What better way to start the week than with a tour of the stunning home of Art Director, designer and blogger, Tiina Ilmavirta, aka Design Wash.
Based in the city of Espoo in southern Finland, Tiina’s goal is to live a healthy and balanced life without hassle and haste, which sounds pretty idyllic to me. Instead she chooses to focus on the essentials, removing the unnecessary, and finding workable and beautiful solutions to everyday life.
I’m sure you will agree her incredible Instagram feed and blog are true testaments to this ethos.
Over to Tiina to tell us more:
“My young family and I have lived in our newly built apartment for the last 3 years. At the time, I must have looked at about 50 apartments before I came here, but I knew immediately this was our home as soon as I stepped inside.
Our home was still under construction at that point too, so I was able to influence a number of important key features, such as the concrete floor, the kitchen layout and the colour of the house itself. Although, there are still some things to do, such as remodelling the bathroom and finishing the yard.
Our yard is part of a forest, and it’s so beautiful watching the local wildlife and the seasons change from our window. This airy fresh space outside also gives the inside of our home a very calm and peaceful atmosphere, which I just love.
While my style is Scandinavian, it is also very minimalistic. I only have things that we really need, and it is extremely liberating knowing everything we have means so much. Living within a discreet colour palette and being surrounded by natural materials, for me, makes our home both beautiful and comfortable.
Our living room for example, took much deliberation, though eventually I chose a large corner sofa from Finnish brand Hakola as well as a rug to lie underneath and a round coffee table that made it all balance. We’ve also recently added a Bobo Buklee armchair in ‘Moss’ which the children have immediately put to good use.
My favourite piece, however, will always be our black Snaregade dining table by Menu. I personally love mixing new designs such as this with classic pieces. I am very inspired by Norm Architects and I really appreciate their design philosophy. I could spend hours admiring their work. It’s just so simple, insightful and beautiful.
For me, home is my safe place, working place, place to relax, work out space and place to be creative. A place to be me.”
THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME
10 quick fire questions, to find out more about Tiina and her home:
- Tea or coffee?
Both - Chocolate or cheese?
Chocolate - Watching TV or listening to music?
Music - Reading a book or flicking through a magazine?
Magazine - Bath or shower?
Shower - Slippers or socks?
Bare feet - House plants or fresh flowers?
House plants - Candles or lamps?
Lamps - Cushions or blankets?
Blankets - Dog or cat?
Dog
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful home with us Tiina.
To read more from Tiina visit the Design Wash blog or you can follow her on Instagram and Facebook.
All photos courtesy of Tiina Ilmavirta, Design Wash.
Like this post? Then why not take a tour of the Berlin apartment of blogger and designer, Rebecca Goddard.
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