My Dream Bed (In The Making!)

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A psychologist friend of mine told me recently that one of the keys to success in life is self-care. I'm not just brushing your teeth in the morning - really looking after yourself. Taking breaks, putting aside time for the things you love and generally pampering the soul! Do you do enough of this? Having ended 2017 feeling a little run down, I decided to make this the year I am kinder to myself - and the first item on my list was getting a better night's sleep! Thanks to the Swedish luxury brand Carpe Diem Beds - and an instagram stories poll last month (so grateful for all your input!) I have finally decided on a new bed: Sandö.

Sandö is a continental bed named after an island in the beautiful Gothenburg archipelago.  What makes Sandö so comfortable are its three unique interacting spring systems that raise your sleep and ensure you feel like you're sleeping on a cloud. It also includes the patented Carpe Diem Beds Contour System, which looks after the body's contours and its protruding parts, such as shoulders, hips and buttocks. Combined with the depth of the spring system, this gives a feeling of weightlessness that must be experience (read more about the Contour Pocket System here). We're talking Princess and The Pea style comfort here! The question is, will I ever be able to get out of bed in the morning?!

The next step was to build it (each bed is handcrafted which means you get to choose all the details including mattress firmness, fabric, headboard and legs).  As someone into design, I couldn't be happier about this!

Getting Cosy!

According to The Sleep Help Institute, choosing the right firmness plays a huge role in getting a good night's sleep and reducing aches and pains.  

When choosing the firmness, there are several factors to consider including your own personal perception of comfort, your weight (the heavier you are, generally the firmer the mattress and vice versa) and your sleep position (whether you sleep on your back, side or front can have an impact on the firmness you choose - who knew?!). Since mattresses can vary between brands it's best to discuss this at the point of sale / directly with the brand.

Deciding On Fabric

I've never owned a continental bed before and love the idea of being able to choose a fabric that feels good and matches my room! Being a Brit I couldn't resist the fabric designed in collaboration with Designers Guild! I opted for the non-allergic Zaragoza eggshell, a soft chenille that I think will go well with the chestnut and blushing peach tones in my bedroom and adjoining home office.

But what about the headboard? Well, I can't tell you how much I'd LOVE an upholstered headboard (do you have one?) - they always look so comfortable! Alas, with our low bedroom window it just wasn't possible, so I opted for two plump headboard cushions made from the same fabric as the bed (available in store soon!).

And finally the legs - being a nature-lover, this was the easiest choice of all (despite a variety of styles and finishes such as copper and black aluminium) I went for the 13 cm OAK legs.

Something tells me I'm going to be a new person once this one arrives!

Have a cosy day,

Niki

This post is brought to you in collaboration with Carpe Diem Beds, however all words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too. You can find out more information about Carpe Diem Beds and their dealers here.

Photography courtesy of Carpe Diem Beds.

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Duvet Day Here?!

How much are you looking forward to your weekend lie-in (a mere two sleeps away - phew!)? I know one person for sure who must be: Katrin Bååth. You might remember, I featured Katrin's studio a few years back and finally got to meet in person last month at an event held by Sandberg Wallpaper where she works as Creative Director. Not only is Katrin one very cool cat (and so much fun), her creativity knows no bounds! It was no surprise whatsoever to discover her home is also a feast for the eyes. Her bedroom in particular, is everything you can imagine a freelance art director and stylists boudoir to be. The bedroom occupies a room in a small house in Jönköping, Sweden which she shares with her husband and two children, Minna (13) and Flora (9). Although not very spacious, the bedroom covers the practical side of everything while being truly personal.  Walls are adorned with originals by local Swedish artists and storage comes in the form of quirky brass hooks, a hand mould and a glass cabinet, while a quilted headboard adds a touch of luxe. And the shoes. OH THE SHOES!!!

The black and white gallery wall above the bed is made up of art by Stina Persson, Jennie Ekström and Joel Dittmer.

Katrin painted the bedside tables in a warm grey matt to tie in with the yellow tones of the room.

How cute are these rabbit hooks for hanging necklaces, bags etc? I found similar ones here.

Katrin has continued the gallery wall around the corner (this picture features art photography by Alvreten and two originals by Swedish artist Annefrid Sjöman). Two Club wall light by House Doctor have been placed either side of the bed.

Such a handy (sorry) way to stash your glasses! Katrin picked up the mould at H&M Home over ten years ago (love how it's aged). 

The pretty kimono is by Sandberg for whom Katrin is Creative Director. Sadly it's sold out (I just checked in the hope I could pick one up for myself!). If anyone has any tips for a similar one, it would be wonderful if you can leave it in the comment section below!The glass cabinet is from IKEA.

Just how fabulous are these shoes? Understandably Katrin's favourites! The beauty of having a glass cabinet (this one is from IKEA) is that you get to display fine specimens like these.

Katrin found these pink shoes in the Zara children's department a few years ago (which tells us she must have very dainty feet... unlike me!). 

Photography / styling: Katrin Bååth

Oh how I love this bedroom, it's so personal and packed with inspiring ideas! Thank you for inviting us in Katrin!

Could you imagine waking up here each day?

If you're curious, you can see more of Katrin's bedroom over on her blog (while you're there it's totally worth taking a snoop around the rest of the Lovely Life too, it's one of my favourites) and instagram feed and find out about her latest freelance work here.

More bedroom inspiration here!

