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Details that Elevate the Room at Our Summer Cottage


This post is kindly sponsored by Corston. I only work with brands I love. Thank you for supporting the amazing companies that make My Scandinavian Home possible. 

A few weeks ago, I shared the before and after pictures from our summer cottage bedroom renovation. Per, the girls and I went up over the weekend, and I was so happy to open the door to the room once again. I think something happens when you renovate a space yourself, do you agree? - you get a special connection with it. 

A labour of love, we're really happy with the big changes we made, but when it comes down to daily life, what really makes the difference funnily enough, are the details! Read on to discover some of the details we paid special attention to and why. 

To me, the items you touch in a room are incredibly important to the overall experience. When carrying out a renovation, it's often the small details such as a tap, cabinet handles and utensils in a kitchen or the door handle and light switches in a bedroom that make all the difference and elevate the space. 

In this renovation, we picked out the details from Corston architectural details, a UK based company selling throughout Europe. Their collection includes premium switches, sockets, hardware and lighting in antique brass, polished nickel and brass, all designed to elevate a room. 

In the bedroom, I was weary that the first thing you touch when you enter a room is the door handle - so I picked out the sprung Digby Bronze door handle with a traditional look and feel to match the style of the cottage. Dark bronze is a popular material in Swedish summer cottages and country homes and is often seen on door handles and curtain rods. I love the contrast with the white of the door! 

We're so happy we finally sorted out the electrics too. Up until now, we haven't had an overhead light - and you'd need to scramble through the darkness to fumble for the bedside lamp switch on the opposite side of the room. An electrician came in to rewire the room, adding a beautiful antique brass dimmer switch beside the door as well as an antique brass wall socket which has already come in handy for the heater, vacuuming etc! 

On the far side of the room, we had only had one wall socket located directly behind the middle of the bed. One of the best things we did, was change this to two separate sockets either side of bed - way more practical! 

We picked out the antique brass wall socket with space for two plugs and two USC so that we can plug in everything from lamps and laptops to phones. They've added a touch of luxury to our humble little cottage! 

And finally, other important details: a small collection of shells from the nearby beach... resting on top of a pretty little vintage side table which has always been there!


AND a freshly baked cardamom bun from the nearby bakery. Of course! 

Edible details are the best, don't you think? 

And now, we feel the room is finally complete! 

I hope you have felt inspired by these details too! 

If you're renovating, I can highly recommend checking out Corston to see the complete collection of handles, switches and hardware. They have something for every home! 

Do you have any details in your home that you love in particular? If so, please do inspire us all with the details in the comments below! 

See you tomorrow with a beautiful scandi home tour.

Kram! 

Niki

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8

Budget Makeover: A Boiler Room Becomes a Lovely Guest Bedroom


At the cottage we have a garage with concrete walls and lots of spiders and I sometimes look at it wistfully, wondering if it could be transformed into a guest room. Have you got a basement, unused, neglected garage or other room that's currently uninhabitable but has potential? if so, like me, you might feel incredibly inspired by Anna Truelsen's latest budget DIY make-over! 

I've featured Anna's home several times before on My Scandinavian Home, and now the Swedish interior stylist has turned her hand to the boiler room. Formerly a dumping ground (just like me attic!), Anna could see the potential in her boiler room as a guest room. Read on to see how it looked before and how they revamped it by hand on a budget. 

Before

The boiler room is in the basement of Anna's home. Despite being relatively large, the concrete shell is a dumping ground for building materials, household items and other bits and bobs. 

The first step was to clear out the room and then Anna set to work removing the crumbling plaster. They then removed a couple of pipes and re-plastered the walls and ceilings. Once dry they painted the walls, ceilings and exposed pipes with a fresh lick of white paint. 

After

What a transformation! 


They washed the original concrete floor before adding a series of fluffy rugs for a cosy touch and to dampen sound. A simple linen curtain was installed to hide the boiler system. 

A small amount of light slips in through a window on the left, simple touches like mirrors, candles and a light (all vintage) help to supplement the natural light, while cushions (which Anna made from an old rug that she bought in Marrakesh many years ago) add a homely feel. 

I also love the natural linen bed spread (source a similar natural linen one here*).  

An old Thonet chair* serves as a bedside table. 

A classic Swedish candle (source similar vintage brass candleholders*) adds a warm touch to the room.

***

Truly inspiring, and evidence that our cottage garage could become a wonderful guest bedroom after all. We just need to find somewhere for all the clobber first! 

