A Clutter-free Finnish Home with the Loveliest Childrens' Rooms

I seem to be going through a contemporary Finnish phase right now: there's something about the light, minimalist style in particular that feels like a real mid-week breath of fresh air. Do you feel the same? If so you'll love one of my latest finds: the home of Melina, Niko, children Minea and Noah and French bulldog Pablo. The newly built open-plan house has been decorated in shades of white, light grey, tan and beige and is full of light and completely clutter-free (it's the kind of place that even the mess looks pretty) and yet feels family friendly too (the kids rooms rock!).  Ready to take a peek?

Faces No1 Poster, the cushion looks similar the Malmen velver chestnut one I have in my bedroom and you can just see a glimpse of the lovely Saxe lounge chair. Tips on sofa in the comment section welcome (it looks very much like the Bolia one I used to have).

Tom Dixon Fat Beat light and Tall light, Urban childran's chair. 

I love this combination of the black string shelving system against light wood - so striking! 

Nordström sell a canvas play tent like this one. 

What a dream bedroom?! From the gym equipment (from Suomen Voimistelurenkaat) to the rain drop wall stickers (these are fairly simple to make yourself but you can also pick up some just like these) and of course, the bed (made by Niko).

Photography: Melina / Mini Show

And there you have it, a contemporary, clutter-free home that's perfect for children.

Anyone else thinking of attacking their home with a black bin bag?!

See more pics of Melina's home over on her blog and instagram feed - where she also shares children's clothing finds, toys and recipes (yes, she also bakes a mean cake) -  it's in Finnish, but there's always good old google translate! And as always there are a load more wonderful Finnish homes to explore right here too.  

Hyvää päivän jatkoa! (I hope this means 'have a great day' in Finnish...).

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A Berlin Home of Many Colours

Guten morgen! I hope you're feeling fiiiine? Looking through the survey responses a few weeks back I noticed the request for more 'colour' (gulp!). You know me - I'm kind of colour shy. I think it comes from living in Sweden for 14 years! Don't get me wrong, Scandinavian homes often feature colour - but it's often exercised with a huge amount of restraint, and hues tend to be of the muted, earthy variety. Done right however, splashes of bright hues and accent walls can put a real spring in your step and make your home that more interesting. A fine example of this can be seen in the Berlin home of Franziska. I caught up with her to find out more...

 The green in the kitchen is a mixed 'Schöner Wohnen' color, code 04.031.02

I love the use of colour in your home it's subtle yet bold in equal measure, do you have a go-to paint brand?

I love the colors by Farrow and Ball. The color choices at Jotun are great too, but unfortunately they are not available in Germany.

The green is carried through to the hallway to give the flat a cohesive look. I once styled a home with a black hall (for The Scandinavian Home) and the owner told me the darker colour does wonders to hide a messy entrance-way. Got to love that!

It's fun to see two different accent walls in one room. How did you choose the colour combination?

My all time favourite colours are blue, green and pink. To these, I combine 'playing colours', for example in the form of pillows, pictures or flowers that change frequently. Everything inspires me: films and series, art, fashion, nature...

Franziska's home office is painted in Farrow and Ball 'Hague Blue' and Jotun 'Warm Blush'. A zingy yellow eames chair adds another dimension to the colour scheme. 

Do you have any tips for anyone looking to introduce colour into their home?

In order to choose a color you always have to consider the light, the room and the surrounding colors. That's why I would use a large color sample, pinning it on the wall and watching it change over the course of the day. Otherwise: Just try it! A wall is quickly re-painted and gives the room its own character.

The dusty rose bed linen (source similar here) and ochre cushion (this is similar - and budget friendly!) look pretty against the calm Farrow and Ball 'Light Blue' wall.

Where did you get the painting your bed, it's so beautiful?

It's a photo from Billy and Hells, two photographers from Germany. I bought it from Lumas.

And finally, what do you love most about your home?

The cozy, relaxed atmosphere in which I can live my creativity. The apartment is so beautiful with its high ceilings, the old large windows, the hinged door and the floorboards, that it is the perfect canvas that looks good with everything.

All photography ©Franziska / Lieblingsblicke

I especially love the tip to just go for the colour - as it can always be re-painted. Words to live by indeed!

Here's a summary of the key colours used in Franziska's home: 

From left to right:  Schöner Wohnen' color, code 04.031.02, Farrow and Ball 'Hague Blue', Farrow and Ball 'Light Blue' wall and Jotun 'Warm Blush'.

You can see more snapshots of Franziska's lovely home over on her instagram feed Lieblingsblicke. 

Thank you so much for inviting us into your home Franziska!

