook for a bigger group. I enjoy making meals and post cooking content on Instagram. The round table seats several people, and I can stack my Artek stools to bring them out for extra seating. The stools also work as side tables when I’m sitting on the rug. I love having friends over, especially in summer when the rooftop terrace is like an extra room.

Have you had to make any décor compromises?

All white is a truly striking backdrop for furniture, like a blank canvas for an artist. The owner works in fashion, and the timelessness comes from the use of white, which also enhances brightness. But I wanted some color—dark brown, blues, and a light green I’ve always loved. The rooftop terrace furniture is also colorful. A totally white interior would have been stunning, but since I enjoy color, I added it sparingly.

The modernized bathroom is all white. Ildar added some texture with earthy towels and natural hues.

How have your previous homes influenced your style?

When I was a student, my homes were always temporary. From my childhood home, I inherited a passion for art and for beautiful objects and spaces. My mother is an adept decorator who combines inherited furniture with color and modern design.

You love vintage, antiques, and recycling. How does that show?

I browse flea markets and prefer to buy my tableware secondhand. I also look for treasures on the Tori marketplace and online auctions. I’m drawn to landscape-themed dishware, especially in green or brown. I’ve also collected handmade ceramic pieces, and their imperfections really speak to me.

Which finds are your favorites here?

Right after I found out I could rent this place, I bid on a pair of wooden armchairs at Bukowskis Market. They’re artworks in their own right and showcase stunning craftsmanship. Their small proportions might be tricky in many homes, but they fit perfectly here. Above them, I hung Wäinö Aaltonen’s gorgeous green wall relief, which I bought on Tori and picked up all the way in Porvoo.

Artist Ildar Wafin draws ideas for his jewelry from forests, his Tatar background, and Tatar sagas.

What’s your favorite spot at home?

I love the rooftop terrace and its vibe. It’s like being abroad when the sun warms you and you look out over the city rooftops. I plan to grow more edible plants there and add to the zucchini and chili peppers I already have in pots. Inside, my favorite spot is the kitchen. Sometimes I’ll lie on the living room rug with a bolster under my back and just admire the view.

You climb to the rooftop terrace from the bedroom.

What does home mean to you?

As a creative person, I wanted a space where I can truly relax. You need to feel free and at ease in your own home. Rest is a vital balance to my creative work.