Why, hello there! The big chill in Sweden continues and the Christmas lights look so pretty against the snow - even if it does make for treacherous cycling conditions (yes, Swedes cycle in the snow - with varying results I might add!).
The minus temperatures also mean we only really go out if we have to - and homes are being transformed into cosy sanctuaries. This also means Christmas decorations come out a little earlier than they might do in other countries. However, I'm not talking the full monty - instead, I've noticed Swedes start out with subtle festive touches with a natural wintery theme and then continue to layer their homes throughout December (something I touch on in my new book Njuta*!).
In Alexandra Löfgren's family home in Mölndal, south of Gothenburg is full of lovely, subtle touches and nice ideas. I especially love her son Matteo's room with it's brown, rust and blue colour scheme and a mini Christmas tree all of his own! So magical! Here's a glimpse of the rooms and six ideas to steal.
1. combine amaryllis with other foliage from the garden such as branches with berries and eucalptus for a beautiful bouquet.
2. A simple touch of pine in a vase draws the winter season inside without going all out 'Christmas'.
3. Swap out your usual pendant light for a star pendant such as this one. It can easily be stored the rest of the year!
4. A mini undecorated tree in a pot can be decorated as time goes on - and kept until the following year!
5. Add a mini Christmas tree in unexpected places - such as in the hallway or in a children's bedroom to sprinkle a little magic all over the home!
6. Wreaths can be placed anywhere in the home, but I especially love seeing them over the bed, as seen here!
I hope Alexandra's home has given you some cosy ideas!
If you're looking for more Christmas decorating inspiration this weekend check out these home tours:
And also, scour the Christmas decoration archive - for a ton of beautiful Scandi ideas to be found!
If you'd like a virtual tour this weekend, Per and I will be heading to a Christmas market on the island of Bornholm, which has a focus on quality goods and creating a magical atmosphere - and I'll be covering it in my instagram stories!
Have a cosy weekend!
Niki
Photography: Alexandra Löfgren, shared with kind permission.
*promotion of my own work.
Such a homely home. I can almost smell the good food cooking. :) These are great ideas, and most of them are things I would do in reverse, as well, in the "undecorating" from Christmas--I love having a few wintry decorations to cheer my way into the new year.
ReplyDeleteAs soon as I hang up the phone I have to run down to the basement and pull out my christmas stars (from Ikea but have a lightbulb) - it's a rather dreary day here, sleeting water with snow all day - and maybe I will have some mulled wine and dream about Sweden.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was time to let you know that I look forward to your posts. Every post gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling. I too went down to the basement and pulled out my Ikea stars also. Thank you for your inspiration in simple and exquisite decorating ideas.
ReplyDeleteSo many interesting vignettes in this home. Beautiful and simple. You are stellar at finding these spaces full of beauty to share with your readers!
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