I hope you've felt inspired by Anna's boiler room makeover too!

If so, you might also like to checkout: 


Stor kram! 

Niki

Photography: Anna Truelsen, shared with kind permission
*this post includes affiliate links which means that if you click on the link and buy something I will receive a small amount of money. 

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5

Tiny Cabin Update: Panelling, Wood floors & Our Cosy Bed Nook


Disclosure: Norrlands Trä have kindly agreed to collaborate with us on this project

Things are taking shape in our little cabin at a rapid pace, so I felt it was time for an update!

Here's the lowdown and a few snapshots - plus I'm looking for some advice on the mattress situation further down the post (looking at you van owners!), please feel free to share your tips in the comment section and ask any questions!

Wall and ceiling panels

As you know, we were adamant about having panelling as we felt it would be a great way to create a relaxed coastal cabin feel. Are you a fan too? 

Having researched the various different styles of panelling - from contemporary to traditional we settled on the more modern Borstad Slätspont in white S0502-Y from Swedish brand Norrlands Trä

The wall and ceiling panelling gave the cabin an instant lift and feels contemporary yet coastal, smart yet relaxed - I love it when a plan comes together! 

Wood floor
The day I took the above picture it was freezing outside, and I couldn't help thinking how 'cold' the cabin felt with the concrete foundation. So, I quickly got to work on finding a wood floor.

We decided on the primed parquet pine floor in ultra protect white, also from Norrlands Trä. Light pine is a classic choice for Swedish summer cottages as it has a pared back, understated feel yet still has that wonderful softness and warmth. 

Side note: Pine is soft, which means it can be dented / marked quite easily. If you do go for this type of flooring, it's something you ned to bear in mind. We figured that wood is a living, breathing material which changes with time, and we'd embrace any marks the family make! Having said that, we'll be laying rugs in 'high flow' spots such as the kitchen, living room and dining area to protect the floor and add that all important hygge! 

After: 


I love that you can clearly see the grain and knots in the wood, it really helps to draw nature indoors and adds texture and depth to the space. 


The bed nook
In our plans, we included a nook for a 160 cm bed (with more space bunks in the loft). Since the cabin is small (30 m2 / 322 sq ft) it would also need to double up as storage without compromising on aesthetics (you know me!). Below is how the space looked during the build (while being surveyed by Per!):


This is how it looked once the panelling, floor and railings went in:

And finally, The bed nook
I did a ton of research into 160 cm beds with front storage but couldn't find anything! So, in the end we designed a wall-mounted bed platform with central legs and two VERY long pull-out drawers on wheels (see below). Leftover panels were used for the fronts for a seamless look. 

And we finally had a bed! 

Sidenote: we're working on the air circulation -most likely, we'll drill holes in the base and also add a special air circulator layer under the mattress (without this, bacteria can build up and a mattress can quickly become mouldy underneath). This still a work in progress though, so tips are very welcome! 

In the meantime, we're so looking forward to sleeping and hanging out right here. So excited!

I hope you enjoyed this update! Please do give me a shout below if you have any questions. 

I'm so looking forward to sharing other areas of the cabin with you soon. 

Wishing you a trevlig helg! (lovely weekend!), 

Niki 

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36

14 Ways To Add a Touch of Scandi Luxury To Your Bedroom This Winter


// Paid partnership with Carpe Diem Beds, all words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too*

The North of Sweden experienced its first dusting of snow this week - a sign that winter is on its way! Eeek! Here in the south, the mornings have become progressively darker and as the cold wind blows, we're starting to migrate indoors. And there's nowhere I'd rather be than in bed!  

I guess there's nothing too unusual about that. They say the average person spends 26 years of their life sleeping (seriously?) add to that reading, and luxurious lie-ins and we're talking a serious amount of time in bed!

With this revelation in mind, winter looming, and a wonderful trip to visit the birthplace of Carpe Diem Beds on Sweden's West coast still fresh in my mind, I felt inspired to give my bedroom a complete Scandinavian luxury makeover just in time for winter. Here are 14 tips in case you'd also like to add a little luxury to your boudoir this winter! 

1. Invest in a bed that's just right for you! No amount of luxurious bedlinen can compensate for a mattress that's not suited to your needs! If you haven't already, speak to a bed expert to find out what type of mattress you need. Per and I tested a load of different beds before choosing our Sandö bed from Carpe Diem Beds a few years back. Each side has a different firmness, and it's transformed the way we sleep and how we feel when we wake up. I'm not going to lie, Per still snores though! 

