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. 

See also: the perfect counter stool in my kitchen, Per's home office, my temporary dining room update and  a new glass cabinet. 

Have a fabulous, relaxing weekend - see you Monday! 

Niki

Photography: Niki Brantmark

Styling: Helen Sturesson

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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12 outdoor shower ideas from rustic to semi-luxury!

At our summer cottage, the garden is one big open space waiting to be converted into a series of 'rooms'. I have so many dreams of how to make the most it, from flowerbeds and a vegetable patch, to an outdoor kitchen and hot tub. But where to start? 

I know exactly where! One of my biggest dreams is to be able to shower under the open sky. For those of you living in warmer climes maybe this is something you enjoy often. In Scandinavia, where the weather can be, shall we say, temperamental, it's something of a luxury! 

But wherever you call home, isn't the idea of washing off the sand from the beach surrounded by bird song or, if you live in the city, showering away the stresses and strains of the day in the evening sun wonderful?

Here are 12 outdoor showers I am using as inspiration for our summer cottage, some rustic, some more substantial! Do you have a favourite? 

The unshielded shower 

Sometimes, it's enough just to make use of what you already have, a tree, the garden wall, side of the house, or a simple shower surrounded by greenery!

Sometimes, it's enough just to make use of what you already have, the garden wall, side of the house, or a simple shower surrounded by greenery! 

The semi-shielded shower

This type of shower uses the structure you already have - whether it'a the side of the house or a garden fence, but also includes an added section to create an L-shaped space.  Notice how the soil directly beneath has been dug out and replaced with simple pebbles, topped with a small wood decking for comfort. 

The shower above uses an upturned pot for towels and other items. 

I love the use of a wooden ladder to hang towels.

A bench provide s a nice spot for shower gel, a lantern and other bits and pieces. 

Here a section between the main house and guesthouse has been used as an outdoor bathroom complete with a bench, hooks and wind-chime for the ultimate in relaxation! 

The private shower

While it's lovely to be able to see the shower from a distance, you might also value some privacy - in which case these ideas might be more your style! 

A spiral structure is great for stand-alone showers - while the lovely natural wood blends in with nature and serves as a place to hang towels. Here are some dimensions to follow if you're thinking of building something similar. 

This stand-alone shower has a full structure more like a cubicle - with space for a small bench and towel hooks. 

This structure makes clever use of the garden fence to create an ivy covered alfresco shower. 

I love the idea of an outside mirror - it's taking the outdoor bathroom idea to the next level! Plus it will reflect the surrounding nature and sunlight! Whether you go large or small (like the mirror below) is up to you! Both are lovely though! 

I hope you've enjoyed this round-up! Is there a style that stood out to you in particular? 

Are you thinking of building an outdoor shower this spring? If so, check out this DIY guide by Better Homes & Gardens. 

There are a variety of outdoor showers available online from off-grid solar to fully plumbed hot water. I'll let you know which one I find for our garden when we get nearer the time. 

Maybe you already have an outdoor shower? If so, please do share your tips and experiences with us! 

You can find more outdoor bathroom inspiration here today: 

16 beautiful outdoor bath and shower ideas

10 summer cottages with inspiring outdoor spaces

An idyllic swedish summer cottage with outdoor shower and kitchen

Stor kram! 

Niki

1. Dwell 2. anon 3. AAL design 4. Birgitte Wolfgang Bjørnvad / Bolig  5. Frederikke Heiberg / Femina 6- 9 Anon.10. Birgitte Wolfgtang Bjørnvad / Bobedre 11. Employee shower at the Grounds for Sculpture 12. Sibella Court

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Making An Entrance: 10 Beautiful Scandinavian Inspired White and Wood Hallway Solutions

The hallway / entrance of a home is so important. Done right, and it can create beautifully calm, stress free mornings as well as set the scene for a warm, welcome home. Unfortunately, as a family of five, I'm starting to realise that it's also one of the hardest places to keep tidy - especially in the Swedish winter when everyone needs the most ridiculous amount of clobber (think snow trousers, hats, scarves, gloves, reflectors, helmets!...) - waaah! Do you feel the same?! Just in case, I've rounded-up ten Scandinavian-inspired wood and white hallway solutions, for the bohemian to the minimalist  and everyone in between! I hope you find some ideas for your own entrance!

