Nina’s Way of Finding Calm in Everyday Family Life

LIVING WITH KIDS

Nina’s Way of Finding Calm
in Everyday Family Life

Meet Nina Vaittinen. A school social worker, mother of two, and design enthusiast living in Pennala, Finland. With a love for timeless interiors and family-friendly functionality, Nina has created a home that reflects both personality and practicality.

@onnenmaki

With a love for contrast and charm, Nina crafts a home where playful details and lasting function coexist.

With a love for contrast and charm, Nina crafts a home where playful details and lasting function coexist.

Why did you choose your home, and how does it reflect your family life today?

"We built our home three years ago with the goal of creating something long-lasting and adaptable. It’s designed to support us as our kids grow. It already works beautifully for our needs today, and I trust it will continue to do so in the future."

How has your interior style changed since becoming a mother?

"My overall style hasn’t changed much, but I now focus more on practicality. Washable, durable materials are a must, and I consider how everything works for little people too. It’s about blending beauty with function."

How do you balance creating a tidy home while embracing everyday mess with kids?

"For me, the key is that everything has a designated place. We’ve taught our kids from early on to put things back after use. That said, I believe play and creativity should be visible. A home is meant to be lived in, not preserved like a museum."

What small design choices have made your home feel both family friendly and personal?

"I love contrast and layering. Mixing old and new, soft and structured pieces. It’s important that our home doesn’t look like it came from one catalogue. I want it to feel like us. And most of all, I want every family member to feel like this is their home."

What are your thoughts on decorating your child’s room, and how did you choose colors, furniture and style?

"A child’s room should feel like a safe space that suits their size and personality. I love how children’s furniture mimics adult designs. There’s something charming about that. Our kids got to help choose the colors and style of their rooms, with a bit of guidance to keep things in harmony with the rest of the home."

Which family routines or habits make your house feel most like “home”?

"We spend lots of time together. Reading, drawing, crafting, playing. One of my favorite moments is curling up on the couch in pajamas after brushing teeth for our nightly bedtime story. Those small shared routines bring warmth to our home and make it truly ours."

Name one piece of furniture or decor you value highly and share the story behind it.

"Our old brown dresser means a lot to me. It was a wedding gift to my grandparents in 1952, the same year as the Helsinki Olympics. It’s weathered over time, even suffered water damage, but it’s still standing."

Which three Nofred Products are your favorites and how do you use them in your home?

"Definitely the Mouse family: Chair, bench, and junior chair. They blend playfulness with functionality perfectly. The Mouse chairs are ideal in the kids’ rooms, and the junior chair has become a staple in our dining area. They’re designed for children, but honestly, even adults enjoy using them."