New Gallery Wall in The Window Nook (Plus 25% off!)

Collaboration: There are many elements which help to make a home personal. One of my favourites is art. And despite being so happy with our window nook at home, I realised this was exactly what was missing! I gathered the My Scandinavian Home team for this one since there was paint, prints and one very heavy vintage lamp at stake (and my husband does get jittery when it comes to drilling holes in the wall!). Here's what we did with a little help from prints and frames from Desenio: 

1. Red Bubblegum 2. Let The Light In 3. Legs 4. Dandelion 5. Birds

I'm a big fan of art photography (probably because I love taking photographs!) which is why the selection is made up of this genre. I was also looking for something that reflected my love of light (hey, it's pretty dark in Sweden half of the year - it's hard not to become obsessed!) and nature - but also wanted to add a playful /strong element (hence the Red Bubblegum portrait). I was actually slightly nervous about this piece but it has become my favourite print (and that's saying something as I have many and love them all!).

It's easy to think changes in my home are a spontaneous, quick fix affair. This is sometimes the case, but more often than not there's so much that goes on behind the scenes! For the gallery wall Gen put together a 3D drawing to scale in SketchUp so we could see exactly how the prints might look across the two walls (I love a gallery wall that goes around a corner!). 

Don't worry, you don't need to be a pro at this kind of stuff (I'm certainly not!) - Desenio has a great create your gallery wall tool which is really easy to use and perfect for figuring out which prints and frames go with which and the sizes you'll need to order.

Another great move (which I can recommend!) was to tape paper templates of the prints to the wall to see how they'd look and play around with gaps etc. The beauty of this, is that once you're happy with the layout you can hammer the nails through the paper and then tear it away - and then you're ready to go! Happy wall, happy husband!

So pleased we mixed and matched the Desenio frames (two oak and three black). The wood adds a lot of warmth which is important when the majority of the prints are black and white.

I hope you like the results as much as I do!

If you're looking for art for your walls, the code “myscandinavianhome” gives 25% off posters* at Desenio between Tuesday 13th and Thursday 15th of March, 2018 (bargain!).

*Except on the handpicked / collaboration poster category and frames.

Now all that's left is for me to go and chill in my window nook for a few hours (now, wouldn't that be nice?! Bah! Not going to happen!).

Have a happy day!

Photography: Niki Brantmark / Interior designer: Genevieve Jorn

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Make-over: A Magnificent Berlin Studio

I think it's time for a new mini make-over episode, how about you?! This time I thought we'd head to Berlin and the awe-inspiring studio of Our Food Stories and Design Tales (take a look at previous before + afters in the series here and here). The brainchild of creative duo Laura and Nora, Our Food Stories is a culinary feast for the eyes and has garnered a following of close to 1 million Instagram followers who stop by each day to get recipes (read more about the pair and their work and take a look inside their homes in this interview). Let's dive in and find out how they transformed the first floor of a derelict warehouse into a stunning studio for cooking, food styling, photography, workshops and events.

Oh and thank you so much to the series sponsor Builders Bay - an amazing online marketplace for builders, renovators and DIYers where you can buy and sell surplus materials, architectural salvage and ex display stock! Perfect!



Our Food Stories started out five years ago from a small studio in the countryside, one hour drive from Berlin. The tranquil setting was wonderful since it offset the stresses and strains of setting up a business, "It really rescued us, since the first years of building up our own company have been so stressful." However, the blog became increasingly popular and they eventually grew out of it. "It made sense to look for somewhere closer to home, so in the summer of 2015 we started to look for a Studio in Berlin."

Since natural light is a key element in their photography, it was important to find a space with at least one North facing window. Known as 'reflected light', north light is popular among artists since it bathes the subject in the same cool ambience throughout the day - giving artists and photographers greater control over their work (this has got me thinking about using the North facing windows in my home more!). The space would also need a high ceiling to fit their enormous tripod!



The pair went to view another property which wasn't quite right. However, from the window they spotted a building 500 metres away and immediately fell in love with the windows and the building which combined "nice and neat with old school charm". They passed by on spec and found that the first floor was still empty and had the perfect light (two north-facing windows) and height. Result!

 "When we saw the space for the first time we just could not believe it was still available to rent! The first thing we did was check the point of the compass and the second time we visited we brought some flowers and did a little test photo shooting."



Despite the incredible shell, the space was in desperate need of renovation. The walls were yellow, and some walls didn't even exist. It also had no bathroom.

Thankfully they would need to do little in the way of renovating themselves.