1. Going boho (above):Yasmine's artsy hallway above (see the full tour of her home here) is all about the vintage, relaxed vibe. A rustic wood bench doubles up as a place to sit as well as provide a ledge for art, flowers and other items. Add a wall-mounted rack (with over 16 hooks no less!) and you're good to go! Perfect if you live alone or as a couple - or have another place to stash all that extra stuff for the kids!

Get the look: Try Etsy* for a similar rustic wooden bench*. This artwork* is similar.

2. Industrial Touch: when you have towering ceilings like these it'd be crazy not to make full use of the height! This clothes rail means you can double up on space (store the lesser used items on top and keep a hook handy). Kind of cool, in a contemporary industrial way - and practical too!

Henrik Nero for Alexander White 

Get the look: configure your own wall-mounted clothes rack.

3. Your very own island: Particularly good if your front door opens straight into a larger room like a sitting room, this solution helps to carve out an entrance-way and provide a place for shoes, bits and bobs. Smart!!

Leroy Merlin

Get the look: Try Ikea for simple wood and white wall mounted units like these. 

4. Clean and contemporary: This sleek hallway is ideal for the minimalists out there who don't have a husband with fluorescent orange squash shoes (apparently they were on sale). I'm liking how the shelving is open so you can grab and go!

Munk Collective

Get the look: items from Danish design firm Munk Collective. Try Farrow & Ball Strong White for the same pale grey floor (I have the same in my bedroom). 

5. Hanging Around: Love this all-in-one wooden solution - which sadly isn't big enough for my family's hallway needs - but if you're one or two, you're in luck! I'm thinking it would look perfect in a guest bedroom too!

Woud

Get the look: Tojbox, Oak storage by Danish firm Woud
6. DIY benchwork: This simple DIY solution made from plywood is ideal for a larger family with a whole load of stuff to store (I'm thinking, a 'bucket' each?!). Plus the surface can double up as a place to sit or plonk bags. Add a row of hooks above (in any shape or form) and you've got yourself a pretty neat and organised hallway!

Kotoisin.fi

Get the look: Get creative and build these with a little help from your local hardware store - or ask a local carpenter to make customised units to fit your space.

7. Behind closed doors: all hail built-in storage which makes the most of every inch (particularly awesome if you have a small hallway) - and keeps everything looking neat even if you have a lorry load of stuff. And this design has a built-in bench too! Yay!

Get the look: Ask around for a skilled carpenter to help re-create this or speak to the kitchen designers at IKEA (or other kitchen suppliers). 


8. It's a wrap! Despite the low quality picture I really wanted to include this! Built out of plywood, the customised unit makes use of otherwise dead space around a doorway and create bags of room  - genius!

9. Under the stairs: While creating this post I really wanted to try to offer a solution for everyone. In the UK, narrow hallways which run in line with the stairs are fairly common and leave little or no room for storage (my parents have an entrance exactly like this). This under-the stairs-solution pull-out solution is so clever! Not only does it provide plenty of space for yourself, you can close it up for a neat, minimalist look. "Stuff? What stuff?"

Matic & Garau

Get the look: a local carpenter can create custom-made storage like this for you. Add Muuto dots for everyday pieces. 

10. Airy Minimalism: This beautifully simple, narrow hallway in the beach house of Karine Kong is so dreamy. Clean and contemporary yet with a airy, beach vibe, it's perfect for a family with few belongings living somewhere lovely and warm.

Bodie & Fou

Get the look: view the complete hallway make-over 

I think I might just have got one step further to a new hallway that actually works. I'm looking at you number 7!

Did any particular solution stand out to you?

Feel free to leave hallway tips and tricks you've discovered below, I'm all ears!

Have a lovely day!

Niki

//Affiliate links marked with *

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A Beautiful, Spanish Style House in California

It's a little grey here in Scandinavia today so I thought I'd escape to Altadena, California for today's home tour - fancy joining me?! This beautifully renovated home is the work of interior designer Rosa Beltran of Homepolish. Rosa told Domino magazine that the "home was a badly done faux Mediterranean 1990's spec house" when she was called in to help. After countless structural changes, interior updates and newly sourced furniture and light fittings, the house has been transformed into a beautiful, light and modern Spanish architectural style house. Let's take a tour.

