This apartment has a great floor plan that makes it feel a lot bigger than it actually is. I like the way it’s divided into two levels that are separated by a couple of steps. It’s a single-room apartment, but having two levels gives you the sense that there are several rooms: a kitchen, bedroom, dining area and living room.

In spite of its small size, my home has three French balconies. They make it possible to practically open up one of the walls entirely. In the summer, you feel like the space extends far beyond the walls of the building. The French balconies also give me a direct view of the sea. It’s such a calming scene. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It makes it easy to relax in this apartment, even though there are lots of services nearby and the bustle of the city centre is only a stone’s throw away. The balconies also give me a direct view of the running trails of Mustikkamaa.

My sofa has a great view. It’s a great place to relax, but I also use it for work. I start every day by having my morning coffee on the sofa. Coffee tastes best when I drink it from my black-and-white Lynx mug from Muurla. It’s one of my favourite items in my kitchen. The sofa exemplifies the fact that my home in Helsinki is a place where I can relax as well as work. I live in Turku, but having this Lumo home in the capital has been a salvation for me with regard to my work as well as other aspects of my life. It’s important for me to have a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere in both of my homes.

Last Christmas, my mum gave me a picture that is like a plan drawing of the Karhula district of Kotka. I’m originally from Karhula, so it reminds me of my roots. My mum is retired, but she used to work as a city planner. I think she wanted to remind me of where I’m from.

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