This 1920s-built house sits in the quaint Finnish town of Heinola, home to approximately 18,000 people. Once owned by the father of the renowned Finnish singer Irwin Goodman, the house has a rich history. The oldest part of the building was constructed in 1925, and decades later, in the late 60s, the house was slightly expanded. In memory of this, two dates made of metal digits greet all guests on the porch.
The vibrant porch acts as a teaser, offering a glimpse of what lies within.
Today, the house is home to a middle-aged couple, Ana and her partner Eino. Ana, an artist, and Eino, an art enthusiast, were brought together by their shared passion.
Both Ana and Eino grew up in old houses, preferring the charm of historic homes to the modern alternatives.
“The house we live in now perfectly suits our interests and needs. It feels like being at a summer cottage, even though the city center is just 800 meters away,” Ana shared in a local interior magazine interview.
This house isn’t just visually striking—it’s also brimming with memories. Each photograph tells a story, showcasing the abundance of treasures within.
This is what the house where Ana and Eino live looks like today. An important clarification: both are citizens of Finland, but Ana has Portuguese roots, which also found their reflection in the interior.
Ana, as vibrant as her unique home, ensures that her personality shines through every detail of the interior.
There are hardly any new items in the house, and even those present are far from being considered antiques. They’re old but acquired for a bargain. For instance, an old Swedish dish rack, initially covered in grime, revealed its intricate patterns after thorough cleaning and light restoration by Ana.
Ana has a knack for transforming each item to fit her taste. For example, a frame originally gilded was repainted in a delicate blue to blend seamlessly with the interior.
The burst of colors extends into the kitchen, where Ana’s Portuguese roots influence her choice of laminate floor covering.
Ana and Eino spend hours in the kitchen, enjoying cooking together and hosting dinner parties for guests.
The kitchen feels more like a boutique museum!
The tableware represents just a fraction of Ana and Eino’s extensive retro collection. It’s heartening to see cups and plates being used daily, rather than just stored away.
The scales serve as a stylish accessory, perfectly complementing the kitchen’s aesthetic, according to Ana.
Upon closer inspection, there’s a myriad of fascinating details in every corner, from a pot on a metal bracket to an antique children’s chair repurposed as a magazine rack.
The items on the rack are flea market finds. In my opinion, the most unusual thing here is the jug with a small vase on the side. I’ve never seen anything like it before!
Ana and Eino frequently visit flea markets, only purchasing items they believe to be truly unique.
Guests are greeted with discoveries and treasures at every turn, from an art installation with a chair doubling as a shelf to a collection of books paying tribute to Irwin Goodman.
The basement serves as Ana’s workshop, where she creates works as vibrant as the house she lives in.
This glimpse into the house focuses on the intricate details that make it unique.
Ana’s bedroom in this enchanting home features a patchwork quilt, metaphorically representing the diverse pieces that make up the house.
An intriguing detail is the hand-embroidered 1930s nightshirt, once belonging to Ana’s grandmother, displayed next to the bed.
And this is Ana and Eino’s shared bedroom. Yes, Ana has two bedrooms, one private, and the other she shares with her common-law husband. It’s strange to me, but why not…
There is also a separate children’s room in the house, where Eino’s grandchildren usually spend the night (he has a grandson and a granddaughter).
“We listen to the spirit of the house, so there are no new things here. In some items, you can see our origin: my Portuguese roots and Eino’s Karelian roots (his parents were born in Karelia),” says Ana.
The house is akin to a treasure trove, filled with memories and character.
Even the yard of this house feels like a separate world.
This journey through the wonderous house concludes. What are your thoughts?
Photo source: meillakotona.fi
