Architecture guided Joanna Amemori’s home renovation – the end result is enchanting and timeless

Interior architect Joanna Amemori and specialist dentist Masamitsu Amemori’s home exudes the original atmosphere of the 1950s building. In this family home in Helsinki, the present and the past intertwine and engage in an intriguing dialogue.

A SMALL STONE HOUSE built in the 1950s stands by the sea in Kulosaari district in Helsinki. The human-sized scale and versatile use of natural materials evoke the cozy fifties. Interior architect Joanna and special dentist Masamitsu Amemori fell in love with all that, wanting to preserve it when Joanna started planning the renovation of the home a few years ago. The aim was to preserve the original charm as much as possible without sparing effort to expenses.

“I want to design the interior with respect for the building, no matter whatever era it is from. For me architecture is always at the core of my design. Still, I’m not purely period-loyal. I find it inspiring to bring elements outside the construction era into the whole alongside solutions specific to it. These elements make the space interesting and bring joy to it,” Joanna says.

DURING THE TWO-YEAR-LONG renovation, the wooden roof beams were both planed and stained. Furthermore, the veneer on the inner doors was restored. The wooden steps of the staircase connecting the four levels of this family home to each other were also renovated with care. Joanna chose the new surface materials carefully in line with the original spirit of the house. However, she solved many things more intuitively.

“Designing your own home differs in many ways from the client projects. I chose the color shades for all the bedrooms purely because I happen to like them. They also serve as a good backdrop for our artworks,” Joanna explains.

In her own home, Joanna solves many things intuitively, painting the walls with colors she likes and selecting furniture with the same mindset.

Joanna takes a similar approach towards new furniture and lighting purchases. “I like the idea there is also room for intuition.” The intuition creates contrasts Joanna cherishes. The aluminum bookcase in the library corner or Lars Sonck’s Art Nouveau chair both give depth to serene charm of the interior.

THE HOUSE DRAWN by Ola Hansson sets the framework for a family home that lives and breathes in the present time. The architecture of the building guides visitors from the modest small-windowed street facade into the foyer and further into the spacious living room, which is bathed in light.

“The layout of the house is well-designed. I enjoy having shared spaces where we can spend time with family and friends. There is enough space in the living room for children’s huts and trick tracks. At the same time, there is space for everyone to retreat and calm down.”

Unexpected combinations and solutions make the space interesting and bring joy to it.

The sea view from the large windows of the living room brings a sense of calm year-round, even when the waves hit the pavement during autumn storms. After a storm, Joanna has a habit of walking along the shore, looking for driftwood. With a collage-like approach, she crafts seats and sculptures from them, scattered throughout the yard.

FOR THE FAMILY, who previously lived in the city centre of Helsinki, nature is now closer than before.

“The journey back home has become even more important to me. When walking through small groves and local parks, my mind shifts from work to leisure. I’m also practicing gardening and dreaming of creating a sprawling garden around our house over the years. Although right now, things are good as they are.”

See also:

• Asun Homes vol 6 bookazine >

Text: Selina Vienola Images: Paavo Lehtonen

Featured products may not be available worldwide. This story was originally published in the Asun magazine’s issue 45.