“I experienced a color awakening in Copenhagen”—inside Maria’s vibrant rental home in Helsinki
Twenty-eight-year-old Maria Myllykoski, who works for an international fashion brand, lives in the lively heart of Helsinki’s Kallio neighborhood. Her colorful one-bedroom rental is furnished with secondhand finds. “I only buy pieces I’ll keep forever,” Maria says.
Home: A rental unit in a stone building renovated in 2021 in Helsinki’s Kallio district. Two rooms plus a kitchenette, 43.5 square meters (468 sq ft).
Who lives here: International sales manager Maria Myllykoski, 28, and a director Kim Koponen, 35.
Maria, how did you end up living in Kallio?
I chose this place for its location and convenience. I’ve been living here for a year, and I absolutely love it! The building was renovated in 2021, and everything is in good shape. Even though it’s on a busy street, the housing cooperative is peaceful. The rent includes a shared laundry room and internet. As an added bonus, no deposit was required. I moved here from Copenhagen, where I lived for four years.
What was it like to live in Copenhagen?
Copenhagen is inspiring, colorful, and full of events. The first year flew by, and everything felt amazing and exciting. But after the honeymoon phase—or actually, after the first year—I noticed issues that affected my comfort. The water has so much lime that your sink and coffee maker end up coated in white residue. And although it’s safe to drink, it doesn’t taste quite as good as Finnish water. The windows were drafty, which showed in my electricity bill. I ended up moving eight times, so I saw all kinds of places. The upside of frequent moves was how it taught me to pack well. All my furniture is easy to carry from one place to another.
I still travel to Copenhagen once a month for work, but nowadays I stay in a hotel.
“A friend said it perfectly: every time I come over, it feels like visiting grandma’s.”
Describe your interior design style.
It’s colorful, distinctive, and inviting. Before Copenhagen, I worked as a makeup artist and always dressed in black. But in Copenhagen, I had my color awakening. Now my clothes and home are brimming with color. A vibrant interior fuels my creativity and makes me feel energized and happy!
I’m into vintage and secondhand items. Old pieces have a special character that I love. I only buy items I can see myself keeping forever. If I hesitate, I know it’s not for me. A friend summed it up nicely: every time I come over, it feels like visiting grandma’s.
What are your favorite places to shop when you buy something secondhand?
You can find treasures at the Nihtisilta and Suomenoja recycling centers in Espoo, as well as at the Finnish Red Cross’s Kontti stores. I also use Facebook Marketplace.
What’s the best thing about Kallio?
Wonderful vintage shops and fantastic restaurants. My personal Kallio bubble also includes friends, events, and a laid-back vibe that I find especially charming here. I’ve lived in Punavuori and Hakaniemi, but Kallio feels like the perfect fit for me. I can’t imagine moving anywhere else.
I’m originally from Tapiola, Espoo, where I lived for a while as an adult. But it was too quiet for me, so I came back to the city.
