Entrepreneur Vilma Peltonen is used to living out of a suitcase: she has lived abroad a lot and even now the family has a second home in Italy. In Finland, Peltonen's home base can be found in Kalasatama, where she enjoys spending time with her partner and two-year-old daughter.

As her everyday life is so busy, Peltonen values freedom, good transport links and local services. Peltonen shares with us some of her favourite spots at home and around the neighbourhood:

“The best aspects of living high up are highlighted especially in our bedroom. You can see the really beautiful sunrises over the sea from here. Our bedroom is also very quiet and we get to be in our own bubble,” says Peltonen.

“A big plus is that the bedroom can accommodate a bed so big that the entire family can lay on it. I like the fact that the bedroom has remained a place of peace and rest, where we don't work or hang out unnecessarily. It's also good for sleep! Our bedroom is also equipped with a large walk-in closet that makes it easier to keep the bedroom tidy.”

"I have never thought that you have to buy your own apartment. I like renting and the house still feels like my own."

“I appreciate the functionality of our home, and its importance is only emphasised in the everyday life of a family with children. However, I’m also a bohemian decorator and I want a fresh look and feel in my home. When we moved to Kalasatama a year ago, we had almost no furniture or homeware ready in Finland. You will not survive long in an empty apartment with a child, so I quickly bought many things new, favouring Finnish brands. Now I want to take the time to create layers for the decor and also look for used items at my leisure. Not everything needs to be ready right away,” says Peltonen, explaining her decor philosophy.

“The combined kitchen-living room in the middle of our apartment is the heart of our home, where we spend most of our time. It’s wonderful that we have such an open feeling here and that we can see the scenery through the windows in different directions. When working in the kitchen, we can also see directly into our daughter's room.”

“Our apartment building has really good communal spaces for residents, such as a magnificent sauna with a good view and a work lounge. At home, it can be difficult to focus on work when the rest of the family is there. In this case, it’s convenient that I can take the elevator directly to the lounge from my own apartment. It also makes the separation of work and free time easier. Next to the lounge is a roof terrace with an amazing view.”

“I have never thought that you have to buy your own apartment. I like renting and the house still feels like my own. That's why I also appreciate communal spaces; you don't need to fit everything inside your own space. For example, we don’t own a washing machine, so instead we use the high-quality washing room,” says Peltonen.

“Kalasatama Library is absolutely wonderful! I was looking forward to the library opening, as borrowing and reading books together with my daughter is so nice."

"I especially like the distinctive and colourful interior of the library. The library is child-friendly and designed for all kinds of readers. Our toddler enjoys being there and is excited to explore,” Peltonen says with a smile.

“In general, Redi has very child-friendly services, which can be accessed by elevator directly from our own home. I appreciate the many different places to play, as well as the flea market that sells children's clothing – many might not be aware of how child-friendly the Kalasatama area is.”

“Gateau is a luxury for everyday life and special occasions. Located in Redi, the café serves good coffee and croissants, as well as cakes and buns for parties. For example, I have ordered birthday catering from there. However, I mostly buy takeaway oat cappuccino. When I’m on the go, it makes my day that I can conveniently grab a coffee before boarding the metro and heading off to get things done,” says Peltonen.

“Right next to our home is Kalasatama Park, which I visit almost daily alone or with my family. In the winter, the park has a skating rink and a sledding hill, which is my daughter's favourite. In the summer, we enjoy picnics, playing in the sandbox or kicking a ball around on the artificial turf,” says Peltonen.

“Especially in the evening light, I often admire the urban landscape that opens up to Kalasatama’s high-rise buildings.”