"If you rent a studio or flat in Germany the landlord has to give it to you in a good (renovated) condition. As a renter you don't normally have a big influence on the renovation, but luckily we could decide on a lot of the details, which we are very thankful for. "



The landlord prepped and painted the walls (white) and, at the request of Laura and Nora, installed an incredible concrete floor.

The original eight metre high ceiling was something of a photographers dream but they were warned by the landlord that their heating bill would be astronomical if they kept it and a result it was lowered by several metres. 

"We would never have lowered it, but the landlord told us that it would have been impossible to keep the space warm in the winter because the roof has no insulation."  

Overall though, the duo are delighted with the results of the renovation.



The pair used furniture and lighting to divide the vast room into a series of zones: "we created different corners, which allow us to create different set ups." But they were also keen to keep the space pared-back and clutter-free. "It’s very important to have a space that is not too packed, so when it gets messy during photo shootings, you still have enough space."

Being food stylists and photographers, the kitchen was a major focus. The pair spent a lot of time thinking about which kitchen to install, in the end settling on a kitchen from Frama. "It perfectly fits the industrial surroundings, we are so in love with it!"

Despite the white finish, Laura and Nora are pleased that they can see the outline of the original brick wall. The lines / texture also help to break up the empty expanse.



The pair had free reign to paint some of the walls and used paint from KABE Copenhagen to add nuance and texture. "We just chose by intuition which wall should get which colour."

 This mammoth tripod is one of the reasons they needed a studio with such a high ceiling!

"The way we choose the style of the interior comes naturally and is also kind of indirectly dominated (in a good way) by the space itself, its aura and its architectural character."

 "We love the mix of old and new! Our home in Berlin is more modern, with new danish design interiors, our home in the countryside more rustic, but also with a modern influence and our studio is kind of a mix of both with industrial elements."

"Some of the vintage furniture is from Ebay and a lot of the old tables and lamps were bought from J&V and Urban Industrial."

"We are so grateful and happy to work in this wonderful space."

Just WOW!! This is my absolute dream (I wonder if they need a kitchen hand - or even someone to do the washing up?!). Could you imagine settling in here each day?

In case you're looking to create something similar at work (or home), here's the low down on some of the items:

GET THE LOOK

1. Studio Kitchen - Frama
2. Semi Professional Coffee Machine
3. Gubi table
4. Marble Speakers
5. Midgard Workshop Lamp
6. Linen Kitchen Towels
7. Vienna Chairs
8. Adam Barstol
9. Enamel Factory Light
10. Chopping Board



The pair love to collaborate with other local talents. This incredible pampas cloud installation created by Mary Lennox spread across Pinterest like wildfire back in the autumn (it's easy to understand why!). 

But the key focus remains on the pairs passion for food so I was dying to know if the girls had a favourite recipe! I was told this was an extremely tricky question, since they love them all, but at a push Laura would go for the gluten free quince cheesecake with meringue and Nora the gluten free poppy seed cake.

Sound good to me!

For more mouth-watering recipes you must follow these ladies over on their blog and instagram: @ourfoodstories, and @designtales for interior inspiration! They also have a beautiful book available here.

Which leaves me with one question. Hands up who'd love to work from a studio like this and eat lots of cake?!

Thank you so much to Laura and Nora for showing us their studio! 

Have a wonderful weekend!



  
 All Photography: Courtesy of Our Food Stories / Design Tales.

* All words are my own, and I only ever work with brands and services I feel are of interest to my readers. This post also includes affiliated links which means that I make a very tiny amount of money (perhaps enough for a coffee and a choccy biccy from each post!) if you click or buy items. Thank you for supporting the businesses that make My Scandinavian Home possible.

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Gen's Beautiful Bedroom in Detail

I was happy to hear so many of you loved Gen's bedroom tour yesterday - it is such a fantastic space! I'm not sure how she actually gets up and leaves each day (I'd want a duvet day everyday, how about you?!). As promised, here's the low down on those fabulous prints and a few other details! 

Gen moved away from medium grey, plums and black (see the before here) to a softer, lighter pallette using the wall colour SPACE by Jotun Lady Pure Colour. This hue provided a perfect backdrop for some beautiful items like the ones below:


1. Kristina Krogh - Pieces No 01 / 2. Curvilinear Mid-Century Sconce / 3. Cushion cover STRIPES - Nordal / 4. Duvet cover.

The beautiful Feather 02 print by Rikke Hass Christensen with Oak Frame rests on the floor underneath a rack of wooden hooks.

I love a white on white vignette and this one works really well due to the textures at play - gloss and matt / smooth and striped!

