In our Tenant Stories series, we take a closer look at different homes and the people who live in them. Welcome to Teresa’s home in Kaleva, Tampere!

The atmosphere of a home is created through small details. In Teresa’s 26.5-square-metre studio apartment, your attention is drawn to earthy tones, a green sofa, and a window area whose décor changes with the seasons. The home feels calm and thoughtfully designed while reflecting its resident’s unique personality.

Teresa has lived in her studio apartment in a residential building in Tampere’s Kaleva district for two and a half years. When she moved from Oulu to Tampere to pursue her studies and began looking for a new home, location was her top priority.

“It was important that I could easily get to the university from here.”

In previous studio apartments, the entrance had opened directly into the main living area. This time, Teresa wanted a more clearly separated hallway and a layout with better-defined spaces. Although there were several apartments available during her search, this particular floor plan immediately caught her eye. The apartment’s size also felt just right.

“I’ve previously lived in a three room apartment, which felt a bit too large for the amount of belongings I have, so it sometimes felt rather empty. A studio of this size feels much more homely. It also has a larger-than-usual bathroom for a studio apartment, which is a really nice bonus.”

Colour Makes the Home Personal

When asked to describe her home in three words, Teresa chooses green, bright, and peaceful.

Her interior design reflects a change in her attitude towards colour. In the past, she favoured black, white, grey, and other light tones. In her current home, she has become more adventurous with colour. In particular, the dark green accents and burgundy details in the hallway bring natural warmth and character to the space.

A small white digital piano in the hallway serves as a distinctive decorative element while also providing a practical place to display ornaments and keepsakes.

Relaxing on the Green Sofa

During the summer, Teresa’s favourite spot at home is the balcony, where she often writes in her journal or reads books. On the hottest days of midsummer, the green sofa in the living area becomes an equally appealing place to relax.

The sofa is also an important gathering place when friends and family visit. Teresa’s sister and friends often stop by, and the area around the sofa becomes a place for games, conversation, and spending time together.

A Favourite Corner by the Window

One of Teresa’s favourite features in her apartment is a small window on the wall next to the kitchen. It is a detail that not every studio apartment in the building has.

The window area has also become a space that changes with the seasons. During the winter, for example, it is decorated with festive Christmas ornaments.

“I can change the décor around the window according to the season. I think it’s the perfect-sized window in the perfect location.”

Near the window sits Teresa’s favourite possession: a small mysterious glass bottle containing rose quartz crystals, herbs, and other items. She says she found it outdoors and jokingly describes it as a kind of spiritual protector.

A Peaceful Home in a Lively Neighbourhood

One of the reasons Teresa enjoys living in Kaleva is that, despite the area’s active atmosphere, her immediate surroundings feel peaceful. The city centre is close by and there is plenty of life around, yet her home always provides a calm retreat.

According to Teresa, the sense of security is also enhanced by the fact that many people live nearby. Although she is not particularly active with her neighbours, simply knowing that other people are close creates a feeling of community.

“When there are lots of people living around you, it doesn’t feel like you’re alone. Even though I live in a studio apartment, there’s still a certain sense of community here.”

Everyday Life Without a Car

Convenient local services are another important factor for Teresa. As someone who does not own a car, she especially appreciates the K-Supermarket located just across the road, making even larger weekly grocery trips easy.

A Prisma hypermarket is located a little further away, while Sammonkatu offers restaurants and a pharmacy. There is also a swimming hall and a student restaurant nearby. The area provides plenty of opportunities for exercise, and Teresa has already purchased a membership for a new gym opening in the neighbourhood.

For Teresa, everyday life runs smoothly. The university is easy to reach, essential services are close at hand, and it is always pleasant to return home after a busy day.

“For me, this place has everything a person of my age and in my current stage of life needs.”

A big thank you to Teresa for sharing her resident story, and best of luck with your studies!

P.S. Interested in living in Tampere? Browse available rental apartments in Tampere.