Tour a Malmö Home Filled with Smart Scandinavian Style Ideas

Goddag, goddag! While there are lots of different looks across Scandinavia, I think what the region is most famous for worldwide is its love of a neutral palette—one that balances calm minimalism with a big dose of hygge (or “mysig” as the Swedes say). But what exactly makes the difference between a space that feels a little “meh” and one that feels unique, warm, and oh-so-cosy?

This Malmö home, which until recently belonged to Elin and Kristoffer (they’ve now moved on to restore a beautiful house in nearby Österlen), is full of clever yet simple decorating tricks that make all the difference.

Let's discover what's at play. 

The first clue: the furniture mix. Rather than sticking to one style, the home features a playful blend of modern-day finds, retro gems, and antiques. Everything is kept in earthy tones, but the mix of shapes and a few design classics keep the whole space feeling interesting rather than flat.

Next: texture, texture, texture. From sheepskin and leather to wood, cotton, linen, and wool—layering textures adds instant depth to a room. It’s what makes a home feel tactile and inviting, almost begging you to reach out and touch. Neutral colors on their own can risk looking bland, but bring in a variety of textures and suddenly the space feels warm and full of life.

Scale. This is one of my favourite tricks. In this home, smaller displays are balanced out with a few oversized pieces—especially the lighting. A large pendant or table lamp makes a bold statement, adds drama, and stops a pared-back space from looking too timid. It’s a little design “surprise” that gives the room personality. 

Finally, contrast: light and dark. This is another brilliant trick you’ll spot in Scandinavian homes. By pairing light walls and furniture with darker accents—whether it’s a dark wood floor, a deep blue sofa, or even just a moody cushion – you create depth and drama. The play of light against dark keeps a calm palette from looking flat and instead makes the room feel layered and full of character. Plus, it mirrors the Nordic landscape itself, where long dark nights meet endless bright days. 

I hope you feel inspired by this glimpse into Elin and Kristoffer’s home. It’s such a lovely reminder that cosy minimalism isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing the right little things that make all the difference.

I can't wait to see what they will do with their next home. If you'd like to follow their renovation journey check it out on @ohrepersson. 

Is there anything that you love in particular about the way they have decorated their Malmö home? 

Since I’m sitting at my desk in Malmö, I feel it’s only fair to spread a little love for Sweden’s third largest city. Here are some other homes you can tour:

Inside a cosy Malmö apartment where old meets new
An artist's atelier in a converted workshop
A peek inside my friend Rene Humphrey's evolving Malmö home

Happy mid-week friends!

Niki

Photography: Markus Linderoth

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A Tour of Jennifer's Beautiful Swedish House

It’s Friday, woohooo! And I can’t think of a better way to slide into the weekend than with a dose of home inspiration. Today, we’re stepping inside a Swedish villa in the charming town of Tranås, North of Småland—an old house with a fascinating past and a beautiful new chapter.

I had the pleasure of catching up with its owner, Jennifer, who shared how she and her family have turned this historic space into something truly special. From the moment you walk through the door, you can sense both the character of the past and the warmth of the present.

Ready to hear Jennifer share more about her home, her style, and the unique charm that makes this villa a one-of-a-kind family haven? Kööör vi!

Your house is so beautiful, can you tell us where it is and a little of the history? 

The house is located in Tranås and was built in 1909 by a widow, who later sold it to a local fur trader. The town is well known for its production industries, among them fur and leather. Although the house was initially built as a private residence, it later became both a guesthouse and a restaurant. In fact, it was used as a restaurant until it stood empty for about a year and a half, before we bought it in early 2022.

What type of work have you done on the house? 

When we got the keys, it only had a commercial kitchen, so we decided to relocate the kitchen to a more suitable spot in the house and designed a timeless, built-in version meant to last—perhaps even a hundred years. We also removed nearly all the floors and restored the original wooden planks. Two bathrooms, which were in very poor condition, were also renovated.

Can you describe the interior style? 

We went for a timeless style, with colours that are not afraid to take up space. We also mixed secondhand finds with modern design pieces. Both old and new art can be seen on the wall – some from galleries, others from flea markets. While the décor nods to the past, it was important to us that the rooms don't feel like pure period pieces. The atmosphere matters more than the objects themselves.

What do you love most about your house?

