Finnish flamboyance

Ann-Mari has bucked the national trend and decorated her flat with vintage finds and also a dramatic - and unusual colour palette

- JONNA KIVILAHTI

Think Finland, think clean lines, white walls and minimal contemporary furniture. This was not the aesthetic of choice for AnnMari Månsson and her partner Henrik in their flat in the Finnish town of Ekenäs. Here, white is offset with black-painted woodwork, daring gold details (including, ingeniously, gold leaf-covered kitchen tiles) and William Morris wallpaper. And, when it comes to furnishings, almost everything is old. In fact, only the bed, sofa and a few other pieces are new. 

'Growing up, we didn't have the opportunity to buy new things, so buying second-hand has always been my first choice. As an adult I'm still very critical of buying new things, although now I have different reasons. I think we should all be mindful of the way we use nature's resources. Antiques also bring a certain depth and authenticity to spaces that new things just can't compete with. I find comfort and a sense of peace when surrounded with antiques.'