Just in time for the weekend, I’m happy to share the calm and inspiring home of Kreetta and her family of 4 all the way from Helsinki, Finland! Kreetta first caught my attention when she shared her DIY climbing wall and indoor play gym with me when I was debating adding one to our space (still debating by the way). From there I learned that the rest of her apartment was equal parts beautiful and efficient. Her mention in our interview of having ample storage while also leaving some empty space really captures the essence of small living in one sentence. Also note the repetition of materials throughout her space like the handles in the kitchen compliment the closet and cupboard handles in other areas of the home. Thank you Kreetta for taking the time to share your gorgeous space here. I’ll leave you with her…

Intro

Hi! My name is Kreetta. I’m a mom to two amazing kids, a wife and an interior architect/designer. We live in Helsinki, the capital of Finland.

You can find Kreetta on Instagram @kreettaairila.

How big is your home and what is the layout?

We live in a 1950’s apartment in Helsinki. Our one bedroom home is about 600 sqf (56 sqm). We have a balcony with glazing that makes it feel like an extra room. 

Who lives there?

I live here with my husband and our two small children. 

Tell me about your choice to live small. Was it a conscious decision or did it just evolve?

We have lived in Helsinki almost ten years and a couple of years ago we bought our first apartment (this one!). We were looking for a one or two bedroom apartment with a good location (near to nature but close to city center). For us it was important to have a seperate kitchen that would fit a dining table for four. We rather live in a smaller space but in a good location and with this layout our home doesn’t feel that small (compared to a more open concept layout with a kitchen connected to the livingroom). 

How would you describe your home style? ex) modern, minimal, bohemian, vintage?

I would describe our home style quite Skandinavian. It is timeless with some contemporery twist. We have had many pieces of our furniture for over a decade and some have been in our family for over 50 years. 

Is there a piece of furniture or accessory that you couldn't live without that makes living in your space easier?

I feel quite passionate about storage solutions. In a small home it’s always a matter of finding a balance between storage and having some empty space. (ed. note: couldn’t agree more!!)

What is something you love about living small?

I love having my family really close and also cleaning doesn’t take that long. Also, with a smaller space you’ll probably have a smaller mortgage. 

What is something you hate?

That you always have to think about where you will store something before getting anything new. Also, when the kids grow you have to consider what hobbies they can have since you have to keep the equipment somewhere. 

Would love to hear about how you DIY'd your indoor gym?

This was one of the only things my husband insisted on having in our own home. So first we had the gymnastics wall bars and when our oldest started to walk my husband built a climbing wall. When covid started we added a movable tabletop to the wall bars to get an extra workstation in our home (it also works as a standing desk - sitting is the new smoking, right? :) We all love to use our own indoor gym / work space and they are also really popular when there are guests in our home. 

I think Small Space-ers need to stick together and share all their best tricks. Do you have any storage or organizational tips you want to share? 

I love multifunction furniture: the wall bars as tables, bedframe as a storage unit (inside our bedframe we have our skies, climbing pads etc), in kitchen rather than adding cover plate you might be able to have storage space for cutting boards etc. 

Thank you so much Kreetta for opening your beautiful, calm and inspiring home to us! It truly is a lesson in intentional small living.

Update: Kreetta kindly sent over her floorplan in response to so many questions about the layout. It provides helpful context!