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southern Finland, a labyrinth of lakes and rivers winds through land blanketed in thick evergreen
forests. Known as Lakeland, this blue-green region is home to a relaxed timber house enclosed by
woods and water. Painted matte black and built from the log cabin kit by Finnish company Honka, it’s
the first home of husband and wife Eetu Karhunen and Marjo Laine.
Inside, the whole house feels clean and calm. “We wanted to use natural materials for the interior,”
Marjo says. “Linen, cotton, stone, ceramics, and sheepskin.” They were advised by interior designer
Jonna Kivilahti on the best materials to safeguard against the humidity that’s common in Finland.
Together, they chose varying combinations of ceramic tile, metal-tone faucets, and concrete floors
and sinks—materials that would also hold up well to wear.
Concrete floors continue from the entryway into the main-level common room, where the couple entertains friends in a
combination kitchen, dining area, and family room. A wall of glass doors opens out to the woods, and a concrete fireplace fills the
house with warmth on cold, snowy days.
Upstairs, lime wash lightens the wood-clad ceilings in many rooms. The neutral palette continues through a guest bedroom,
bath, and home office. Moments of texture—such as in artfully stacked baskets and a guest bed covered in clean white linens—add
interest without detracting from the view outside, where the woods seem to wrap the home in peace.
In a light-filled foyer, wooden chairs offer a place to sit and contemplate the sweeping quiet of the space. Everything is connected
to the elements, from the warm modern fireplaces to the sauna’s steam baths. “It was important for us to preserve the natural world
indoors,” Marjo says. And so it shows, in every corner of their home.IN
living
room
The living room’s
wood-clad walls
bring warmth to
a suite of gray
shades, while
lime-washed wood
ceilings draw the
eye up and add to
the home’s light,
airy look. Designer
Jonna Kivilahti
created a trio of
living room tables
from Italian Carrara
marble, Finnish
black granite, and
green granite.