This 48-square-meter one-bedroom is completely free of clutter—and full of smart small-space solutions
Inspired by boutique hotels, Sara Savijoki decorated her family’s small Japandi-style home with space-saving solutions in every corner. The wood-toned kitchen blends seamlessly with the living room.
This Punavuori home is the kind of place where you can truly unwind, even though the streets below pulse with urban life. From the fourth floor, this through-apartment looks out on both the street and the courtyard. A narrow corridor connects the rooms and carries soft light throughout. Sturdy wooden surfaces and gently arching cut flowers in a vase create a pleasing contrast.
In this under-50-square-meter one-bedroom, Helsinki residents Sara and Markus Savijoki have boldly pursued their dreams and skillfully removed everything unnecessary. The result took creativity, an eye for quality and durability, and meticulous attention to detail.
residents Visual arts professional and founder of Studio Savilla ceramics, 28-year-old Sara Savijoki, music producer 38-year-old Markus Savijoki, and their one-and-a-half-year-old son.
home A one-bedroom in Helsinki’s Punavuori neighborhood, in a building completed in 1927. The apartment is 48 square meters.
Sara’s interior design philosophy is that a home should be a place of relaxation and everyday luxury. She takes inspiration from boutique hotels and values sustainability by recycling furniture and choosing her purchases carefully.
In her current home, Sara had a chance to implement her vision from scratch, while also solving the intriguing challenges of making a small space fully functional.
“The apartment was originally decorated in ‘grandma style,’ but its potential and flexibility really drew us in. We knew right away that by renovating, we could make it entirely our own,” Sara recalls about the decision made a couple of years ago.
Sara’s ideas began to take shape as a clear overall vision centered on their main needs and wishes. Despite the home’s small footprint, they decided to double the bathroom’s size for extra comfort.
“A bathtub was a longtime dream of ours, and without a sauna, it’s wonderful—especially in winter. Removing the old bathroom was the hardest part, and because of the expansion, we had to redo it all from the ground up, including the waterproofing,” Sara says.
The other rooms also saw major changes. The kitchen was moved into the living room, allowing them to build a separate bedroom. With custom solutions and space-saving storage, every corner now serves a purpose.
Sara and Markus did some of the renovation themselves, but hired professionals for big jobs and custom elements.
“I think it’s wise to outsource certain things. Cutting corners in the wrong place can cause problems in lots of ways,” Sara reflects.
The renovation started at full speed in January 2023 but slowed down a bit when the couple discovered they were expecting their first child. They spent four months away while the heaviest work was underway, though some tasks continued after they returned.
“Our only running water was in the bathroom all summer. When the kitchen faucet was finally installed, I kept forgetting it was there. By habit, I still went to the bathroom for water,” Sara laughs.
as the living room and kitchen share the same space, Sara refused to compromise.
“It was crucial that the kitchen blend smoothly with the living room’s look and feel. We also had to maximize the space,” Sara explains.
Working with Finnish brand Arkken, they installed a kitchen designed to use every centimeter. The cabinetry was tailored to the alcove. The stove and some small appliances hide behind a folding door.
Sara’s design details, like the red grout in the tiles, add a personal touch and a subtle hint of Japanese style.
“We wanted a kitchen that truly feels like part of the decor. We’re very satisfied with the outcome, both aesthetically and functionally.”
The calm, minimalist style and warm wood continue in the bedroom. Storage relies on customized Ikea Pax wardrobes, with wooden doors commissioned from a carpenter at Sara’s request. Reaching from floor to ceiling, they offer plenty of space. They also carved out just enough room for a small work alcove, where Sara’s father built shelving.
Sara’s work in the visual field strongly influences the home’s aesthetic, but the inspiration goes both ways.
“Our home isn’t just our family’s center for daily life; it’s also a place for me to cultivate creativity and spark new ideas for my work,” Sara says.
Built around harmony and sustainability, the interior highlights natural warmth. The couple buys new items sparingly, often opting for secondhand.
“I love going to flea markets, especially in rural areas, to look for just the right pieces. Preowned items carry their own stories and make our home both more beautiful and more environmentally friendly.”