GET THE LOOK




1. Vapeur Table Lamp / 2. Welcome To The City Of Champions Poster

I hope today and yesterday's post has given you a few ideas for your own home. As always, if you're wondering about any other details just give me a shout in the comment section below!

Have a lovely day!


*This post includes gifted and affiliated links. All words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love. Thank you for supporting the businesses that make My Svandinavian Home possible.

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Gen's Lovely Bedroom Refresh

Sponsored: 

A few weeks ago I spent the day at my friend Genevieve Jorn's home. The French Canadian interior designer is a regular contributor here at MSH (I'm soooo lucky!) and lives in the most incredible early 20th century apartment in the centre of Malmö. You might recognise her home from this and this post. Then again you might not. You see, Gen has the propensity to update her apartment even more than I do (and that's really saying something as you know!). The latest room to be given a facelift is her bedroom. With spring just around the corner (yippee!), Gen moved away from slightly darker, moodier notes to a fresh look and feel while keeping the look warm and inviting with a touch of rattan and layers of textiles (love the Nordal cushions and rugs). Enjoy the tour!

Gen's three metre high ceilings and large bedroom is the stuff of dreams. I mean, could you imagine?! Even so, it can be tricky to create a cosy vibe. To compensate, Gen used a mound of soft cushions, throws and rugs (see below for details). The walls have been painted in SPACE by Jotun Lady Pure Colour up to the border which also helps to create a more intimate feel. 

A simple wooden chair works perfectly as a bedside table! Admittedly, mine would have a mountain of stuff on it ("Chairdrobe: Piling clothes on a chair in place of a closet or a dresser") but Gen's one organised lady! Check out this post for more details on the fabulous prints!

Mixing and matching patterns and textures is the way to go for a warm and inviting look - I love how some of the cushions like this one have a bit of of a boho vibe going on too!

 I'm such a big fan of Peacock chairs, there's something decadent yet understated about them - could you imagine having one in your home? Or perhaps you already do (I've got one in my bedroom)!

"I love how the light shines through the chair and casts shadows on the wall." Genevieve Jorn.

Oj oj oj (as they say in Sweden!) what a lovely bedroom! Could you imagine sleeping here? If it were my bedroom I'm not sure if I'd ever leave!

GET THE LOOK:



1. Harlekin Carpet
2. Large Rattan Chair
3. BOHO cushion cover
4. Black Bench
5. Glass Jar
6. Cushion cover

N.B: Nordal ships throughout Europe (webshop stockists here).

Once again, you can find out more info on the prints and a few other details here - and just give me a shout in the comment section below if you're wondering about anything else!

Have a lovely day!

This post is brought to you in collaboration with Nordal, however all words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too. 

Photography: Niki Brantmark / Styling Genevieve Jorn.

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Small spaces: A Dreamy Swedish Pad

It can be so tricky to strike the right balance between cosy and calm in a small living space, don't you agree? But I think the owner behind this dreamy apartment in Gothenburg has totally nailed it! Measuring a teeny 42 square metre (452 square feet), the early 20th century two room flat is fresh and light, yet a wonderful cosy, calm and serene soul. How I'd love to be padding around here while the snow falls outside today, fancy joining me?!

The beautiful chestnut throw (similar here) and linen cushion help the cosy living room corner to pop - and don't you also love how the blush linen table cloth adds subtle colour to the dining room. 

Classic Ant chairs are stackable making them the perfect option for small spaces. I also like the climber in the window (remember this post I recently dedicated to the 'indoor climber'?! Such a big fan, how about you?). 

 The rug is perfect for carving out a distinct living room zone and helping to make it feel snug. I also like the use of multi-purpose furniture like the tray table (this is a fab one).

Using book shelves as a bedside table is also a great space-saving idea. You could also add a clamp lamp (like this one) to use for reading. 

I love the hallway in this home - The wood cladding on the wall-to-wall wardrobe adds such a cosy touch and the built-in seating nook is perfect for getting dressed or getting out of the door! Slim furniture like this desk are perfect for narrow spaces (shelf desks are also handy!).

Photography courtesy of Alvhem where this lovely apartment is currently for sale.

All in all, a perfect little living space - don't you think?!

Could you imagine living here?!

In case you're look out for more inspiration, you can find a whole load of small home tours here (scroll passed if this comes up first!). 

I hope you have a wonderful start to the week!

PS In case you didn't get a chance to stop by on Friday, there's an interview with the creative duo behind Our Food Stories and a tour of their lovely Berlin apartment and countryside retreat here (you might just get an idea for tonight's supper too!). Hope you feel as inspired reading it as I did creating it!

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