Maria built a rustic summerhouse from old windows: “I’m drawn to old items and an industrial style”

Maria Meder, who writes the popular blog Diagnoosi: sisustusmania (“Diagnosis: Interior mania”), says she’s learned her crafting skills through trial and error. She believes that everyone should give it a try. You learn by doing.

“Previously, there was a hexagonal hut in place of the combined greenhouse–gazebo, which was regrettably underused. The spot was sunny and lovely, and that’s where the idea began.

After spending some time browsing online, I noticed that Finns tend to prefer all-white garden gazebos. They didn’t inspire me. I wanted a brick foundation for my summerhouse and old windows for the walls. I sketched a plan and researched how to build the supporting structures.

We got the windows from a house due for demolition, the old bricks for free from an online listing, and the roofing sheets from a friend. My partner built the foundation, and I did almost everything else myself. I still don’t like using the circular saw, but the end result turned out great.

Maria painted the summerhouse doors with Tikkurila’s green shade L449. The old patio furniture was found secondhand online and got a fresh coat of linseed oil paint. You can find the dogs Luke and Yoda wherever the sunniest spot is.

The summerhouse décor has changed frequently. Right now, the main features are old wooden wine crates, recycled rattan chairs, and wall cabinetry made from two repurposed shelving units.

Maria’s favorite colors appear throughout the rustic décor: earthy, muted, and patinated hues.

Herbs and lavender create an intoxicating Mediterranean fragrance.

The exterior color of the gazebo echoes our house. Inside, the décor is always changing, but I’ve noticed my style has developed and gotten stronger over the years. I’m most drawn to old items, vintage, and an industrial style. Besides, I live in a household of mostly men, and a super-romantic décor wouldn’t work for us.

We only spend time in the gazebo during the summer. In winter, it serves as storage. To keep the gazebo pleasant to look at, I decorated it with Christmas lights both inside and out. That way, it glows all year long.”

One end of the summerhouse was built from old windows and doors. The wooden frames were partially reshaped, and new panes were cut from old glass. Cutting old glass was quite a task for a first-timer, but the result is rewarding. The summerhouse windows and doors look like they were original to the house.

Maria’s decorating philosophy is to “rescue” lovely, affordable items, even if she doesn’t yet have a specific place in mind for them.

Birds and small animals thrive in the sheltered yard. Even though the yard is fenced for the dogs, a hedgehog finds its way in every summer. A birdhouse was attached behind the summerhouse.