Niina’s home overflows with creative projects—ordinary items have been repurposed in unexpected ways!

Originally a one-room-and-kitchen home, it has grown to its current size under Niina and Veli-Pekka’s care. The house measures 80 square meters.

The summer kitchen was built between the old chicken coop and the outdoor sauna. When in bloom, the rock plants make the rugged yard glow.

Niina and Veli-Pekka Koivula live in a 1920s single-family home in rural Rauma, on the western coast of Finland. The couple’s children have already moved out, but there’s still plenty of bustle thanks to their trio of dogs: Lyyti, Namu, and Elmo.

—We moved here in the early 1990s. I felt drawn back to the countryside. Veli-Pekka is a city boy through and through, so I had to do a bit of convincing. Now he wouldn’t leave for anything.

Niina enjoys her home, its atmosphere, and its constantly evolving look. After transitioning from a family home to a two-adult home, it now has just the right amount of space.

In the summer kitchen, there’s a clear roof, so it’s nice to sit there even in rainy weather. The tabletop is an old door. Interested in a clear roof? Read the instructions on how to build one here [in Finnish]!

Old windows are set into the firewood walls of the summer kitchen.

Niina’s cousin rescued this beautiful rocking chair from her mother-in-law’s dump run.

—My decorating style is rustic with a hint of country romance. I used to love black and white, but now color has won me over. I make a lot of things myself. I’d do even more if I had time. I enjoy browsing flea markets, but I also buy new items when needed. I’ve received many wonderful pieces from friends.

—While building the summer kitchen, things got a bit out of hand. We started planning a grilling area four years ago. Now there’s a covered space in the yard, protected on the sides by old windows and firewood. We still intend to add sliding doors on one side.

—At first glance, this nearly hundred-year-old house looked like it needed a bulldozer. There wasn’t even running water. But the property, yard, and surroundings charmed us. Gradually, we’ve fixed up and expanded the house but kept it moderate, Niina says.

Where the foyer stands now was once a bedroom. The upcycled furniture brings it all together.

In the living room, roses bloom on the wallpaper and in the vase. A cozy spot for Lyyti and Namu is tucked under the coffee table.

Niina thinks the bright kitchen and dining area is the best place in the house.

The hostess cabinet holds a large assortment of dishes. Its contrasting upper and lower sections give it a distinctive look.

All essential items are neatly arranged in the kitchen. There’s no dish-drying cabinet, as the dishes go in the dishwasher.

Need a bench? This fun bench was made from mismatched chairs.

The cactus Ferris wheel, fashioned from recycled materials, is Niina’s own design. She has so many inventive ideas that some have even been sold.

A baking pan and a tin can can serve many purposes.

Niina’s concrete lace lamp, which she cast herself, adds charm to the kitchen.

In the bedroom, an old pull-out couch has become a double bed, and hay poles work as curtain rods. A splash of turquoise brightens the pale palette.

Old doors were turned into sliding doors for the closet. A wall-mounted chair back is an ideal place to hang clothes before bed.

Now that the children have moved out, some rooms have been repurposed. Niina is thrilled to have her own craft room, which also has a bed for guests. The playful wall clock is one of her creations.

Old cabinets provide an efficient storage system.

Niina keeps small craft supplies in a decorative cubby, where every drawer is different.

Books stay in place between an old wooden press.

Niina wallpapered the craft room wall with pages from old books she inherited from her grandmother.

Niina gets inspiration from: