Revisting Minna's Serene Finnish Cabin

February huh?! This month always has me dreaming of summer in Scandinavia where time stands still and everyone revels in the 24 hours of daylight (I read a quote the other day which said 'nothing in nature blooms all year round, why should you?' and I realised this is simply not my time to bloom!! Is it yours?! If not, come on a virtual adventure with me to summer in the Finnish archipelagos and the beautiful rural cabin of Minna Jones. I've totally shared it with you before (here - and before it was rebuilt here) but was excited to see Minna recently captured it in a new light with Pauliina Salonen for Asun magazine. Any excuse to share it again in all its clean, serene, minimalist glory, right?! Prepare to dream!

As I wrote in my book  The Scandinavian Home: Interiors inspired by light, cabin life in Scandinavia is about switching off from the stresses and strains of everyday and going back to basics. By keeping the space clean and clutter-free it's said to be easier to relax and enjoy the simple things in life like the forest outside (or the fabulous safari daybed and beehive pendant light!). 

  

What an incredible cabin? Could you imagine spending a summer here? I'm sure even the most stressed among us would find their inner calm!!

I love how Minna has chosen only a handful of items, meaning the beauty of each piece stands out even more. Here's a quick shopping guide to recreate your own Finnish retreat!

GET THE LOOK

 

 

1. Lampe Gras Model 214 Wall Lamp
2. Normann Copenhagen - Tablo Table
3. Antiqued Nickle Steel Round Mirror
4. Knoll Bertoia Diamond Chair with Seat Cushion
5. Artek Chair 69 - Orange Lacquered Seat
6. Artek A331 Beehive Pendant Light
7. Fringed rough linen blanket
8. OGK Safari Daybed
9. Knoll Bertoia Side Chair with Seat Cushion

I have visited Finland several times (see my design guide to Helsinki here) and it's a wonderful country! In fact, I dream of spending an entire summer there. Potentially somewhere remote - like this little cottage on it's own island (with a little boat for getting around!) or this one with a view over the Baltic sea. Wouldn't that be wonderful?!

What does your dream summer look like?

Have a lovely day!

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A Small Swedish Space Bathed in Sunlight

There are so many wise Swedish proverbs (many of which I've included in my Lagom book!). But perhaps my favourite is "even the smallest stars shine in the darkness". What a beautiful sentiment?! I'm not sure why I thought about this when I woke up this morning but I was thrilled to find this very small apartment in Gothenburg glowing in warm winter sunlight soon after. Measuring a mere 45 square metre (424 square foot) and decorated by Emma Fischer for Bjurfors, the Swedish apartment has a wonderful cohesive look and feel thanks to the neutral colour palette and touches of soft, light wood. Let's take a tour!

Using white furniture and accessories with clean lines like the Söderhamn sofa (without arms) and a textured rug (this one is similar) helps to create a clutter-free look while still adding a cosy feel.

The 811 TON caned armchair is perfect to place in the middle of the room since you can see through it - giving the illusion of space. I also love the Flos Gatto table lamp seen to the right!

Annaleena's black rectangle clothes rail provides a place for day to day clothes  (there's also a wardrobe in the hallway for storage). Certainly beats a messy chair in the corner, don't you think?!

The light brown duvet brings a softness and hint of colour to the otherwise monochrome bedroom area. I love the simple abstract print above the bed too (this Atelier CPH print is similar).

Do you find that you hear a new word and then you come across it countless times afterwards?! It's the same with this &tradition Formakami pendant lamp (we saw another one from the series in Thursdays home tour!). A set of four Series 7 chairs can be seen around the table.

 A simple belly basket hanging from a hook is ideal for smaller bits and pieces like keys etc!

Isn't it such a lovely apartment? I could totally imagine rocking about it here today, how about you?!

A little note: this space has been styled for a shoot / sale so naturally there are a few things missing. For example, the new owners would likely need to add more storage in the living room area (especially if they're anything like me!!). Even so, I have a feeling they're going to get along just fine here, don't you?!

You can see the full tour over at Bjurfors and many more beautiful Swedish homes in the archives here.

Have a wonderful start to the week!


Credits: Photography: Alen Cordic. Styling Emma Fisher for Bjurfors.

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Reader offer on Beautiful Tylko Shelving

Sponsored post: 
Behind every beautifully organised home is great shelving (I just made that up, but there's a kind of truth to it?!). Shelving is so important. It provides a place to display personal possessions like books, photos, plants and keep them in order - making a house a home. But choosing the right ones can be tricky - you want them to store all your things, fit the space you have and look fabulous (at least that's what I'm after!). Asking too much?! Never! In fact, I know just the right shelving! Tylko. You may recognise the name from this post last year when I captured the shelves in my own sitting room (tried and tested - and they're beautifully made, easily slotted together without screws and a single swear word - love that!). If you could use a little more storage in your home, you'll be happy to hear that by typing in the code SCANDIHOME100 at checkout when you spend more than 800 euros (or pounds) you'll receive 100 euros off your total purchase (until 31st March, 2018). Yay!

In case you're curious, here are a few things I think are fab. Tylko shelves are customisable to the space you have and the look you're after down to the last centimetre. Choose between different shelf formations, colours (black, white or grey), density, width, height and whether or not you'd like doors. 

The shelves are made from slow-growth wood from Finland's birch forests which makes them really  hardwearing (mine still look as good as new) - and have that lovely Scandinavian touch (yay!). 

You can create Bookshelves, Sideboards, Benches and Wall Storage - and they're even available in an extra wide size, in case you live in a very, very large apartment or house and you own a ton of stuff!

Once you've perfected your design on the Tylko you can see how your design looks in your home using the augmented reality app. If it's not quite right, you can adjust your shelves in real time before you're ready to roll. We're seeing this more and more and I have to say, it's soooo helpful (I'm thinking of all the times I've spotted something beautiful on a website, ordered it home and it just doesn't work at all - amen to that!). 

