Kristiina and Marko had so many ideas for their self-build home, but by keeping the style stripped back, they’ve achieved a cool, calm and collected feel
‘I found a basic house structure I liked, then redesigned it to meet our needs,’ says Kristiina. ‘We mirrored the structure to give us twice the space, completely reworked and extended the kitchen, and changed the window layout to give ourselves plenty of light.’
Not content with simply designing the house, the couple also built most of it themselves, leaving only the foundation and frame to the professionals. They moved into a small cabin nearby during the construction period. By tucking the bedrooms and bathrooms away in the ‘wings’ at either end of the property, they were able to make the central open-plan kitchen-diner and living space the real focus of the home. ‘I wanted to be in the kitchen cooking while spending time with the children or entertaining guests at the same time,’ says Kristiina. ‘The open-plan space is amazing because it allows for this perfectly. It took hours of work and planning to get this part of the home just the way we wanted it, but we managed it! I’m still so happy with it eight years after moving in.’
Kristiina chose a white-on-white scheme to keep the busy family home feeling and looking stylish and uncluttered. But alongside the minimal decor, there’s still a place for comfort and personal touches: natural wood furniture, soft linen in grey tones, sheepskin throws and fresh flowers all add warmth and texture, giving this large living space a welcoming, cosy feel.
Always add natural materials
Denne historien er fra August 2018-utgaven av Ideal Home UK.
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Denne historien er fra August 2018-utgaven av Ideal Home UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Maximise Outdoor Dining Space - If your outside eating area is a little cramped, follow these tricks to make the most of what you do have
If your outside eating area is a little cramped, follow these tricks to make the most of what you do have. We asked a host of garden experts to share their top tips on making the most of a small space, whether you're hosting friends and family for a special occasion, relaxing at the end of the day or enjoying your morning coffee.
hometruths
KELVIN AND LIZ FLETCHER GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH THEIR HOME
Fresh & delicious
Chicken traybake with garlic & cherry tomatoes
NATURAL habitat
KERRY HARRIS' EAST LONDON HOME IS A LESSON IN BLURRING THE BOUNDARY BETWEEN INSIDE AND OUT
"WE AREN'T traditional"
RACHAEL AND ALEX'S RELAXED FUNCTIONAL HOME IS A BLEND OF VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURE, MID-CENTURY MODERN AND PALM SPRINGS SHADES
GROWING up
ARCHITECT ROB AND WIFE EMMA HAVE TRANSFORMED A 1970S HOUSE, GIVING.THEM MORE SPACE FOR THEIR FAMILY
The shortlist PARASOLS
Create a cool spot with these dazzling sunshades
Weekend decorator
CLEVER TRICKS TO MINI DECOR PROJECTS... WE ROUND UP THE SIMPLEST, QUICKEST WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME MORE BEAUTIFUL NOW
The shortlist PICNICWARE
Everything you need for the perfect spread
PLAN THE PERFECT - Outdoor living room
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR GARDEN BY CREATING A DEDICATED SPACE FOR RELAXATION, SAY OUR EXPERTS