SCANDINAVIAN STYLE APARTMENT IN KALAMAJA
Interior decorator Angelika Vehviljainen used simple tips to give a whole new look to an old Kalamaja apartment.
Angelika wished to bring some light and brightness into the apartment. The light surfaces of the apartment create a neutral background where each furniture item stands out. Neutral white was the star tone of the interior. As soon as white is mixed with as shade of yellow or blue, it becomes pretentious and matching furniture is no longer that easy. There are no problems with neutral white.
The plan was to make use of the existing and old as much as possible and to bring forward its nature. Magical plaster surfaces unfolded in the hall after the first “cleaning”. The walls were slightly retouched to make them dustproof. This can most easily be done with oils suitable for concrete and plaster.
The bathroom wall was retouched with tadelakt. This is a Moroccan lime plaster, which hardens and becomes water resistant when polishing with a river stone and special soap. The curvature in the bathroom was there originally.
Old metallic hatches in the bathroom and toilet were cleaned from the color and covered with varnish. Kitchen board floor had to be removed since it was inclined. These were utilized in the toilet floor, which was also rather uneven.
Bathroom mirror and closet originates from Oot-Oot Studio vintage selection, as are the sofa table and the dresser. The beautiful and stylish sofa in the living room is Oot-Oot Studio’s new star product, sofa Cosmo. Its gray woolen fabric comes across as pure and natural. Color can later be added with pillows according to the mood. An ottoman adds flexibility and comfort. Up to two quests can sit there when more people are visiting. The ceiling lamps in the bedroom and above the dining table originate from Home Art store.
Angelika’s advice to a brisk home decorator:
“Don’t tear down everything straight away in an old building. First, remove the clutter; take down the unnecessary walls, possible storerooms, open the closed niches, etc. After that take a new fresh look on what should be preserved and exposed. For instance, beautiful stone walls were exposed under the plaster wall in this apartment. We plastered them again with free hand to add some structure to the white surfaces. This applies also to the radiator dating from the 30-s, to the air hatches and somewhat to the floor. Contrasts and opposites add character to the apartment.
Decoration – Angelika Vehvlijainen – www.madebybeam.com
Photos – Tõnu Tunnel – www.tonutunnel.com
