In a quiet terraced neighbourhood in Järvenpää, a wooden gate and a small front garden lead the way to Mira’s home. As you step inside, you are greeted by a joyful display of colours and patterns. Although Mira has lived in the home for only a little over a year, everything has already found its place.

The household includes a three-year-old child, two senior cats and an aquarium. A bristlenose catfish named Lounas is the newest member of the family.

Mira didn’t have to move far, as she has lived in Järvenpää for years. Her previous home, however, was in an apartment block.

“I’ve always dreamed of living in a detached house or a terraced house, but it felt important that the new home would be in the same area. Then this one came along.”

She highlights the home’s spacious layout. When you are on your own with a child, clear and open passageways work well and make everyday life easier to manage.

“I can constantly see and hear what my child is up to, but the bedroom area still offers its own sense of peace.”

The surrounding nature and local amenities also make daily life smooth. There are playgrounds nearby, a small forest and good transport connections. The forest trails stay accessible even in winter, and that’s where Mira heads all year round to play and spend time outside with her child.

Mira inherited her appreciation for nature from her own parents.

“And now I’m passing those values on to my child.”

Ecological values also guide the choices in Mira’s home décor.

“I hardly ever buy anything new unless it’s absolutely necessary. I try to get as much as possible second-hand.”

Many of the pieces of furniture and textiles have been with her for years.

“There are lots of inherited family furniture pieces here,” Mira explains. “There are also things I’ve made myself and items made by my relatives. It creates warmth and a lovely atmosphere.”

Her grandfather was a carpenter. Mira herself is a former entrepreneur and worked for many years as an upholsterer. Craftsmanship is clearly visible throughout the home.

For instance, the 1970s wooden sofa in the living room has been customised by Mira. She built the chaise section herself and made the cushions. The armchair in the bedroom has also been upholstered by her.

Many of the pieces of furniture have their own story. The lamp hanging from the kitchen ceiling and the curtains in the living room have been with her for more than twenty years. The interior features the strong colours, prints and floral patterns of the 1960s and 1970s. Posters and paintings hang on the walls.

Although the interior is rich and layered, the solutions remain balanced.

“It’s important to me that things have their own place, that they’re organised and beautifully displayed. That’s when my mind feels at ease.”

Autumn evenings are Mira’s most cherished moments at home.

“It gets dark outside and you can light candles at home. Everything feels calm,” she says.

She has moved many times in her life.

“I’ve lived about twenty years away from my childhood home and moved maybe 13–15 times. That’s why I think a home isn’t just walls. It’s stories and atmosphere.”

The role of home has grown in many ways for Mira.

“This is a place to calm down, a safe haven… a place of my own. Here I can be exactly who I am. Home means a great deal to me.”

You notice it most clearly when you return home from a trip, Mira explains.

“You get that feeling of ‘ahh, I’m back here again’.”

Daily life with a child includes plenty of time together, outdoor activities and handicrafts. The home evolves along with life.

“My home also reflects me as a person,” Mira says. “The colourful style shows not only in the décor but also in how I dress. And I’m quite a cheerful person too.”

She strokes the cat lying beside her and looks around with quiet satisfaction.

“It feels like things are finally in the right place.”

Mira’s latest find is a cross-stitch piece hanging on the wall.

“I often think there’s nothing more this home needs,” she laughs. “But if I find something truly lovely, it will definitely find its place here.”