2.  Invest in a good mattress topper: I promise, this will make all the difference to your comfort! Since the climate is really variable with cold winters and warmish summers in Sweden, we chose a mattress topper with a cotton-lined side for summer and a wool-lined side for winter (I just flipped it this week in fact!). There are lots of varieties on the market to suit all budgets so do take a look!

3. Use a mattress protector: not only will this protect your mattress - it will also make your bed feel even more cosy when you slip under the covers. 

4. Use the right duvet for the season: Depending on the climate you live in and how well the temperature in your room is regulated (according to research, the ultimate bedroom temperature is a relatively cool 18.3 degrees celsius / 65 degrees Fahrenheit) - you ned to make sure you have the right duvet to suit your needs according to the season. My daughter recently described our duvets as 'fluffy cloud' - high praise indeed! 

5. Use two single duvets rather than a double: Yes, REALLY! This might not come as a surprise to you if you live in Scandinavian or some parts of Europe. But it's really the only way to get the absolute BEST night sleep possible simply because you can choose your own duvet thickness, stick limbs out at will, and won't fight over the covers! 

6. Use a pillow (or two) that's just right for your needs: An essential element - as the firmness / style will  totally affect the way you sleep. My Mum also taught me to always use a pillow protector (this could be as simple as covering your pillow with an old, worn-out pillowcase which will then go under your a actual pillowcase). I've also added larger cushions which match the bed upholstery (Zaragoza Eggshell by Designers Guild) to have something to cosy up against while reading.  

7. Make your bed with beautiful linen! Let me in on you a secret, Per never texts me. If he does, it will be two letters, like 'OK'! But the other day after I'd prepped our bedroom for winter, he sent me a text that read: 'this bedding is incredible'. 

An unprecedented four words without prompt! 

The secret: it's all in the thread count - the higher the thread count the more luxurious it feels and our new Havbris bedlinen has an immensely high thread count of 500. Also, dare I say it - a simple iron makes a big difference too - boring! 


8. Keep a spare blanket to hand: just in case of drafts, extra cold feet etc! 

9. Add soft, warm lighting and a beautiful scent: Tap into all the senses by adding a lovely warm glow and a beautiful scent to the room. This hand poured Gryning candle smells divine! 

Word of caution, be vigilant- never leave a naked flame unattended and always ensure it's well away from anything flammable. 

10. Coffee and a good read: what would a luxurious lie-in be without either of these? 

11. Add somewhere to sit: hopping around the room on one foot while getting dressed / undressed doesn't spell luxurious - so make sure you include a place to sit- weather a bench, ottoman or footstool (the latter adds an instant 'dressing room' feel. 

12. Treat yourself to some heavenly nightwear: whatever your preferred style, make sure it feels wonderful against your skin and you can move freely (like this silk robe!). 

13. Keep moisturisers to hand: skin dries out so much more in the winter!


14. Turn off your phone and relax!

All this writing about winter luxury bedrooms makes me want to go straight back to bed, and the clocks haven't even gone forward yet. 

I hope this has given you a few ideas for your own bedroom. Please do feel free to add your own tips in the comment section below! 

Sov Gott! / Sweet dreams! 

Niki

*This post is brought to you in paid collaboration with Carpe Diem Beds and includes gifted items. All words are my own and I only ever recommend brands I love and think you will too. Thank you for supporting the Scandinavian businesses that make My Scandinavian Home possible. 

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12

Favourite Small Touches in My Bedroom Right Now

You may have noticed that my bedroom has been the centre of attention these past few weeks. I reckon deep down it's because I'm preparing for my winter hibernation - and a whole load of reading under those bed covers! Do you find yourself naturally gravitating indoors over the autumn / winter too? I realised today that I've shared a load of info about the larger items in the room - such as the wall colour, as well as the armchair, headboard and bed covers (which reminds me, tomorrow is the last day to claim your 20% discount if you're looking to buy something from Bemz - more info here!), but since the devil is in the detail, I also wanted to share some info about the smaller pieces! 

I've had the bedside stool for years - and I have to say, it's one of my favourite pieces. I see they sell similar at the Old Wooden Stool* company. The Ikornnes mirror is from IKEA (I love the ash finish and that you can hang clothes on the rail on the back (maybe I might just hang my clothes up at night for once!).  

