Peek inside this tattoo artist couple’s whimsical wooden home: “Our sense of humor truly blossoms in our decor”
“More is more,” says Outi about the interior design in her and her spouse Juhani’s 1950s home. They’ve turned their home, called Kuusikumpu, into a space where cheerful wallpapers, thrift-store finds, and delightful design ideas brighten everyday life.
Plenty of living space and a private yard for tinkering and grilling with friends—these were the priorities for Outi Vihlman and Juhani Kokkarinen, as the pandemic-induced time at home made them yearn for a cottage-like lifestyle. They checked out the housing market and were drawn to Järvenpää for its close lake, outdoor options, and convenient train commute to Helsinki.
What made you fall in love with this house in particular?
Outi: “From the outside alone, you could tell the house was well cared for, so I wanted to see more. Its tiny nooks, crannies, and distinct character intrigued me. I fell in love with the heat-storing baking oven. The yard is small but cozy, with cherry and apple trees and the greenhouse we’d been dreaming of. From the previous owners’ documents, I learned the property is called Kuusikumpu. If I’d known that before buying, I’d have been even more excited to get this Villa Villekulla-style ('Huvikumpu') home.”
“I believe interior design should have contrasts: new and old, ornate and simple.”
“When a room needs change, my mind goes into problem-solving mode.”
“Neither of us had done anything more than paint walls before, so we learned a lot during the renovation.”
Did you renovate the house?
Outi: “The inspection showed that the house was in good shape and structurally sound. We only updated the walls and the kitchen. Neither of us had done anything more than paint walls, so we learned a lot during the renovation. Friends and family were a huge help during the renovation frenzy.
When we removed the old kitchen cabinets, we uncovered a brownish-orange 1970s vinyl floor and a painted wall. By chance, it was almost the same shade as the yellow Lukko wallpaper by Pihlgren & Ritola that we’d chosen, meaning a previous resident must have shared our taste. We also found a pink rag rug in the attic, which we used to protect the floors while renovating. I ended up liking it so much that I put it in the entryway afterward.”
What is your interior design style?
Outi: “I like modern and even minimalist style, but here, we embrace the ‘more is more’ principle. I believe interior design needs contrasts: new and old, ornate and simple. We go wild with colors, playful wallpapers, and quirky thrift-store finds. Our sense of humor truly blossoms in our decor.
I’m a solution-focused hunter. My taste is eclectic, and I adapt to a space’s conditions. If something bothers the eye, I’d rather emphasize it than try to hide it. When a room needs change, my mind goes into problem-solving mode. I might spend hours on Tori.fi online marketplace, brainstorming different solutions, upcycling furniture, or rearranging objects. Once everything finally clicks into place, I can relax—at least for a bit.
Our best finds have come from Tori.fi, and also flea markets, and recycling centers. Sustainability is important to me, so I choose secondhand whenever possible. That added thrill of discovery is a bonus when buying recycled.”
“We go wild with colors, playful wallpapers, and quirky thrift-store finds.”
“We embrace the ‘more is more’ principle.”
“If something bothers the eye, I’d rather emphasize it than try to hide it.”
“Sustainability is important to me, so I choose secondhand whenever possible.”
