Piettolan Tila Retreat Space
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Anyone who enters the retreat space mentions its beautiful energy. Many say the space is like a temple.
Project Scope
Color scheme & mood board | Surface materials and finishes | Furniture layout & plan | Lighting plan & selection | Textile plan | Interior styling | Final staging and finishing touches
Location: Lohjansaari, Finland
Size: approx 90 m2
Project timeline: approx. 6 months (entire renovation)
Retreat Space Before
Retreat Space Transformation
The Piettolan Tila project involved transforming an old and unused horse stable into a serene multipurpose retreat space where guests can practise yoga and reconnect with themselves, nature and find peace. My approach to this design was rooted in creating a harmonious, calming environment inspired by the surrounding Nordic forest. The key design elements included the use of non-toxic, natural materials like clay paint, linen, cotton, wool and wood, a nature-inspired color palette of soft greens, earthy beiges, and whites, and a 6-meter-long living plant wall designed in partnership with a plant specialist from Juureva Design to bring the Nordic outdoors inside.
Designing with the energy of the space in mind was essential; every detail was chosen to cultivate a sense of balance and tranquility, ensuring the space felt as calm as it looked.
I incorporated custom-made pieces, including a sofa table, sofa, and side tables, designed to perfectly complement the room’s natural aesthetic and functional needs, adding a unique, personal touch. I balanced these with vintage furniture, including cherished pieces from my client’s grandparents, to bring a sense of history and warmth. The space became sustainable and rich in character by thoughtfully weaving in second-hand treasures.
The final result is a tranquil haven that promotes holistic well-being. My client and her guests have shared how the space evokes a deep sense of calm, comfort, and connection to nature, making it the perfect retreat for relaxation and mindfulness.
"Essi has a unique ability to understand the space and its energy, and it was amazing to see how the space came alive in her hands, bringing harmony to what had been a chaotic worksite. As a designer, Essi is bold and open. It felt natural and inspiring to do conscious design work with Essi, and I highly recommend her both as a collaborator and as an interior designer."
Green wall: Juureva Design
The goal was to create a space that would serve as a restorative and calming environment for people, so I felt that a connection to nature and a forest-like atmosphere would help achieve this. I came across Essi on Instagram, and I immediately felt she was a designer who could see the space from a deeper perspective and understand that this was not "just" about beautiful interior design but about creating the right atmosphere and energy in the space.
From the outset, Essi took me on a visual journey, exploring the ideal space where my business, my clients, and I could thrive. Her ability to translate this vision into a design and color scheme that resonated with me on every level was truly remarkable. Essi is a very down-to-earth designer who values quality, naturalness, pure materials, and recycling. She listens well to the client's wishes and finds creative solutions to fulfill them.
We were able to concretely bring the vision to life with various elements, such as a long forest wall (which also used forest materials from the land on the property), which plays a major role in the space. Now, I feel very peaceful in this space, and it's easy for me to start manifesting what I want to bring into my life in this next phase. My clients also enjoy the space, praise its energy, and take with them exactly the kind of energy I hoped they would gain. The harmony of the space and its strong, grounded energy encourage me to move even deeper along my path and to boldly embrace everything that is meant for me.
Essi Koski-Lammi
Essi Koski-Lammi is a business mentor, intuitive healer and conscious interior designer who works at the intersection of identity, business and space. She supports women founders and entrepreneurs in stepping into the next level of who they are becoming and creating businesses and environments that truly reflect them. With an MSc in Business, a background in global branding and marketing, a diploma in interior design, and over 20 years of experience in meditation and energy healing, Essi brings together strategic clarity and deep inner work. Through her work, women gain the courage to lead their businesses more visibly, make aligned decisions and shape businesses, homes and workspaces that support their growth and wellbeing.