// affiliate links marked with * //

The ceilings in the sitting room are 9 metres (30 foot) high - Rosa felt they made such a dramatic statement, the room didn't need many other elements. My eyes are also on that tree in the corner of the room - it's such a clever way to add a little height and draw the eye upwards.

Roost padron chair, Batik cushion*, Moroccan pouf*

The extra wide windowsill also doubles as a lovely nook - and a perfect spot for a morning coffee looking out over the garden. Imagine?!

Layered rugs soften the look of the monochrome stairwell, and the tribal fabrics add an exotic touch to an otherwise classic look.

Jute rug*, Kilim rug*

The high ceilings and spacious design of the bedroom allowed for a wrought iron four-poster bed - a material typically seen in Spanish style houses. I love the way this has been combined with other textural elements including a sculptural pendant lamp, Scandinavian style bench and linen curtains.

 The bathroom was inspired by the hammam experience - and features the most beautiful wall-to-wall mirrors (the patina!), a Moroccan style tiled floor and rustic wood elements.

Rustic wooden bench*, Light grey Clover tiles

Living here would kind of feel like you're permanently on holiday, don't you think?! How fabulous!

I've got a weakness for rustic wood (one of my favourite pieces is my bench / coffee table in my sitting room) and batik so I'll totally be pinning the sitting room and bathroom!

Is there anything that stands out to you?

You can read more more about this renovation and see a few more pics on Domino magazine. Thank you so much to The Style Files too (where I first spotted it).

Things are getting a little crazy around here as the summer holidays are coming up. Sweden pretty much shuts down in July and it's like the whole country is trying to get everything done before they leave - oj oj oj! It doesn't help that this is a short week too as it's midsummer's eve on Friday.

Speaking of which, I've been compiling a midsummer inspiration post which I can't wait to share with you over the next few days! Wild flowers at the ready...

Have a great day!

Niki

Photography Chad Mellon. Shared with kind permission from Domino Magazine.

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15 of my Favourite Local Malmö Hangouts

Paid partnership with Malmö Town, all words and pictures are my own

When you visit a new city for a couple of days it's very exciting, but it can also be a little overwhelming, especially when you don't know anyone who lives there and you're relying on tourist guides. The good news is, in Malmö you know me! And I'd REALLY like to make sure that if you ever visit, you have the best time! In the past I've posted winter and summer guides, but today I'd like to share 15 of my favourite local hangouts. 

The cafes, bars, restaurant and even a small theatre in this list, are places I regularly go to and more often than not, know the owners on a first name basis. They are just a small selection of the independent, small businesses that make Sweden's third largest city such a special, unique and relaxed place - a city I am proud to call home! I hope you'll visit some of these on your next trip to Malmö, I promise it'll make your time here even more enjoyable! 

Let's start with some of my favourite morning hangouts. 

1. Leve bakery

We often stop by at this wonderful plant-based bakery for Leve's version of  Swedish sweet treats such as 'dammsugare', cinnamon buns and chocolate balls - and on this occasion 'pepparkaka' (gingerbread biscuits). Ask for the day's speciality (they are always experimenting with exciting new recipes). And don't miss Fredagsmunk (the Friday doughnuts), they are an institution in Malmö! 

2. Patisseriedavid

Nestled in the corner of Malmö's historical St Gertrud quarter in the heart of Malmö, you'll find Patisseriedavid, a French patisserie run by well-known pastry chef David Fernandes. If you're feeling a bit 'cinnamon bunned' out, head here for absolutely delicious French pastries that look almost too good to eat!

3. Solde

This discreet cafe is easy to miss unless you know about it! Selling arguably the best coffee in town, enjoy your cup at the Solde bar and chat to the friendly barista or take a seat on the bench beside other Malmoeites. Oh, and don't leave without buying a bag of coffee beans from the Solde in-house roastery!

4. Noir Vin & Kaffekultur

Located just off picturesque Lilla Torg, 'Noir Wine and Cafe Culture' is a great meeting place. I love to go in the morning on my way to work (nothing beats a simple coffee and croissant on the street side terrace, watching the people of Malmö go past) - or at the weekends with my girls. It's also a great place for a glass of ecological wine at the end of a long day! 

