Sunlight streams through the tall windows of an old ground-floor commercial space in Helsinki Punavuori district. It filters gently across the deep wine-red window frame, where Maria Veitola sits with her coffee cup and laptop. This is where she often writes – or simply watches life go by outside.
Her new studio was found just a short walk from home, in a century-old stone building. Stepping inside for the first time, she was immediately struck by the room’s vastness — and by the bright violet walls that covered everything from floor to ceiling.
“With more than four meters of ceiling height, it was quite the challenge — and that color! I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Luckily, I found great professionals to help me; I could never have done this alone,” Maria laughs.
The transformation began when she asked her friend, designer Samu-Jussi Koski, for help — someone whose taste she trusts completely. “Samu always comes up with brilliant ideas, like what to do with an ugly bathroom door, cover it with a mirror! Now, with the renovation complete, it looks like the space continues endlessly,” Maria says, smiling.
“When I’m alone in the office, I often sit on the windowsill, lean against the burgundy frame, and write whatever I happen to be working on. From there, I can see the whole rhythm of Punavuori life,” she continues.
Samu-Jussi recalls the project fondly: “We’ve been friends for so long that I already had a clear idea of what Maria wanted. We aimed for timelessness and a touch of classic charm — a studio that would stand the test of time. For a friend who creates quality journalism, we wanted a space with quality too: design classics, a blend of old and new, a hint of blue, and maybe even some lace. A bit like a wedding, so you could go to one every day.”
The chosen color palette was all about atmosphere. Maria and Samu-Jussi wanted to create a calm, inspiring space where thoughts could flow freely. The ceilings, walls, trim, and arched doorways were painted in 006 ENID, a soft linen hue, complemented by carefully placed accent colors: LB2 ASTRID, a deep blue windowsill; 025 OSCAR, a burgundy-red frame; and i01 EEVA, a warm linen tone in the kitchen area. In the back rooms, a delicate pink 023 FRANCIS and a bright cool yellow 031 CHARLES add a playful surprise.
As the sun moves across the room, the tones soften even further. The eye drifts from one wall to another, lingering on Réka Király’s textile piece — itself deeply meditative. Everything in the space flows naturally and gently, creating a sense of quiet presence. Visitors, even the first of the day, instantly feel at ease here.
“I was inspired by Italian office spaces from the 1980s — they had this timeless yet airy quality that encouraged thinking. That was the starting point for this space too,” says Koski.
Maria chose Cover Story paints for their subtle depth and serene surface. “I’ve been to many beautiful spaces, and whenever I’ve asked what paint they used, the answer has always been the same: Cover Story. There’s a certain calmness and balance in their tones and finish. Plus, they’re low-emission and made in Finland – that matters to me,” she says.
Each morning when Maria arrives at her studio, she follows the same small ritual: she drops her keys into a wooden bowl, lights a candle, and checks on her plants. “Then I know I’m at work. In this space, my mind slows down and my thoughts begin to settle," she shares.
“My studio is carefully curated — only beautiful, meaningful things, nothing extra,” she adds.
Even though the studio is complete, Maria says it continues to evolve. “There’s room here to think, and to change. The small accent areas bring a sense of playfulness and surprise, both of which I need in my work.”
Compared to her home, the studio feels more refined and serene. “At home, there are more colors, art, and life. That’s a compromise between three people and two cats. This space, though, is mine. More grown-up, more focused perhaps. But still connected — they’re definitely from the same family,” Maria reflects.
Text: Jenni Rosenström
Photography: Unto Rautio
Location: Maria Veitola’s studio in Punavuori, Helsinki
