Musician Nuppu Oinas lives in Viikki, Helsinki, with her partner and rescue cat Pirre. Although the trio only moved to Viikki a few months ago, settling into the area has been easy.

Nuppu's days are filled with studies, music, and social media work. For this reason, she values a safe home and neighbourhood where both mind and body can rest.

Let's take a look at Nuppu's favourite spots.

"When I sit down peacefully to play and sing my favourite songs, I remember why I make music for a living. Music brings so much warmth into my life, even though in the pursuit of goals, that can sometimes be forgotten. Sitting at the keyboard instantly brings back memories of my childhood. I loved music even then and played songs on the piano, and I still have, for instance, a Hannah Montana sheet music book as a keepsake."

Nuppu's keyboards are in the living room, not in her workspace. The reason is simple.

"I want to be able to sit down and play whenever inspiration strikes, without the pressure of work. Music is a lifestyle for me, not just a job."

Next to the keyboard, there's another essential element for Nuppu – the bookshelf.

"To my great delight, I've rediscovered the joy of reading. It's wonderful that two things I love so much, music and books, have found their place together in our home."

"The first wow factor in this home was the large, glazed balcony. Especially in the summer, it feels like an extra room and is a special place for me. One of the first things I bought for it was a hammock. If everyday life gets too stressful, lounging in the hammock helps me unwind. Thanks to the glazing, we can let our cat Pirre hang out on the balcony without worry."

The balcony also brings a camping vibe to the home. Nuppu and her partner are keen hikers, and in the summer, they spent several weeks exploring Norway.

"The balcony brings a touch of that camping feeling into our everyday lives without even having to leave home."

"The studio is a vital space for me; it's like a little world of its own. It's where I produce new music and do my social media work."

Nuppu's workspace contains everything needed for producing and recording songs. The studio equipment takes up a lot of space, so it must have its own dedicated area. That hasn't always been the case, and back then, it was much harder to separate work from free time.

"For my quality of life, it's good to be able to shut the door to the studio at the end of the day and leave work behind. It's easier to get into either work or relaxation mode when there's a clear boundary for both."

Viikki's fields offer Nuppu the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. Originally from Lappeenranta, Nuppu says the fields remind her of her hometown.

"I clear my head in the fields of Viikki, either by exercising or just walking. It feels incredible that there's such a place so close to the centre of Helsinki. I love cows, and they really complete the atmosphere here. Viikki's fields are a safe place to breathe and unwind."

"Even though I haven't lived in Viikki for long, I visited Pikkukoski beach years ago. A friend introduced me to the place, which has become important to me."

In the summer, Pikkukoski beach fills up with people, but Nuppu still finds it peaceful. The nearby outdoor gym is a great addition to the beach.

The bridges crossing Viikinoja and the surrounding greenery have made an impression on Nuppu.

"The bridges bring an urban feel here. It's easy to fall in love with this place. One evening, my partner and I played billiards at a nearby pub. Afterwards, we decided to walk home via Viikinoja. We stopped many times along the way just to admire the beautiful scenery and enjoy the silence."