This beautiful wall light is the Arum wall light* by Danish brand Ferm Living. I love how it's similar to the wall colour yet still stands out due to its form. Do you like it too? 

On my bedside table is the pretty Vulca mini vase with grey dots and beside that is the Vulca mini vase agave - leaving just enough space for a coffee / glass of water and a book! Below is the large Vulca Vase* (do you see a pattern forming?). I love the irregularity and texture. 

Another new piece: the Motljus print* by Sandra Blomén Machinsky. 'Motljus' means 'backlight' in Swedish. It might make its way up on the wall soon, but for now, I love looking at it from my side of the bed! 

Our windowsill doubles up as a ledge for plants and books (and more often than not, a row of coffee cups and glasses!). I've also added the Anse vase* and Anse pot (how cool are the handles?).

Through the window, you can just make out the outline of a building - and beyond that, is the sea. When are neighbours have their curtains open, we can see the sparkling waters through their windows! I'm not sure if an estate agent would classify that as a 'sea view' but we'll take it! 

The bedside light is the classic Mantis BS3 table lamp - I've had it for donkeys and never grow tired of it. 

Peeking behind the vase is my book The Scandinavian Home - I don't usually surround myself with my own books, I promise! 

One of the most asked about items in my bedroom is the pendant light. It's from Paris au mois d'aout. It's also a point of contention as I've had a few comments questioning the size and height over the bed. It works for us, but I guess we're used to it! I love to play with scale and feel that it's important to have at least one thing in a room that's oversized. It adds so much interest. 

The bench is from Skovby and under foot is the Tisca Olbia rug (we painted the wood floor in 'Strong White' - from Farrow & Ball, which strangely, is actually a pale shade of grey!). 

I think that's everything but if I missed anything please do give me a shout below! 

Speaking of which, I'm working to fix commenting issues this week so bear with me if it looks a bit weird / not working in the way you'd like - hopefully it'll be resolved in the next few days. 

Har det så bra!

Niki

Photography: Niki Brantmark 

*This post contains gifted press items and affiliate links - which means that if you click on a link and buy an item I might make a very teeny amount of money, perhaps enough to cover a morning coffee (a small one!). 

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4

Bedroom Details: One bench, Two Different ways

Sponsored by Skovby, all words and photos are my own and I only ever work with brands I love

Do you find that you only know something was missing until you add it - often by accident? I was asked by Danish brand Skovby to photograph the beautiful #833 Bench. I was originally considering placing it by the kitchen table, or in the hallway - but following my bedroom make-over last week, I realised where it really belongs is at the foot of my bed! If you have the space for one, benches are ideal as they can be used for so many different things - a place to sit and get dressed in the morning, somewhere to enjoy a cup of coffee (it makes a great midpoint between languishing in bed and entering the world!) - or a perfect place to store books and other treasures. Here's this beauty of a bench, styled two different ways: 

1. The dressing bench 
Why hop about the room trying to put on socks when you can chill on a bench in style! Place a little basket underneath for slippers or chunky knit socks and blankets. If you feel the chill in the night, you can reach down and grab it, without even rustling the covers! 

Any bench will do, as long as it's the right length. But I have to say, the Skovby #833 Bench is absolutely beautiful - and ideal. It's crafted from solid wood and 170 cm long making it a perfect three-seater and an ideal length for a180 cm wide bed (it's little sister, the #832 bench is 120 cm is suitable for narrower ones). 

If you prefer a darker look, it's also available in oak oil and black oak versions - all with the lovely brass detail. 

2. The storage bench:
The long surface makes this bench an ideal place for books and other items - a little like a mini library at the foot of your bed!  For this styling we also added a vase with lilac from the garden - but I am the first to admit it's not entirely practical as Per pointed out (while removing countless cushions before settling in for the night!!). I was merely exercising a little artistic license, and it does look pretty, right?

Not only does solid wood have a beautiful patina, it can also last a lifetime when handled with care. Soap and vegetable oils can help to impregnate, nourish and maintain the wood so it stays beautiful. 

Needless to say, I'm keeping this bench right where it is! 

Which look / use do you prefer ? Could you imagine having a bench at the end of your bed? Or perhaps you already do! 

If you're feeling inspired, hop over to Skovby to find your nearest store


Have a fabulous, relaxing weekend - see you Monday! 

Niki

Photography: Niki Brantmark

This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Skovby. All words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too! Thank you for supporting the exceptional Scandinavian businesses that make My Scandinavian Home possible. 

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