A year ago, teacher Isabelle Liuksiala moved back to Finland with her husband and three children after years in Uppsala, Sweden. Returning to familiar surroundings made the transition easier.

Isabelle and her husband, Paavo, grew up in Lahti and still have family and friends in the area. Moving countries didn't feel like such a big step when the local community was already familiar.

"Our home is a 71-square-metre three-room flat. Luckily, all our old furniture from Sweden fits well here, so it immediately started to feel like ours," Isabelle reflects.

Anttilanmäki is idyllic and peaceful despite being close to central Lahti and a railway line. The location suits the family perfectly. In just a year, they've settled into a new rhythm.

"It's wonderful to be back where we belong. And after living in a detached house, apartment life feels unbelievably easy. The best part? Not having to shovel snow in winter – we can just close the front door and let someone else handle it," Isabelle says with a smile.

Let's explore the family's favourite spots with Isabelle and her sons, ten-year-old Filip and eight-year-old Alfred.

The Liuksiala family spends most of their time in their cosy living room, which is decorated in a Scandinavian, earthy style. Two big, comfy sofas are set across from each other around a coffee table.

"We don't have a TV in the living room, so it's truly a space for togetherness and conversation. Sitting and chatting with my husband while the kids play and goofing around nearby is lovely."

The living room has a personal touch with unique lamps and candles. Isabelle brings seasonal changes with textiles and flowers, but the furniture is trusted finds from years gone by. It's also a place for releasing energy – as the energetic schoolboys know well:

"The best thing is jumping on the sofa!" Alfred exclaims.

The kitchen table is another central spot, where homework is done but also where family celebrations are held. It's already large but can be extended so everyone, even extended family, can gather around it.

"Most recently, we celebrated our youngest, Frans's, 4th birthday here. We sang the happy birthday song and he blew out the candles. Moments like these are special memories for me," says Isabelle.

Cooking and baking are cherished family activities, with Filip's chocolate muffins a firm favourite.

"Cooking and baking are perfect quality time," Isabelle says.

Filip and Alfred's shared room is designed for both functionality and comfort. Thanks to careful planning, there's room for wardrobes, two desks, a bookshelf, a piano, and a bunk bed.

"I sleep on the top bunk, and Alfred is on the bottom," Filip explains.

The calming, earthy tones throughout the home extend to the boys' room, though the space is mainly meant for play. Isabelle admits it often looks like a whirlwind has swept through.

"There's plenty of floor space for playing, so all the toys and Lego sets are usually out. But luckily, they do settle down in the evenings to read books or comics before bed."

Isabelle teaches at the same school that Filip and Alfred attend, and little Frans is at a nursery right next to the school. Their walks to school in Anttilanmäki are a special time for Isabelle to catch up with her children.

"The boys tell me all about their day, and sometimes they cycle so fast that I have to jog to keep up."

According to Isabelle, the charming, protected wooden houses of Anttilanmäki make the daily school run feel like an experience itself. The area is gorgeous in autumn, with maple and birch trees ablaze in colour.

Laune Family Park is their go-to spot where the family needs fresh air and exercise. The park has activities like slides, climbing frames, mini-golf, and a padel court.

"We spend a lot of time here in the summer, but there's always something to see and do year-round. Last summer, the boys even learned new tricks on their scooters, and little Frans managed to keep up with his big brothers."

The Puksujuna train also departs from Laune, letting the family discover their hometown in a fun, new way.

The library has become a key part of the Liuksiala family's routine. The boys are enthusiastic readers, so they visit the Lahti main library several times weekly. The library's children's section is bright, colourful, and inviting.

"I always imagine the boys sitting there, reading and learning, but sometimes they're just as likely to dash off and play on the computer," Isabelle laughs.