Small space inspiration in monochrome

It's the weekend (almost!) and boy do I need it (more later). But first, today's home tour. Following on from what has been a bit of a black and white week, I'm taking inspiration from this monochrome space. Despite being a one room apartment the owners / designers have achieved a spacious, light and airy feel thanks to the two toned colour scheme throughout. If there's one thing I love though, it's the cactus! My grandparents had a similar one and it grew so tall they had to cut a whole through the ceiling (which became a skylight) - no joke! I've been a big fan of these prickly plants ever since, plus you rarely need to water them - what's not to love?!

Stadshem

Is there anything that stands out to you?

A few items I know and love: Thonet chairs, linen bedding, DLM side table, L:A Bruket soaps etc.

I'm so excited to introduce a sponsor today- brand new online shop Blackthumb. Founded by Nicola Fanstone after an inspiring trip to Helsinki, Blackthumb sells a smögåsbord of fab contemporary Scandinavian home and garden items including items from three of my favourite brands Sne Design (I'm in love with this felt storage basket), Ferm Living and Normann Copenhagen (dropit hook anyone?). And the good news? Blackthumb are offering readers 10% discount on any item in the shop with the code MyScandi10 until March 31st.

As mentioned above this week's been crazy. Yesterday I had a visit from TV channel Arte, and I've recently started working on a book (more info to follow at a later date) and to top it all I've also started shooting homes in Southern Sweden. It's all so exciting and what I've always dreamed of doing YAY! I just need a few days rest.... !

I hope you have some fab plans for the weekend lined up?

Have a lovely couple of days!

It all started on an unexpected trip to Helsinki, Finland. While wandering the streets on a cold spring afternoon, admiring all the beautiful and simple designs that Scandinavia is so well known for, Blackthumb was born. - See more at: http://blackthumbdecor.com/about/#sthash.wZ4hCdCE.dpuf

It all started on an unexpected trip to Helsinki, Finland. While wandering the streets on a cold spring afternoon, admiring all the beautiful and simple designs that Scandinavia is so well known for, Blackthumb was born. - See more at: http://blackthumbdecor.com/about/#sthash.wZ4hCdCE.dp

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A small space in Gothenburg in neutrals

Let's visit the Swedish west coast today and this charming space-efficient small apartment in Gothenburg. The home has many of the lovely original 1920's features including wooden floor, serving cabinets and pantry. But I also like the way it's been decorated using neutrals, dusty shades of blue and touches of wood and rattan for a warm feel. I'm a big fan of Gothenburg since it's the gateway to one of my favourite places on earth: the stunning west coast archipelago with its dozens of islands and pretty fishing villages. We love to explore it by sail boat in the summer. But in the winter, I could definitely pad around here, how about you?!

 

Stadshem

Is there anything that stands out to you about this apartment?

I'm a big fan of the brass pendant over the dining table (this one is similar). Rattan is trending right now too- are you a fan? I've got a peacock chair in my bedroom which I love (they're often coming up on Etsy), do you have anything rattan in your home?

More beautiful small space inspiration can be found here. It's amazing what you can do with a little imagination.

Have a lovely day!

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Back to beautiful basics - monochrome and brass in a Swedish space

Back to basics today with a monochrome space. Oh how I've missed you black and white! This small space 'one room' Swedish apartment for sale through 55Kvadrat is furnished with statement designer pieces (guide below) and black accent walls for a striking effect. Brass has been used as the accent 'colour' -whether in the form of designer lamps or accessories. It looks like it's a trend that's here to stay and I like it! Are you a fan of black, white and brass?

55Kvadrat

Small space inspiration indeed! 

A guide to where items are from: sitting room - the amazing brass lamp could be the Anders Pehrson bumling, Thonet 209 chair,  sheepskin throw, Cross blanket, DLM table, Hay cushion and Ferm Living half moon basket. For black wallpaper try Wilderness by Ferm Living. Kitchen - Thonet 214 chairs, Tulip dining table, Tom Dixon Etch Tea Light Holder in brass, 2015 scratched calendar.

Other fab homes with a monochrome and brass theme include this and this one.  And I've even added a touch to my guest room too!

Out of interest, do you go through waves of inspiration for your home? I've been through a bit of a lull but suddenly I have so many ideas for my house. Yesterday I picked up the most fab vintage Beni rug in Lund which is inspiration in itself (thanks for all your encouragement on IG!). And I'm planning some major projects in the next few weeks....watch this space!