What truly distinguishes this house is its generous size, soaring ceilings, and the nine fireplaces. Many locals have celebrated special occasions here—weddings, christenings, or Christmas parties. When we bought the house, we were drawn not only to its character, but also to its potential as a large home where we could invite friends and host big gatherings. It feels as though the joy people once shared within these walls remains, adding a wonderful energy to the home. What I love most is the light and all the original details—they give the house such a beautiful soul.

Thank Thank you so much, Jennifer, for sharing this beautiful tour and all the insights into your home. I have to say, those soaring ceilings and period features are the stuff of dreams!

If you’d like to see more pictures — and even find the sources for some of the pieces — pop over to Jennifer’s Instagram @villaekdala. And of course, feel free to ask away in the comments below, I’ll do my best to help.

EDIT, thank you for your request for the colour codes, here they are: 

Kitchen and bedroom storage: NCS S 4502-Y

Front door: NCS S 6010-G50Y

***

Did you enjoy the tour? Was there anything that stood out to you about Jennifer’s home? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Shall we take a peek at a few more Scandinavian homes before the weekend? Why not? Grab a coffee, settle in, and enjoy:

Before and after: A Danish townhouse is transformed into a family home
A Norwegian house by a fjord
A dream Danish house by the sea

And finally, one little thought before I leave you to the weekend: does your family have a whistle? I’d never heard of it until a friend mentioned hers — they use a unique whistle to find each other in public. She says it works like a charm and that they use it all the time. So clever! Turns out, it’s more common than I realised. Maybe the Brantmarks should work on one too!

Wishing you a fabulous couple of days — may the sun shine and may you get all the R&R you need.

Niki

Photography courtesy of @villaekdala, shared with kind permission.

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Where Life Happens Gently: Inside a Tranquil Swedish Family Home

Some days call for a sense of calm—and that’s exactly what you’ll find in the family home of @emiliaolssons. This Swedish villa is awash in soothing tones and furnished in a pared-back style, where every piece adds quiet interest. All around, glimpses of family life unfold, framed by lush greenery.

Keep an eye out for the cosy touches kept within reach: a chaise longue perfect for sinking into with a good book, and a basket of blankets tucked under the stairs, ready for chillier days. All in all, a charming family home where life happens—but calm is always just around the corner.

I have to say, I've been writing this post in the car, under a little duress as we are on our way to watch some tennis in Båstad fun - even so, this has offered me just the level of calm I needed! 

I love the snoozing family dog on the stairs, the children playing, and also all the lovely furniture and lighting. If you're looking for more information on some of the items, please visit @emiliaolssons for details. I will also try to pop in later this evening to update the post as some pieces are definitely worthy of a mention and link, so please do pop back! 

Is there anything that stands out to you about this lovely Swedish family home? If so, I'd love to hear in the comments below. 

Niki

Photography: @emiliaolssons shared with kind permission. 

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Inside a Boho Loft Apartment in a Converted Stockholm Church

I have got very carried away with sharing idyllic Scandinavian escapes lately (can you guess my mind is very much in holiday mode?), so today, I thought I’d share something a little different—less fjords and coastal cabins, more lofty ceilings and leafy houseplants. Yep, we’re staying in Sweden, but this time it’s all about urban charm in the capital city!

This characterful home is actually tucked inside what used to be a church – and now sits high above the streets of southern Stockholm. From the outside, you’d never guess there's a plant-filled, bohemian sanctuary hidden under those eaves. Inside, it’s a relaxed world of boho charm: there are sky-high ceilings, exposed beams that give it a rustic touch, and natural light pouring in from every angle.

The layout is open and airy, with a lovely flow between the kitchen and living space, plus a balcony for morning coffees or a spot of evening people-watching. The mix of old architecture and lived-in, personal style makes this place feel really special, like a little pocket of calm in the middle of the city.

Let's take the tour! 

The William Morris wallpaper is such a gorgeous touch (that rich, timeless pattern always gets me), and the retro furniture and lighting bring everything together in a nice way. I also really liked how they’ve designed the children’s room – proof that a shared space for little ones can be both practical and personal, with a thoughtful mix of open shelving and hidden storage.

What do you think of this style? Anything in particular that caught your eye?

If you’re in the mood for more boho Scandinavian interiors today, head over to the lovely bohemian style archive for more tours. 

Oh, and don’t forget—if you’ve been eyeing anything from Skandinavisk, the 20% discount is still live with code scandi20!

Wishing you a lovely start to the week!

Niki

Styling: Copparstad, Photography Boukari for Historiska Hem. 

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