Yes, Mia Wähälä is my real name.
And no, I know what you are thinking. I wish Wähälä originated from the Nordic gods’ underworld Valhalla, but my name comes from a farm off the west coast of Finland. Regardless, I am really happy you found your way to this art, interior and design blog! And now you know the explanation behind this blog called Wähälä.
I set up Wähälä as a way to reconnect with my love for fine and decorative art, design and interiors. Taking on this new challenge also means I am trying out a few things with creative writing and content planning. I want to create relevant content by sharing stories about your brilliant creativity in art, interiors and design. My main aim is that you to find some fun reads on here as the blog continues to grow.
Over the years living across Europe, my personal taste in art and design has become a bit of an eclectic mix. Originally from Helsinki, I have always had a strong connection to design, art, crafts and interiors. The home or “koti” is really central to Finnish culture. The notion of a safe, cosy and beautiful nest is a favourite reoccurring theme in Nordic national romanticism. But I think there’s some truth to it too. Both sides of my family have always collected, and I grew up knowing that most objects around the house had a story behind them.
In my teens in Brussels, many weekends were spent on antiques markets in Waterloo’s infamous carpark. I used to hate those 7am wake ups but now looking back they are one of my fondest memories of living in the city.
I moved to Berlin from London in 2015, after finishing my art history masters and working in antiques and auction houses. During those years and since living here in Berlin, I have met some of the most magical and talented people. They are a huge part of my inspiration to start Wähälä. To all of you, thank you for being awesome! I hope Wähälä will inspire you as much as you have inspired me.
The Getty, February 2017. Photo © Mia Wähälä