Have a lovely day!

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Small space inspiration: a calm Stockholm pad

It was chaos this morning. We couldn't find anything. Breakfast was eaten on the nursery run. P forgot his laptop (the inaugural first day back after holidays- hooray!). And then it was quiet. There's something wonderful about the calm after the storm, sitting at my desk at home, sipping coffee as I type.  Which is probably why this Stockholm home resonated with me.  It's a mere 30 metre square and yet the owner / designer has succeeded in creating a serene,  uncluttered, light and airy space. It has just the right amount of colour for my taste too - a pop of red in the kitchen, a sunny yellow bag in the hall, and pastel textiles throughout. What a great home to start the week with, don't you think?

Fantastic Frank

I can't imagine a chaotic monday morning in this space can you?!

A few items I know and love: the Milk table lamp, &Tradition Raft stools, Kristina Dam Palm 1 print, La Bruket soaps, converse sneakers. 

If you're after some more small space inspiration, you might want to check out the small space archive for some great tips!  And this book is fab too.

Have a great start to the week! 

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Shades of grey in a small living space

Good morning, and happy Monday!! I hope you had a great weekend? It's finally stopped raining here (it's been raining for a week). Guh! It's still grey though so I thought, why not embrace it? After all, there's something kind of cosy about bringing the grey interiors, don't you think? This Swedish space has been decorated using shades of grey and a touch of black and white. It's actually quite incredible as it's only 38 metres square in total. The use of the space is so impressive. I often get questions asking where the storage is in the homes I show. Not here, look at that wardrobe! I also love the use of windows to divide up the different living areas. Great inspiration for anyone that's tight on space!

Skandia Mäklarna via Trendenser and Anna Gillar

A few items I know and love. Flos 265 wall light, HAY tray table, chunky moss knit blanket, sheepskin throw, Eames side chair. Dark grey bedding, black Muuto dot coat hooks.

Small space take-aways from this apartment: The same task light can be used for the sitting area and the dining area since it can be easily be swung round. The dining table is extendable for when they have guests. The coffee tables can also be used as side tables. Closed cupboard doors means the space looks less cluttered. The use of windows instead of doors to divide rooms means that light still filters through. a curtain in the bedroom can be drawn across for privacy / hide an unmade bed! The same colour theme throughout (greys and brass) give the space coherence, Anything else you notice?

What do you think of grey?

Have a lovely day!

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Small space inspiration: a lovely Swedish apartment

It's the weekend. woohoo! It's a special one in our home as my youngest turns 4! She's asked to go horse riding for her birthday so we'll be heading out into the forest with a few friends. I'm so looking forward to it as the leaves are just starting to turn red and yellow and the forest floor is lined with mushrooms and toadstools. Such a lovely time of year! Before I head off I wanted to share this lovely home with you (for sale here). Believe it or not it's only 41 metres square with the sitting room, sleeping area and home office combined in one room. Despite the limitations there's something very calm and uncluttered about it. Perfect inspiration for a small living area don't you think?

Entrance styled by Karin.

I especially love the office area. Is there anything that stands out to you?

For more small space inspiration check out the archive - warning, there's quite a few so you may want to pour yourself a coffee first!

Have you got any plans for the weekend? Taking it easy? Decorating? Walk along the beach? Kite flying? Wild night out? Would love to hear your plans and what you do in your part of the world.

Have a great couple of days and see you Monday!

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Beautifully Small - clever ideas for compact spaces

I love an interiors book. And I was especially excited to come across Beautifully Small styled and written by Sara Emslie. We all know how tricky it can be to decorate a small living space, and Beautifully Small is teeming with lovely interior images, each one illustrating clever tips and creative ideas on how to make a small living space both practical and beautiful. I had the pleasure of meeting the book's photographer Rachel Whiting when she came to shoot my home in Sweden for 'Design Bloggers at Home' last year and I can safely say she is as lovely as she is talented. Here's a sneak peek of Beautifully Small.

I think I might have to buy a few of my friends this for Christmas, what a great idea for a book?

Beautifully Small by Sara Emslie, photography by Rachel Whiting, published by Ryland Peters and Small rrp: 19.99 GBP.

Have a lovely day!

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