Looking for more colour inspiration? This archive has tons of it (if this home pops up first, you know the drill... just scroll on passed!). 

Have a härlig dag!

PS If you're intrigued about what's going down at Milan Salone del Mobile it's all on my Stories!

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Win Three Danish Brass Candlesticks from JENSENplus!

Have you heard of JENSENplus? If not, you're in for a treat! The Danish homeware brand focuses on creating simple and minimalist pieces with a Scandinavian touch that are designed to withstand the test of time. The collection includes dining tables, chairs, desks, coat racks and daybeds (among other items), all of which are made in Denmark from natural materials such as wood, concrete, steel and leather. Oh and they also sell the most beautiful multi-purpose candle-stick holders - and they're looking to give-away three to one lucky person (yes, they're lovely people too!). Scroll down for more details! In the meantime here's a sneak peek of their beautiful collection:

I think the K2 chair is my favourite piece of all - especially the Monaco textile and Yellow Revival Velour versions seen here - so pretty! (imagine them in a meeting?!).

The K2 Depot sideboard can be customised to suit you: choose between different colors, heights and number of shelves. And go dark (as seen above) or light.

These ergonomic poufs come with a strap so you can easily move them around (especially handy if you become attached to it and don't want anyone else to take it when you get up!). It comes in such pretty colours too!

Designed by danish architect Mikkel Bahr, the coat rack works equally well in the bedroom, hallway or bathroom (love this white version against the plum coloured wall too!).

... And those candlesticks I was telling you about!

These solid brass multifunctional candlesticks numbers are perfect for getting your hygge on! JP101 and JP102 are reversible and can be used for either tealights or long candles (in our house we're always low on the longer variety but seem to have a lifetime supply of tealights .. does anyone else find this?!).

JP103, on the other hand, comes in three sizes and you can use it as a vase or as a candlestick. Blooms by day, hygge by night! The entire collection offers endless combinations and will look beautiful in the window (Scandinavians love to place candles and lamps in the window since it makes a home look more inviting) - on the table, or as a sculptural piece on a side cabinet. 

If you're already feeling the glow from these beauties, sign-up to the JENSENplus newsletter here for your chance to be the lucky winner of 3 JP-candlesticks (1 x JP-101, 1 x JP103 H70, 1 x JP103 H95) worth 174 euros!

The competition is open worldwide exclusively to My Scandinavian Home Blog readers and the winner will be drawn 11th May, 2018. The lucky winner will be contacted directly by JENSENplus.

Held og lykke (as they say in Danish!). 



This post is sponsored by JENSENplus, however all words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too. Thank you for supporting the wonderful companies that make My Scandinavian Home possible.

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Somewhere, in a Faraway Life...

It's said that creative souls need change to find new inspiration and stimulate the senses. Travel is one way, but for some, the ultimate is to divide their time between two homes. Detective novel writer Annika Von Holdt is one of them (enviably dividing her time between her apartment in Copenhagen and the Bahamas (Guh!). And jewellery maker Malia Grace Mau and film maker beau Jess Bianchi are another truly inspiring example. Malia, Jess their newborn son and furry friends spend part of the year in the laid-back vibe and lush landscapes of Topanga Canyon, California and the other in Kauai, an island in the Central pacific, part of the Hawaiian archipelago. By my reckoning that's two incredible locations. Here's a glimpse inside the dreamy, bohemian lives of the Bianchi-Maui family. 

The pair's Topanga home is simply decorated in a neutral palette made up of warm brown, beige and off white. Natural textures, fluffy rugs, plants and wall hangings also help to add warmth. 

Wall hanging by Native line, Dreamer couch by Pop & Scott.

"One of my favorite things about this house is the old floors," Malia.

Baskets, sculptural wooden tables, drums and personal items are placed around the fairly sparse room attributing to the home's soul.

A magnificent mid-century teak credenza (source a similar one here) and Beni Ourain rug.

"I almost can't even explain it but I do know that I feel in harmony and balance when I am here up on this mountain." Malia

Malia's jewellery line 'M Grace' is made from locally sourced, recycled material and draws from images and symbols found in ancient civilizations and nature, combined with a modern rustic aesthetic. Malia believes jewellery transcends aesthetics and serves as power pieces to invoke the wearers intentions.  She also makes other items such as the beautiful Reda hook and incense holder. The shop is currently closed for maternity leave. I can't wait for it to re-open, how about you?!

Kauai Surf Shack

The pair also spend part of their year in Kaui, an island in Hawaii where Malia and Jess grew up. The idyllic cabin was featured on the cover of Surf Shacks, and although small and basic it has everything they need to enjoy the lush surroundings of 'The Garden Island'.