5. Miloii

Just up the street, you'll find Miloii, one of my favourite clothing and interior boutiques. Although busy, Lena is always friendly and helpful - and when time and the weather permits, we'll grab a quick coffee on the bench outside. 

6. Ruths

Formerly named Bastard, Ruths serves one of the best brunches in town. It's also great for a fika (coffee and cake), lunch and supper. There's always the option of picking up some great locally produced supplies in the deli section on your way out too! 

7. Bise

Relatively new on the block, Bise prides itself on being 'intimate, familiar and international'. It's packed with locals at lunchtime who come here to tuck into the day's special - and transforms into a popular wine and cocktail bar by night.  

8. Nostra 

Opposite Triangeln shopping centre you'll find Nostra, owned by mother and daughter team  Gaalas and Soma. The interior has a relaxed, minimalist, Scandinavian vibe. Enjoy great sandwiches and a soup of the week or visit at the weekend for the all-day brunch. Order a cappuccino made from their own exclusively roasted beans, it's delicious! 

9. Marvin

A new kid on the block, Marvin on Davidshallstorg is where I go for my English pie fix - with other British friends (after all, you can take a girl out of England, but you can't take England out of the girl!). Experienced British chef Matthew Young creates the most delicious and beautifully presented pies (think chicken and leek, steak and ale  mushroom and Parmesan etc) and other English classics such as scotch eggs in a small, cosy and minimalistic setting. Needless to say, it quickly fills up at lunchtime so get there early.  

10. AB Småland

I simply wouldn't allow anyone to visit Malmö without a wander in the green lifestyle store AB Småland. It has everything: beautiful second hand and vintage interior items, a cafe and restaurant and lots of events (hence why it's made my hangout list!). 

11. Pivo

Nestled on a corner near Stor Torget, Pivo serves Czech food (tuck into their gulasch soup!) and beer in a cosy bar, which overflows onto the street in warmer weather. 

12. Victoria Teatern

Victoria Theater is a favourite among locals and touring bands - and not a month or two go by without Per and I booking a ticket for a gig.  Keep an eye on the events calendar to see which bands will be in town and make sure you book a small table so you can bring your own picnic. The atmosphere is cosy, understated and relaxed. 

13. Julie

If I'm meeting a friend, I'll often head to the relaxed, yet award winning Julie -a small wine bar in the old town for a catch up over a glass or three of wine and their delicious oven baked mont d'or cheese - made for dipping! My mouth is watering just thinking about it! 

14. Aster 

Tucked away in an industrial area not far from the central station, Aster is one of my go-to restaurants for a celebration or bigger gatherings. The in-season dishes are delicious, the service is great and there's always a lively crowd. Book in advance, and don't miss their cocktails!  

15. L'énoteca

And finally, Per and my favourite wine bar - L'énoteca. The friendly cosy, candlelit bar, just off pretty Lilla Torg offers an assortment of over 300 different types of wine which have been carefully selected from small, independent winemakers who work sustainably, ecologically and with great care for the environment. Tell the friendly staff the type of aroma and taste you like, and they will guide you through a mini tasting until you find just the wine for you! 

Bonus hangout: something you shouldn't miss if you are in Malmö: a falafel! Everyone has their go-to place and mine is 'Super Falafel' (I always opt for 'everything' with mixed sauce, sometimes a little feta cheese too!). You'll find places serving falafel all over town, it's a great and inexpensive way to refuel! 

I hope this list of my favourite local hangouts proves useful on your next visit to Malmö! I always think it's nice to have some insider tips so you can find the places you might not discover otherwise. 

You might also like to see some of my other Malmö guides including: 

20 things to enjoy in Malmö in wintertime

30 things to do in Malmö for design lovers

Would you like to peek inside a few Malmö homes too? Here are some I've featured recently: 

The cosy, vintage-style home of a Malmö florist 

A Malmö home full of design classics and art

Malin's atmospheric family home (we're actually meeting for lunch today - her home is even more beautiful in real life!)

Right friends, that's it from me this week. I think I might just head to one of the above places tonight. I hope you've got some fun plans too!

See you Monday!

Niki

A big thank you to my partner in crime Sarah Wilson. daughter Allie and Per for helping me capture my favourite local haunts! 

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