A cosy Norwegian home in the country

While photographing homes for my next book -The Scandinavian Home this summer we visited some beautiful places including Oslo, the surrounding fjords (one home was only reachable by boat!) and a mountainous region near Lillehammer and I was completely bowled over. Norway is the most beautiful country ever! I'm only too aware of the parts I haven't seen and have to go back soon to explore. When I do, I'd love to stop by the idyllic country home of Marthe Holien Bø near Stryn on the West coast (once featured here). Marthe is often snapping corners of her home for her wonderful blog  and instagram feed. We were in touch this summer and sadly I didn't get to visit in person, but she has kindly invited us all to step inside her home today.....

Credits / copyright: Marthe Holien Bø / @marsipanogsmilefjes shared with kind permission.

What a beautiful home, don't you think?!

I particulary love the mix of exposed wood, white and black panelled walls and the layers of texture - sheepskins, linen, cable kit cushions and throws. It looks so cosy!

Is there anything that stands out to you?

Get the look from Marthe's lovely home: dining - pick up a vintage industrial swivel chair here. Buy lovely vintage candlestick holders here, icelandic sheepskin throw. Sitting room -  House Doctor Molecular light, tree stump side table,  grey cable knit blanket,  prints from Desenio, Eames chair, wooden star.

Shall we take a peek inside some more Norwegian homes today? Like the serene home on a hill (this is the same beautiful home all decked out for Christmas) a charming home in green, grey and cognac (and the same home in a whiter shade - fab!). And finally, the perfect Norwegian home on a summer's day (and at Christmas!).

Oh Norwegian's, we love your style!

Have a lovely day!

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The art of Zen (and keeping it simple) in a Swedish home

When it comes to decorating your own home it can sometimes feel like such a tricky puzzle, can't it? There are parts of my house I've been mulling over for months (maybe even years) without finding the solution (admittedly I'm a bit of a procrastinator!). But when I see beautiful, white homes like this a sort of light bulb comes on and it reminds me that it doesn't have to be complicated. A simple colour scheme, some beautiful pieces, an unusual light fixture and some carefully placed pictures. How inspiring (and relaxing!), don't you think?

Credits: photos - Jonas Berg,  styling - Greydeco for Stadshem (for sale here).

It reminds me just how much I love white. It makes a space so much brighter, especially in the winter when the sun never really gets high above the horizon.

A few items I know and love: dining area - this and this style bentwood chair (source lovely vintage ones here), can anyone advise on the lighting over the table? Sitting room - Söderhamn sofa from IKEA, moroccan pouf, Slit mirrored side table by Hay. Office - &tradition mass light. Bedroom: Menu light.

Mind if we dream over a few more white homes today? Like this serene home of a designer (that courtyard?),  this Malmö apartment (probably one if the most pinned of all time), and The White Room (from a few weeks back). *sigh* and relax.

I've learned one of the most important things about decorating with white is texture. I spotted these amazing macarame wall hanging specimens the other day and thinking of getting a large one for my stairway (what do you think?) and of course there's always Gotland sheepskins (especially after yesterday's Swedish island retreat!). And a digression I admit, but just how cute are these Danish baby's sheepskin booties?! Perfect little pressie, hope my little niece isn't reading! 

Have a lovely day!

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