Is it OK to to feel a little envious of Robyn the cat, right now?!

All photography  © Malia Grace Mau / Jess Bianchi

Jess Bianchi's 2016 film 'Given' is the story of a legacy that takes one unique family (legendary surfers Daize and Aamion Goodwin) on an adventure from their home in Kauai around the world through 15 countries, a life depicted through the eyes of a child (named Given). The film is not designed to dictate a right or wrong way of living, but more inspire the idea that it's possible to live differently.

What a great thought to take with us into the start of the working week?! Kauai anyone?

You can see more of Malia's beautiful, creative life and their travels on her instagram feed and keep an eye out for the re-opening of her webshop here (*watches like a hawk*).

Other inspiring rural retreats include a relaxed artist's cabin by the sea (with one of my all time favourite 'get the looks'!) and an idyllic Scandinavian inspired cottage. 

Have a dreamy start to the week all! 

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Suvi's Beautiful Modern Home on Finland's West Coast

Hei, Kuinta voit? ('hi, how are you' in Finnish I hope!). It's Friiiiday - woohooooo! I always find it so hard to concentrate at the end of the week, don't you? (it could be the thought of a G+T on ice just around the corner!). Tomorrow we're heading to the family cottage a little further up the coast where I'm hoping to take some long walks (the nature is beautiful up there). A girl after my own heart on the nature front is Suvi Melender-Lågland who lives on the beautiful West coast of Finland with her husband, children, Daniel and Fiona and two cats. Suvi's inspiring blog Valkoinen Harmaja and instagram feed features snapshots from her modern Scandinavian home peppered with intermittent pictures of the incredible nature that surrounds it. Let's take a peek inside Suvi's world!

Rocking chair, Round mirror: Save / splurge, Kähler Omaggio vase.

How would you describe your style? 
Modern scandinavian with a cosy twist.

What's your goal when it comes to decorating?
I want to create a timeless interior, which I spice up with small trendy items. Interior trends can be seen in textiles and smaller accessories.

Flos 2097 Pendant, Artek stool by Alvar Aalto, Bertoia chair, Series 7 chair

Would you say your home is fairly minimalist?

I am not a minimalist in the strict sense. It is important to me that home feels cosy and inviting - not too styled.

Can you spot the TV?! Maybe my greenhouse make-over last summer might give you a clue?! It's the Samsung The Frame disguised as art!

If you had to pick one Finnish designer who would it be?

My all time favourite Finnish designer is Alvar Aalto.

I love Suvi's bedroom, it's so pretty! There's something about the combination of dusty pink bedding (this one is similar) against the St Paul's Blue by Jotun Lady wall colour. It also helps that one of my favourite lights (the Formakami by &Tradition) has also been thrown into the mix (remember it from this home?). 

The bespoke headboard has been painted in the same St.Paul's blue as the wall and doubles up as a shelf - such a clever idea when space is of a premium. I think I prefer this to the wall mounted shelf, there's something cosier about it, what do you think? Suvi has shared the DIY instructions here (in Finnish but the pictures are helpful!).

Do you have any tips for anyone looking to bring Finnish style into their home?
Use (Finnish designers) Aalto furniture and Iittala and Marimekko. Keep everything simple and minimalistic.

And finally, where would you recommend people to visit in Finland?
I would recommend spending time in nature - it is very inspiring! Beautiful areas in Finland can be found around the coast (we are just starting to build our summer house by the sea and the nature is so beautiful there!) as well as the East side where there are thousands of lakes. Lapland is a great place to visit in the winter. Visit Finland shares some great tips!

Thank you so much for inviting us into your world Suvi!

You can see more of Suvi's home over on her blog and instagram feed. I also featured her sitting room back in 2014 (it's gone through quite a big transformation since then!).  

In case you missed it, I shared another Finnish home earlier on in the week here - both homes have opted for blue in the bedroom but the one from earlier in the week has a surprising twist!

And finally, if you're looking for a simple way to incorporate Finnish style into your home, Suvi suggests adding a Finnish design piece, and one of these beauties are a great place to start:

5 Finnish Design Classics That look Great in Any Home

1. Artek A331 Beehive 2. Oiva teapot by Marimekko 3. Aalto Stool in Birch 4. Aalto vase 5. Block light

If you're into bold and bright patterns - Marimekko sells some really funky fabrics both for the home (check out this bedding!) and to wear (this skirt is pretty!). And of course, no mention of Finnish design would be complete without the Moomins! Who doesn't love the Moomins?!

Right. I think that's it from me for the week! I hope you have some great plans for the weekend! See you Monday campers!

Niki

All photography © Suvi Melender-Lågland
My Scandinavian Home posts include affiliate links. 

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