A Light-Filled Venice Canal Home with a Hint of Spring

Friday calls for something a little special, don’t you think? This home stopped me mid-scroll. At first glance, it leans into that familiar Scandinavian language, all that white, the soaring ceilings, the light pouring in from every angle, but look a little closer and it begins to feel like something else entirely. Located on the Venice Canal in LA, there is a warmth and looseness to it that softens all that brightness.

It is the home of jewellery designer Irene Neuwirth, who worked with her friend, interior designer Sarah Shetter, to create a space that feels relaxed and personal. 

What I love most is the way they have softened the architecture. The bones are crisp and bright, but instead of keeping everything restrained, they have layered in pattern, texture and colour in a way that feels instinctive, laidback and summery rather than styled. The green floral sofa (upholstered in Lotus Garden) sets the tone, it's a little unexpected, a little nostalgic and very lovely! The rest of the decor follows in this vain with wallpapers, vintage wood pieces, woven textures and plenty of art. Books are piled high, shelves are filled with objects that feel like they have been gathered over time, and even the kitchen, with its ladder and long communal table, feels like a place to linger.

It is this balance that draws me in. Ready to see more? 

Beautiful!

I am still drooling over those first two images. It is amazing how the sofa seems to pull the greenery in from outside, almost blurring the line between indoors and out, and it brings such an easy, summery feel to the whole space. I also love the subtle touches of blush dotted throughout, just enough to soften everything and add a quiet warmth.

All in all, a beautiful home that makes me feel like summer is on the way!

Did you enjoy this tour too? Are you a fan of floral textiles and wallpaper? Could you imagine having a sofa like this? So many questions! 

Right friends, it's Friday, the sun is shining and my family are slowly drifting home from their various corners of town. Time to enjoy the weekend.

I hope you have a trevlig helg!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Jenna Cooper LA, where this house is for sale - found via Nordroom, with thanks.

 

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A Tour of a Lovely Gothenburg Flat (or Lägenhet!)

The other day I was scrolling through Instagram and someone had shared a carousel of four enormous homes, asking which one we’d choose if we won the lottery. I was pleased to see that many people in the comments felt the same as I did – none of them. They were all just far too big.

There’s something wonderfully cosy about a smaller home, and this Swedish space is furnished so thoughtfully. It may be compact  with the bedroom, dining area and kitchen all rolling into one, yet it still feels calm, considered and wonderfully lived-in.

What really draws me in here is the mix of pared-back Scandinavian simplicity with those softer, more personal layers. The clean-lined kitchen and whitewashed floors set a quiet backdrop, while warm wood furniture, woven textures and that lovely paper lantern bring in a gentle, relaxed warmth. I also love the open metal shelving (so popular right now) and that slightly eclectic mix of everyday objects – ceramics, books, plants.

It’s the little details that make it, too – the red wall lamp and the colourful rug breaking up the neutral palette, the trailing greenery, the blend of vintage and modern pieces sitting side by side. It all feels very effortless, but still intentional. 

Ready to take the tour? 

That desk chair is fascinating, don't you think? It reminds me of a set of panpipes! I tried a quick google image search but I couldn't find the source - do you know anything about it? if so, please do share away in the comments! 

Is there anything that stood out to you about this lovely flat? I was enjoying reading through the recent comments yesterday and came across one that mentioned the word “apartment” usually refers to a rental in the USA, so today I opted for “flat” :) – a nod to my London upbringing. In Swedish, it’s called a “lägenhet.”

Here are a few more "lägenheter" to tour today - and they all belong to talented people I know! 

My friend Igor's charming Berlin apartment
Alisan's serene Copenhagen apartment
The studio of Swedish furniture upholsterer Carina Grefmar

Thank you so much for dropping by, as always!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Stadshem, with thanks.

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A Charming Swedish Summer Cottage in the Countryside

Last weekend, we headed to our summer cottage for a few days. The tiniest buds were just beginning to appear on the lilac bushes, and a blackbird hopped around the garden, readying itself for spring. Although it was still cold, there was a quiet promise that soon the countryside will burst into life, turning lush and vibrant green. Just like at this beautiful cottage in the countryside, not far from the magical Gothenburg archipelago.

Traditional on the outside and quintessentially Swedish on the inside, the classic ochre, blue and white tones, botanical-themed wallpaper, and charming individual pieces have an air of the Swedish artist Carl Larsson's home.

Although most summer cottages in Sweden do have running water and electricity, it’s not unusual to find some that don’t. One friend of mine has a cottage on an island, and they have to take all their water with them for cooking, washing and drinking. Helen’s cottage has an outdoor loo only (not going to lie, I once stayed there during a two-day photoshoot and it gets so dark outside at night that I sprinted there and back in record time!). And I see this charming old cottage also has an outdoor loo — in fact, you’ll notice there are two side by side. Is it because they’re particularly sociable? Scroll down to discover why!

But prior to that, I hope you enjoy all the details first – the wallpaper, the oil lamps, mirrors, and views over the fields. Let's take a peek inside! 

Have you noticed the doors with the diagonal pattern? It’s something you see a lot of on doors and shutters in the countryside here. I recently got curious about why they’re built that way.

