Burnout and a strange smell: how a hidden flaw sparked a surprise 1970s home renovation

Eero Aarnio’s Ball Chair calls to mind the sunshine of Goa. “The Ball Chair, a longtime dream of mine, is the perfect spot for me to recharge,” says Tunna. The coffee table is a prototype by their friend, the furniture designer Mikko Paakkanen.

Tunna and Jenni Milonoff were enchanted by the original ceiling paneling when they purchased their 1970s row house in Helsinki’s Oulunkylä neighborhood in 2020. However, the ceiling structure was found to be problematic and had to be removed, forcing them to give up a cherished feature and undertake a demanding, extensive, and costly renovation.

The couple enlisted designer Oskari Oranen for renovation design and project management—this was already their third collaboration, as they knew each other from youth graffiti circles. Because the interior ceiling was being renovated, it made sense to update the built-in ceiling lighting and the kitchen at the same time. The main ideas—color scheme, materials, and atmosphere—were quickly agreed upon, but fine-tuning details and keeping costs under control took more time.

Now, upon entering the house, you see warm-toned wood surfaces harmonizing with each other and a clear view straight through. The calm, cohesive atmosphere is exactly what they were aiming for.

Accompanying the Ball Chair are rare white leather Bonanza chairs by Finnish designer Esko Pajamies, sourced from Bukowskis auction house. Tunna notes that the shape of the Hans J. Wegner CH07 Shell Chair is perfectly balanced. The oak shelves were built by Ville Aakula. The painting is by Egs.

What’s the best aspect of your home’s architecture?

Tunna: When we bought the place, we were captivated by its Villa Mairea vibe and the 60–70s mid-century modern feel. We loved the original solid-wood interior doors, the wooden accordion door in the living room, the wood-paneled ceiling, and the original-style parquet.

What was the main reason or goal for the renovation?

Tunna: Sometimes we picked up an odd, unexplained odor that bothered us. We suspected the ceiling structure because neighbors had already replaced theirs. When we opened it up, we discovered a flawed vapor barrier that allowed smells from the building materials to seep through. Our chief goal was fresh, clean indoor air, and we also ended up cutting our heating costs in the process.

The Aran oak kitchen was designed by Oskari Oranen. The ceiling and its built-in, adjustable lighting play a major role in the kitchen’s new look.

Why did the renovation extend to the kitchen as well?

Jenni: We love cooking, and the kitchen installed by the previous owner wasn’t practical for us. When the old ceiling was removed, we had to pull out the cabinetry, so it was the perfect moment to upgrade. We closed the doorway from the kitchen to the primary bedroom. Now the new kitchen is open and spacious. Its potential has finally surfaced, and the crisp lines make it feel bigger. Our old two-person kitchen is now a full family kitchen—there’s even room for me to dance if I want!

The wooden cladding on the island was inspired by a Japanese teppanyaki restaurant the Milonoffs discovered on their travels.

What was the renovation process like?

Tunna: The renovation definitely slowed my recovery from burnout—or at least brought back its symptoms. Once your nervous system has burned out, it becomes hypersensitive and warns you when your stress levels rise. Oskari helped us keep our eyes on the outcome we wanted, even when the project felt demanding.

What role does your home play in your recovery?

Tunna: My nervous system is sensitive, and recovery has always been crucial for me. Home is definitely at the heart of my relaxation and calm. I find tranquility in the balance and harmony of a space. For some reason, aesthetics have always soothed me. That’s why the shape and balance of furniture are so important. Materials matter, too—wood in particular has a peaceful effect. That’s why we insisted on keeping a wood-paneled ceiling. Wood also creates a softer acoustic environment, boosting warmth and serenity.

The oak shelves were made by Ville Aakula. The painting is by Egs.

The floor lamp is an Alvar Aalto design. Lighting design by Oskari Oranen. Lighting by Wever & Ducré.

How did the renovation affect the ambiance of the home?

Jenni: Before, the house had a strong 1970s feel; now it has a lovely 1960s vibe and a mellow Japandi style that’s not too minimalist. We preserved the ceiling’s visual look—and thus the soul of our home.

Which solutions in your home turned out best?

Tunna: The kitchen—our home’s heart—was precisely tailored to us. The warm oak tones complement the house’s style and architecture perfectly, while the white upper cabinets boost brightness. The biggest question was how to balance the new white tiles with the existing white brick wall. We wanted a wave-like, Alvar Aalto-inspired tile that was practical too. Getting those three surfaces to fit together took care.

A big part of the cozy feel comes from the ceiling paneling by Laatupaneeli. The stairway is lit by wall lamps designed by Paavo Tynell. The Series 7 chairs and Golden Bell pendants are from their previous home.

The floor lamp was bought from Bukowskis. A glass sculpture by Egs sits on the table.

A home office was a longtime wish and a big factor when the couple was searching for their current home. Both spouses also work at home. The office furniture dates back to Tunna’s grandmother’s childhood in the 1930s.

How would you describe your interior style?

Tunna: Authenticity, stories, and sustainability have always guided how we live. This house’s history is full of Finnish classics that never go out of style. Jenni grew up with Artek furniture, so it represents both stability and durability for her. I started out in film lighting, so I have a special affection for beautiful light fixtures.

Jenni: I have a fondness for rugs. People need softness against a hard world. We also incorporate eastern influences to soften the house’s clean lines. Traveling, seeing the world, and living in Goa have been a major part of who we are.

Above Jenni’s favorite spot—the green sofa—hangs the Wheel of Time from Nepal. “Different elements, styles, and layers blend organically in our home.”

The couple brought vibrant, timeworn cabinets from Nepal, which they top with curated altar-like displays. The floor lamp is Paavo Tynell’s 9602 design, and the table lamp is the Louis Poulsen Panthella. The painting is by the New York-based artist Ghost. Moroccan rugs from Aino Heiniö.

Nearly every room features stones and crystals. “They help clear the mind and make space for creativity and focus,” says Jenni.

Which spot in your home do you love the most?

Jenni: Once the kids are off to school, I love having my morning coffee on the green sofa. Another favorite is the fireplace room, where I can escape to do yoga in peace.

Tunna: The Ball Chair, a dream I’d had for years, is like a private cocoon. It cuts down on outside noise significantly, and in its nest-like comfort, I always feel safe. It’s my ideal place to recharge.

The master bedroom is tucked away. Tunna especially likes the large windows and skylights. The rug is by Finarte. The bedspread is Hay’s Mega Dot.

During the renovation, the doorway from the kitchen to the master bedroom was closed off and finished with the same paneling used on the ceiling.

The terrace table is the Hay CPH30, and the large rattan chair is the Parolan Peacock. The small chairs are Ellos Home’s Toscana.

The Milonoffs’ row house measures 300 square meters (about 3,230 sq ft).