My obsession with Finnish interiors is nothing new. There is something very calm and natural about the spaces. We may not all be living in a lake-side cabin with a sauna or rubbing shoulders with Father Christmas (sorry, couldn't resist!), but at least, with a little inspiration, we can all get the look. And the Helsinki home of Kaisa, partner, baby girl and cat Mr Paw is just the ticket.  Kaisa's one extremely talented home-maker - she's handy with knitting needles and a sewing machine (cue: baby clothes, changing station, double-sided cushions...) DIY projects with whatever comes to hand (think incredible wall hangings, floral headbands, camera straps)....she's also an ace shutterbug (these pictures were taken by her). And did I mention she creates and sells prints too? We'd better take a peek inside....

All photos: No home without you, shared with kind permission

You may recognise this space as I once showed it decked out for Christmas, but really, what an incredibly warm, cosy and charming home? And just how adorable is her little baby? As for Mr Paw, what a cool cat, there's no messing with him when it comes to who gets the best spot on the sofa, is there?! Incidentally, does anyone follow Danish writer Annika Von Holdt on IG? Her cat pictures/captions are hilarious - see her oh so fabulous home here too).

A few tips on where items are from. Sofa cushions: H&M home. The chest of drawers with wooden cross handles is BoConcept. Foot stool re-upholstered in tree fabric / throw in powder. Dustpan and brush. A DIY way to update your wall with round stickers here. Many of the prints are available in Kaisa's store. If there's anything else you love let me know in the comment section and I'll give Kaisa a shout to find out where it's from. 

An entire archive of fabulous Finnish cottages, cabins and apartments here. Do you have a favourite?

Oh and a little weekend Finnish trivia for you: did you know the reason people in Finland lightly hit themselves with birch tree branches in the sauna is to relieve muscle tension and sooth mosquito bites?  AND that Scandinavians believe Father Christmas comes from Greenland rather than Lapland?

Have a wonderful weekend and see you Monday!

PS Last day (8th May) to make the most of the 10% discount at Scandinavian modern stores Blackthumb and Snedesign with code MSH10. And get 20% off all weekend from Lo+Behold with code MSH20.

When it comes to creating a cabin, it seems your imagination is the only limit. This incredible Finnish summer cottage has been built using four ship containers, yes really! Looking at the 60 metres square space you'd never guess, would you?! And when the owners aren't sitting out on the terrace enjoying the forest and interrupted views over lake Hartola,  they're relaxing in the beautiful, personal interior, decorated using simple monochromes and a touch of vintage industrial.  I could wile away a summer here, how about you?!

Photos by Krista Keltanen (shared with kind permission)

Oh to whisk myself away here! I do love the simple life, don't you?

It's difficult to pin down exactly what I like the most about this house - I love everything! But if I have to say one thing it would be the mix of textures - hard industrial metals against white washed brick walls and soft linens and lace.

Is there anything that stands out to you?

You can see more photos of this house beautifully captured by Krista Keltanen on her lovely blog here or a full article here (in Finnish). More dreamy Finnish cabin inspiration here, here and here.

Have a lovely day!

So, it's straight off to Finland this morning (only virtually- but it sounds good doesn't it?!) and the lofty Helsinki penthouse of graphic designer Jirka Väätäinen and his partner, Pete Rahikainen who works in the fashion industry. Airy and spacious, the apartment has beautiful high ceilings and an abundance of light. The duo have artfully decorated the space with a fab mix of old and new. The underlying tone is Scandinavian which has then been diluted with vintage furniture, floral patterns, fascinating details and objects collected on trips abroad all coming together in these beautiful shots styled by Laura Seppänen and photographed by Pauliina Salonen. Let's take a tour...


 
 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Home owner: Jirka Väätäinen. Photographer: Pauliina Salonen. Stylist Laura Seppänen (shared with kind permission).

Have you ever been to Finland? The Finns have a simply beautiful, natural sense of style - often pared-back and monochrome with a hint of colour. Nature also plays an important role. Today I decided to re-visit the lovely home of Maiju of indie days (formerly 'my second hand life'). I once showed her kitchen decked out for Christmas but never shots from the entire home. I think it's definitely about time don't you?! So here's a sneak peek into Maiju's lovely home full of inspiring details and new ideas. I could live here, could you?!

Maiju of Indie days, with kind permission.

Inspiring ideas to steal from Maiju's home:

Kitchen: black candles match the vintage industrial light fixtures to create balance, and a simple marimekko plate has been hung on the wall. Wooden birds add a touch of nature to the shelves. Mix and match Bertoia, Hay, Eames, and Thonet chairs. 

Sitting room: Muuto dots have been used throughout the home as decoration, a way to hang clothes and for lighting. A simple bench makes a great side board in the sitting room - I love how Maiju has stacked magazines underneath and plants, candles, prints etc are on display above.

Bedroom: I love the wallpaper (I am hoping to find out where this is from, so pop back later if you're interested) and DIY grey marble side table. The black top and vintage girls dresses emphasise the power of using clothes to decorate - so simple yet so striking (check out other ways to display clothes and shoes in the home).

Children's bedroom: I've never thought of placing a garland across the middle of a big window, what a great idea (maybe I should do this in the girls room?!). A black rug grounds an all white room. DIY bunting is a great way to spruce up plain white storage (check out this fab Finnish children's room for more inspiration). 

Anything that catches your eye?

If you're after a little more Finnish inspiration today there are some great homes to explore here, here and here. I think it's about time I got myself to Finland...?!

Have a lovely day! 

There's something wonderful about Finnish style. And the home of Anna Pirkola, a concept designer, interior, blogger, prop stylist and set designer is no exception.  Decorated in white, grey and light wood and peppered with design products- it certainly pays homage to the Finnish interior design style. But Anna's home is unique too.  She's added flee market finds in the form of beautiful kilim rugs and a mid-century bureau, DIY pieces (workspace lamp, wall hangings etc) and a large record and art collection. Enjoy the tour (with Nina Persson or First Aid Kit in the background perhaps?!).

 
 

Photography: Anna Pirkola of Da Daa. Inspired by French By Design, with thanks

A quick guide to some of the lovely pieces in Anna's home: Hay bella coffee table, Muuto silent vase, Dark blue painting by Hanna Perälä, Smeg fridge, Gubi Ronde pendant light. Muuto leaf floor lamp, white metallic shelves from IKEA, Visu chair.

Anna's blog is full of inspiration including DIY projects (lamp for your home office),  thoughtful items for the home (I love this little place to put your jewellery at night from here) and an insight into idyllic life in Finland (how nice does her brother's cafe in her great grandparents cottage look?).

See more delightful Finnish homes here - the Finns really do have a lovely sense of style don't they?

Before I head off I also wanted to alert you to a fab collaboration between luxury Swedish brand Hästens and award winning textile designer Gunilla Lagerhem Ullberg. The result? Beautiful 'Herbarium bedding' decorated in a kaleidoscope of clematis and hollyhocks (abundant in Sweden in the spring and summer) and made from the finest Egyptian cotton.

Have a great day!