Like many things in Scandinavian design, there’s actually a practical reason. Traditional Swedish cottage doors and shutters often have diagonal wooden braces (sometimes forming a “Z” shape). These braces help keep the door stable, prevent it from sagging, and stop the wood from warping over time.

This construction method is called “ledge and brace,” and apparently it works especially well in climates like ours, where humidity and temperature change a lot throughout the year.

So, the loo or 'utedass' as it's called in Sweden. Just why are there two side by side? It's hardly a place you'd want to sit and chat for a while, right? The reason is actually very practical (as you might have guessed)- it is designed to accommodate different members of the family with a larger hole for adults and a smaller one for children (hence the stool to give the, a 'leg up'! 

I love that the owners have gone to the effort of painting checks on the flor and hanging a picture too! 

Oh, and I thought you might be curious about the wallpapers. The yellow one is 'hiprose' by Borås Tapater, and the one in the dining room is Duro by Gastgivars wallpaper.  

 I love seeing all the lush green - I can't wait to see all the leaves come out here (are they out where you are?). But also I noticed the beautiful old stone wall and steps in the garden. I wonder how long it would take for these took look lovely and aged if you were to add something like this today? I'd love to put something in like this at our little cottage - but not sure if modern-built stone has the same affect?

I'm really keen to here your thoughts about this Swedish country cottage too! 

It's actually for sale right now – maybe something to consider over the weekend? 

Since the weekend is coming up, how about a few more cottages to dream away over? 

A serene Swedish lakeside retreat

From classroom to country retreat
A cosy Swedish summer cottage to explore

Have a wonderful weekend! 

Niki

PS busy getting your outdoor space ready for Spring / Summer? I have written a guide with some nice tips in my latest story for IKEA here, if you fancy a read! 

Photography courtesy of Mäklerhuset with thanks.

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Spring-like Shades in Tone’s Calm Norwegian home

Naturally, with any creative outlet, whether fashion or interiors, there will always be trends. But one thing I remain firm about is creating an environment with just the right feeling. A home that helps you thrive really is essential, don’t you think?

I can appreciate more maximalist homes bursting with items and colour. They can be wonderful to look at. But when it comes to my own home, I like things to feel calm. Somewhere I can breathe and truly unwind. How about you? Do you prefer a home that feels busy and layered, or one that feels quiet and soothing? I really believe there is no right or wrong way.

That is why I love Norwegian Tone Trollbu’s service, 'Interior Therapy'. Tone combines interior design with her background in psychology to help clients create a home that truly suits them. Isn’t that such a thoughtful idea?

It helps that Tone also has a wonderful eye for design. You can see this clearly in her own home just outside of Oslo, which balances calm, soft colours with just a touch of edginess to give it personality. Think wavy mirrors, a delicious combination of pink, buttercup yellow, lime green, a hint of terracotta and soft milky tones. There are also so many individual pieces that make the space feel truly personal.

I hope you feel inspired by the tour!

Beautiful. 

Did you notice all the art and sculptures? And the mural in the bathroom is such a lovely touch, don't you think?

Was there anything that particularly stood out to you?

If you have the time today, do stop by Tone’s Instagram feed. And if you understand Norwegian, you might also enjoy listening to her podcast, where she interviews experts from the interior industry.

Shall we take a look at a few more Norwegian homes today? How about: 

A charming rural cottage by a Norwegian fjord
Inside Juni's creative Oslo apartment
A simple, yet cosy Norwegian cabin
A magical, rural Norwegian escape

Happy Tuesday friends!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Tone Trollbu, shared with kind permission.

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Texture, Warm Tones and Contrast in a Swedish Home

Texture, texture, texture.

That’s usually my answer when someone asks how our Scandinavian friends manage to create such lovely homes in warm neutral tones.

This Gothenburg apartment, for example, has been stripped back a little for sale, yet it still manages to balance simplicity with a cosy feel. Much of that comes down to texture: the exposed brick, the beautifully patinated kitchen wall, and the mix of natural materials throughout the space.

Then there’s the contrast. Dark tones sit alongside lighter ones, while rattan and wood furniture add warmth and depth. A variety of shapes, from soft curves to more angular forms, also helps create visual interest.

It’s also lovely to notice the mix of eras. Mid-century pieces sit comfortably alongside contemporary elements and the occasional antique, giving the space a layered, collected feel rather than something that has come together all at once.

Together, these layers of texture, tone, shape and time bring life and personality to an otherwise pared-back palette.

I hope this lovely apartment brings you a little inspiration this sunny Friday. How I’d love to step inside and layer it with a few of my own personal belongings!

Sure, this space has been styled for sale, but I do appreciate the natural ease of it. The tones on the walls, the furniture and the accessories all feel so beautifully curated: calm, cohesive and quietly inviting.

I am a big fan of Tulip dining chairs, I think they always add something special to a room, especially when mixed with chairs from different eras. I also thought the darker shade in the bedroom worked beautifully. For a small, windowless room like this, it’s as if they’ve gone all in and embraced the cocoon-like feel. 

Is there anything that stood out to you? If so, I’d love to hear more!

For now though, it’s the first true spring day here and everyone has appeared like lizards, gathered by the water, faces angled up to the sun, soaking in the first warm rays of the year. And among them is Per, with a beer in hand, waiting for me!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend, and thank you so much for stopping by.

Niki

Photography courtesy of Stadshem, with thanks.

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