A Harmonious Helsinki Home: Revitalising Tradition with Contemporary Warmth

Kaartinkaupunki, Helsinki, 1886

This home renovation focused on creating a functional and atmospheric upgrade to the apartment key areas while honouring the building’s original spirit. The project included the redesign of two bathrooms, a laundry and utility room, kitchen, and the fireplace, as well as thoughtful detailing throughout the apartment including wall colours, custom radiator covers, and an enlarged kitchen doorway complete with new decorative trim.

Refined Renovation of a Private Residence

Inspired by the building Architecture
The clients brought their own vision to the project, along with specific wishes for colour choices and the inclusion of their existing artworks. These personal elements formed the foundation of the design, which was further enriched by inspiration from the building’s original year of completion, 1886. Colour palettes and shapes were carefully studied and echoed from the stairwell and architectural detailing of the historical structure, creating a dialogue between the private interior and common area elements.

Material Honesty and Soft Geometry
Natural materials bring both tactile beauty and longevity to the spaces. Oak veneer, natural stone tiles, basins and countertops anchor the interior in organic calmness. Rounded forms repeat throughout — in built-in furniture, door openings, and lighting — adding softness and flow.

Spatial Logic and Layered Light
Though the rooms retained their original placements, internal layouts were reimagined for better functionality and balance. A small former toilet was expanded into a compact, serene bathroom with a shower. The fireplace was transformed into a striking centrepiece: re-tiled, raised up to ceiling height, and fitted mantel alcove with brass-shelves and an antique mirror.

Lighting played a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere. Hidden lighting elements, layered illumination, and well-chosen luminaires bring each space to life — subtle during the day, ambient in the evening, and always in harmony with the materials and architecture.

Photography by Esa Kapila