Dream weekend getaway: Le Viti Barn

The title of this post might be slightly misleading. This is only really a weekend getaway for those living in the vicinity of Byron's hinterland in Australia. For the rest of us, we'd need to book it for a month at least to make the long trip worthwhile. Count me in! Le Viti Barn is nestled among lush surroundings on a two-acre hilltop estate (the views, people, the views!), and combines rustic elements with a luxurious touch. Step through the large timber front door and you'll discover herringbone tiled floors, whitewashed walls, soaring ceilings and a bathroom worthy of a soak with a very high stack of books. And then there's the lovely outdoor setting from where you can watch the sunset over the rolling hills. What a perfect escape for two - or a small family. Scroll on to see more! 

What a dream! I could certainly escape the cold (we woke up to a dusting of snow today) for the Australian summer right now, how about you?

More info over at Byron Beach Abodes. Definitely one to add to the future travel list!

See more dreamy holiday rentals I love here. 

Well guys, that's it from me this week! Thanks so much for stopping by, I've loved reading all your comments and mails! 

Have a great weekend! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Byron Beach Abodes. 

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Before & After: An Outdated Property Becomes a Vintage-inspired Family Home

Men Tjeeena! Hur är läget? Today I'm taking you on a virtual trip to Trier in Southwest Germany and Esther Soellner's wonderful home. When Esther and her family first discovered the1903 listed building it had a distinct look of the 1970s - all the rooms had panelled wood and suspended ceilings. Sadly, the stucco and original floor had been destroyed and it lacked many of the other original features. Esther, an interior architect, was keen to restore the house and bring it back to its former glory. her and her husband set about opening up the rooms and reinstalling original features such as doors and windows. The living space was then furnished furniture from antique markets across Europe including France, Belgium, Netherlands and Italy - as well as handmade pieces. The result is a calm home with a vintage industrial vibe and a hint of poetry.  Here are some before and after snapshots: 

Kitchen /dining area before

The extent of the renovation was absolutely enormous and included completely gutting the space, tearing down a wall and putting in new windows. 

On the opposite side of the kitchen / dining area, the suspended wood ceiling was removed and new windows and doors were put in. 

Dining area after: 

The cabinet is a fine example of one of Esther's many antique finds. So beautiful! 

Upstairs landing before

You can really see just how dilapidated the house was when the family first found it. Simply everything needed revamping. 

Upstairs landing after

The original wood floor was sanded down and given a new lease of life with white paint, while a mid-grey emphasises the architraves, turning it into a feature. 

The children's bedroom has been kitted out entirely with vintage and antique pieces.

Master bedroom before

Master bedroom after

Esther made use of existing plumbing to add a luxurious feel to the bedroom with a bath (I'm just imagining a candlelit bubble bath and a great book before bedtime!). She also made a feature of existing beams and pillars - stripping back the plaster to reveal the original brickwork. 

A vintage industrial JIELD lamp (I've got one of these in the corner of our sitting room too - always been a fan!)

A black and white theme in the bathroom (love the traditional style loo!) is softened with vintage touches included a wall cabinet and hooks. 

How beautiful! 

I love all the historical doors and internal windows - as well as the general simplicity of the space. It really allows the architecture to shine. 

Keep an eye on Esther's instagram feed @esma.auguste for more snapshots from her lovely home. 

I love a before and after - do you? Here are a few others to enjoy this Lillöradag (little Saturday): 

A dated house becomes a mid-century modern home

A traditional Norwegian cabin gets a colour update

A Swedish couple turn a Mercedes sprinted into a tiny mobile home

Har det bra! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @esma.auguste

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A Serene White Swedish Home with Warm Touches of Wood

Come here for a breather today? You're in the right place! Decorated by Grey Deco in nuances of white and furnished with pieces in an array of natural material like wood, cane and linen, the living space is a total breath of fresh air and a wonderful oasis in the heart of Gothenburg. Although styled for sale, I can totally imagine stepping inside and filling it with my own personal touches, how about you? 

Note how the washing machine is in the bathroom. In Sweden this is very common in apartments. It's either that or a communal 'tvättstuga' (laundry room), where you book a time slot (the subject of numerous exasperated conversations - everyone has a 'tvättstuga' story - usually a note that has been left by another irate user! 

In the UK, washing machines tend to be in the kitchen (if you don't have a separate laundry room or mudroom). 

Where does the laundry tend to happen in your country? 

On a separate note, the subtle nuances in this apartment are so lovely. My guess is that they've used something like 'Classic white' on the ceiling (NCS S0500-N) and then Jotun Tidlös on the sitting room and bedroom wall.

Wishing you all a serene day!

Niki

PS I am so excited about the before and after home tour I have lined up for tomorrow - it's full of vintage finds! See you then! 

Greydeco for Alvhem

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The Handmade Home of a Danish Architect and Carpenter

Yesterday I was wondering around a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) store in search of a tool and I found myself mulling over how good Scandinavians tend to be at fixing things around the home - and how this has inspired me over the years. The truth is, a lot of things that require attention are relatively simple to fix - and it can feel really empowering to get out a tool box - saving yourself time and money in the process. 

But architect Mette Kirk (@kirkarkitektur)and her husband Henrik Balle - a carpenter at Silkeborg Byg go design, have taken DIY to a whole new level. The talented pair have renovated their 1935 house in Aarhus entirely by themselves - even creating the kitchen cabinets, bathroom storage and other units from scratch. Ready to feel inspired? 

The entirely unique kitchen cabinets in white and wood were designed by Mette to capitalise on space.

Wall units like this wooden one designed by Mette and built by Henrik have become increasingly popular in Denmark lately. My Copenhagen-based friend Caroline Bahrenscheer recently launched a beautiful version for cups, available here. 

The dining space is filled with fab Danish design pieces including wishbone chairs, BT001 pendant lamp, and a Formikami table lamp.

A beautiful parquet floor from Hørning Parket has been laid throughout the house. 

This style of built-in cabinetry (made by Henrik) is ideal for small bedrooms as it makes use of every inch.

I love the built-in bedside table nook - such a clever addition! The lamp is the Louis Poulsen Ring Crown.

Henrik also built the wooden bathroom cabinets (look at the detail!) - which add a wonderful warmth to the space as well as gallons of open and closed storage space! The loo is from Ifö and the floor was found at Flisegalleriet. 

What an inspiring home. 

It would be so useful to be able to whip up incredible cabinets and storage units at whim, don't you think? And of course, Mette's eye for design is simply wonderful too! 

Do you have enough storage in your home, or has Mette and Henrik's house inspired you to add more? 

Perhaps more importantly, how much do DIY do you do? Are you the type to get out a toolbox if something needs fixing or do you prefer to call a handyman? I've learnt to dabble (although Per does the majority!) - but we're on nowhere near the level of building incredible units like the ones in this home!

Would you like to feel inspired by other architect's homes today? Here are some lovely ones: 

A Swedish architect design her own home

The calm home of a Swedish architect

An architects serene home in Copenhagen 

Have a great start to the week friends!

Niki

Photography: Mette Kirk, shared with kind permission

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