A few blocks from the coastal boulevard, a beautiful 1907 log house stands tall. After years of searching, it was through word-of-mouth that Mervi and Petri finally found this unique holiday home for their family. Now, the couple is enjoying their first summer in the southern Finnish town of Hanko.
Morning sunshine warms the streets of the popular summer tourist town of Hankos The peaceful sidewalks are lined with wooden houses and, for now, the sandy beaches are empty. On the horizon, dark blue sea meets clear summer sky as sailboats glide towards the nearby islands. This bright holiday destination is ready to welcome sun seeking tourists who come to enjoy the pristine nature and crisp sea breeze.
Mervi and Petri wanted a summer home in Hanko that would counterbalance their light, modern and minimalist home in the city suburbs. On weekends, the large windows and Scandinavian décor of their city dwelling are traded for the cozy atmosphere of this wooden house, where blue, green and natural greige live side by side within the 100-year-old log walls.
"I wanted to create a contrast to our Espoo home. Here, I wanted to use a lot more colors and create atmosphere with them. I like to experiment and combine different elements and styles in the interior," says Mervi, who is responsible for the design decisions within the home.
The color scheme is inspired by the beaches of Hanko; sand, sea and white seashells, as well as the green of the reeds and sea-cabbages swaying on the shores
The holiday home’s interior was created spontaneously, by mixing new and old. The combination of flea market finds, inherited furniture and objects bought from previous residents works brilliantly – the home has a peaceful atmosphere and lively details. Shells collected from trips to the far east remind the occupants of days spent on the exotic beaches, while a straw bag hanging on the wall is a reminder to also enjoy more local excursions.
The building is in good condition, so a small renovation was all that was needed and the change of atmosphere was an easy fix achieved simply by painting the walls. The old, dark wallpaper was replaced with a palette of colors found around the home and now there is not a single white wall in the house. The interior design is a balanced ensemble of colors borrowed from nature.
"The color scheme is inspired by the beaches of Hanko; sand, sea and white seashells, as well as the green of the reeds and sea-cabbages swaying on the shores," says Mervi.
The unique atmosphere of the old building, the marine setting, the home's fireplaces, and of course the bare log walls were what first charmed the couple
An atmospheric sage green wall complements dark wooden furniture and the log wall of the guest room. Colorful details such as a soft pink lampshade and textiles and off-white curtains work beautifully with the natural green. For the living room walls, the couple chose a light grayish beige shade which subtly wraps the space in warmth, without feeling overbearing. Combined with the rattan, off-white and aged timber, the overall effect is cohesive and calm, while the rich gray-blue of the bedroom is soothing and gentle. It brings a moody ambience to this place of rest. Meanwhile, the white furniture and the blue walls are a match made in seaside heaven.
When the working week is at an end, what could be more relaxing than arriving here on a Friday evening and waking up to a sunny Saturday with Pepe the dog?
The unique atmosphere of the old building, the marine setting, the home's fireplaces, and of course the bare log walls were what first charmed the couple. Yet, this traditional-feeling holiday home doesn’t compromise on the comforts of city life. The sound system is spot on, smart lights can be used to create just the right vibe, and the old chest of drawers cleverly conceals a guilty pleasure of modern life – the TV. Remote work days are managed at the dark antique desk, however, the occupants are careful to respect the peaceful atmosphere of the old house. While sometimes business necessarily encroaches on pleasure, above all, this a place of rest and rejuvenation.
Even after a short visit, you sense that this home fulfills its purpose. When the working week is at an end, what could be more relaxing than arriving here on a Friday evening and waking up to a sunny Saturday with Pepe the dog? Your only responsibility: setting sail on the blue, blue yonder.