So what do you think? 

Kind of beautiful, right?

Find out more and get customising over at Tylko (and don't forget to use the code SCANDIHOME100 at check-out to receive your discount!). 

Have a lovely day!

Images courtesy of Tylko.

This post is brought to you in collaboration with Tylko. However, all words are my own and I only ever work with brands I absolutely love and think you will too! Thank you for supporting the businesses that help make My Scandinavian Home possible.

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Inside a Relaxed Swedish House from the 50's

Morning! I'm sitting here in my chunky knit socks, shepherd slippers and a leopard print sweater - it's so not a good look, but that's the beauty of working from home (every cloud...). Further more, I've become more and more inspired by the imperfect, especially when it comes to the home. And judging by the popularity of spaces with a truly lived in vibe, I feel not alone? - Yay! So, today I'm transporting us all to the Swedish home of Katarina Matsson, Content Director at Elle Sweden just south of Stockholm. Katarina, her partner and two year-old child have recently moved from an apartment in Sweden's capital to a very cool 1950's terrace house designed by architects Nils Sterner and Erik F Dahl.  Prepare to be inspired by gallery walls brimming with the work of Swedish artists, photographers and illustrators, books galore and the most fabulous staircase!

Katarina has created a unique gallery wall made up of pieces from local artists, illustrators and photographers including Agnes Thor, Jenny Mötsell, Märta Thisner and Malin Norden (as well as one of her own little budding artists at home!). A pair of Series 7 chairs and a Stokke Tripp Trapp chair can be seen around the table. And the magnificent Formakami light is from &Tradition.

An antique chaise longue and vintage Beni Ourain (Maroc Tribal is a great source) turn dead space at the bottom of the stairs into a lovely, relaxed living area.

The family have only recently moved in so the house is very much a work in progress. I'm looking forward to following the progress on Katarina's instagram, I have a feeling this will be a lovely room!

 I love how Katarina has turned an open space on the landing into a home office! Check out the original 50's parquet floor too!

The shelving above Katarina's desk is not dissimilar to my office (great minds...!). Once again, she's selected works from Sweden based artists such as Agnes Thor, Jesper Waldersten, Alina Vergnano and Malin Norden (try The Poster Club). The desk is by IKEA and the chair from Too Good.

In Milo's room a vintage desk provides the perfect place to perch an M light from Cikus Lampan (source similar here) A beautiful print by Emilia Ilke can be seen on the wall to the right. The lovely tiger rug is from Moustache.

Aaaah, such a lovely relaxed family home. I really enjoyed the tour, how about you?!

Is there anything that caught your eye?

If you'd like to see more spaces with a boho vibe it's totally worth checking out this archive (if this comes up first just scroll passed) - and there are tonnes of swoonworthy Swedish homes here! 

Have a lovely day!

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5 simple ways to create a cosy corner

Sponsored post:

It's a little cold and grey here in Sweden right now, is it the same where you are? If so, no fear! I've got a tried and tested round-up of five simple ways to max up the mysig and create the cosiest of cosy corners! Prepare to feel toasty...

 1. Add natural textures: think raw or handcrafted materials. Here, the imperfections and patina in the raw wood stool and clay plant pot add interest and instant warmth. 

2. Books and magazines: So simple yet oh so cosy. I'm thinking chunky knit socks, a cup of tea and a good read. Plus switching off your screen and going analogue is said to be perfect for R&R! Who's with me on this?

3. Layer on the textiles: where would a cosy corner be without linen throws, a load of cushions and a soft rug? Loving the fringes and warm, muted tones too!

 4. Go green (or brown!): As Christina said yesterday - plants breath life into a home. Whether you prefer to go for a big and bushy climber, a delicate and small potted friend or an entire urban jungle  - plants will bring soul to your space!

5. Get a glow on: It's getting dark so early in Sweden (and some days the sun barely comes out at all) so good lighting is essential (especially if I want to read those magos!). I'm so pleased with this  library table lamp it looks lovely by day and brightens up the darkest of corners (which in our case is under the stairs) by night - yay!

I hope you like my latest sitting room update and it's given you a few ideas for keeping toasty this winter! Feel free to add your own tips in the comment section below, I'd love to hear them!

Oh and in case you're curious, here are some of the items I used:

1. Bed cover with fringes
2. LIBRARY table lamp
3. ESSENCE carpet
4. RAW stool

You can find webshops that stock Nordal in your area here.

Right, I might just have to go and curl up in this corner right now...

Have a cosy evening!


Photography & Styling: Niki Brantmark / My Scandinavian Home.  

Thank you so much to Nordal for making this post possible - I'm proud to have this Danish homeware brand as a sponsor. As always, all words are my own and I only ever work with brands that I love and think you will too. 

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A Fabulous Debut Collection from Nothern

There's a new collection in town. Oslo based Northern (formerly Northern Lighting) launched its new lifestyle brand at Stockholm Furniture Fair this week amidst a buzz off excitement. The collection includes a beautiful low slung seat, modular shelving, sofa and bar cabinet (now you're talking!) among other items, and is characterised by a "bold interpretation of classic forms and a determination to innovate with natural materials, each created with a blend of classic and edgy contemporary design". Here's a sneak peek...

Photography: Chris Tonnesen. Styling: Per Olav Sølvberg. Images courtesy of Northern. 

Oj oj oj! What a fabulous debut collection?! I've got my eye on this very cool shelving / storage unit.

You can find out more about the pieces and where they're available here.

Oh and how about the colours in these shots?! Forest green, tangerine, blush.... I'm feeling inspired to get the paint brush out too, you?!

Niki

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