Have a relaxing day!

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In Search Of Beauty Sleep!

Did you know it's world sleep day? I've been thinking a lot lately about sleep (and lack of!). Firstly I'm the Mother of two, secondly I'm guilty of going to bed a little too late (I'm looking at you Netflix!) and finally, my husband and I have the worst bed E.V.E.R. Lurking under the beautiful set-up that is my bedroom is a double bed with one side slightly higher than the other and a super soft, 16 year old mattress! I kid you not! Knowing the importance of a great night's sleep (I even wrote about it in my Lagom book!), my new years resolution to look after myself a little better this year and the fact that we spend a third of our lives in bed, why do I put so much effort into creating a beautiful bedroom then scrimp on the most important thing?! Are you guilty of this too? This is my (surprising) journey in search of better sleep:

Now, you know me well. Comfort and good quality is essential, but it has to look pretty too. Which is how I discovered Carpe Diem Beds. After a little research (hey, I've been waiting 16 years, and it is after all, a 'big girl investment') I found that despite being a global brand (available in 20 countries) their beds are handcrafted in beautiful Lysekil in the archipelago North of Gothenburg, which is where my husband and I met! Fate?! A visit to Sweden's West Coast was totally in order (purely for research purposes, of course!).

In between blustery cliff walks, boat rides and the odd sauna, I learned that Carpe Diem Beds was founded by local chiropractor Börje Thuleskär, who was soaking up the sun on a bed of wild heather (found in abundance on the islands) and noticed the flora supported him and moulded to his body. This paved the way for the Contour Pocket System: a unique individually flexible spring system which works to follow the contours of your body and relieve pressure.

The beds are also built using the highest quality materials including frames of Swedish pine, bolsters of cotton and wool and mattresses upholstered with Talalay latex, wool, and cotton. They're also marked with the Nordic 'Swan' eco-label and individually signed by the person who made it! This also means you can decide the fabric, headboard and legs (love that!). 

 By the end of my two days I was sorry to leave (I stayed in a hotel with a Carpe Diem Beds bed and it was like sleeping on a cloud. For the first time in ages I woke up rested - body and soul!). It's absolutely no coincidence that I have since became an extremely proud ambassador.

Which brings me to the most important step in my search for better sleep - which bed to choose (each one is named after a place in the archipelago). Here are a few of my faves:

Malö

Their most popular frame bed, Malö, has an extra-high spring system, giving you a feeling of being weightless (loving the sound of that?!). 

Härmanö

Härmanö is a continental bed with separate spring systems and classic double mattresses for maxing out on the comfort and pressure relief (so tempting!).

Vindö

Set to launch soon, Vindö is designed to look like it's flying and has an app that lets you adjust the beds position, lighting and massage functions! Could. You. Imagine?! Would you ever get out of bed?! Here's their complete range of adjustable beds (just saying!).

So, what do you think? Do you have a favourite? I have mine. And my husband has his. Let's see who wins (to be revealed soon!).

Sleep... I'm coming for you!

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

Photography courtesy of Carpe Diem Beds.

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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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My Bedroom / Mini Break!

Hejsan! I'm just stopping by to say that it's sportslov (half term) this week in Southern Sweden and my family and I are taking a little holiday. I hope you have a wonderful week too!

See you next Monday!

Niki

PS I snapped this of my bedroom just before we left - if you're wondering where anything is from you can find all the details in this and this post. Or just leave a comment and I'll respond as soon as I get back.

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My bedroom make-over in detail

I hope you had a great weekend?! Thank you so much for all your kind words about my bedroom make-over (feeling the love guys, feeling the love!). I promised to come back with info about all the items yesterday and then my family and I took an impromptu trip out to the forest to chop down our Christmas tree which was soooo fun but also meant I completely ran out of time! So, a little late, but here it is.....

The accent wall is painted in Jotun Lady Pure 'Blushing Peach' which I think makes the room feel so cosy, and warmer too (something of a necessity in the Swedish winter!!). It also makes a great backdrop for deep rust and chestnut hues as well as lighter off-white / wheat tones - thank you so much to My Scandinavian Home interior designer / stylist Gen for finding this colour for us! The big 'ole waffle throw is from Granit.

I love a big old fluffy bed with tonnes of pillows, cushions and throws, it makes it look so much more inviting don't you think?! The white pillow case is from John Lewis, the off-white linen pillow is part of a bed set from H&M Home and the dark rust from Granit.

We were looking for prints with a relatively calm feel.  I'm so happy with the limited edition New Form 4 print by Riikka Kantinkoski and Noon print by Kristina Krogh from the The Poster Club. The bedside lamp was handmade by someone in the UK years and years ago, and sadly (as far as I'm aware) is no longer made.

When we moved in, we couldn't find shelves to span the height of the four metre wall that would also hold a load of heavy objects. In the end my husband designed and built the shelves himself! If you look closely there are support brackets on the back and side wall for each shelf and then they are also suspended on a strong wire which runs from floor to ceiling. If you've got any questions about it just give me a shout (the man's super proud of them so he loves to help anyone looking to do the same!).

The four metre long Washed white linen curtains were made-to-measure by small, independent online shop notPERFECTLINEN. These guys also made the curtains in my window nook and are so wonderful to work with (they ship worldwide too!).

The pendant over the bed is the Feriel drop light by Paris Au Mois D'août - it really pulled the whole look together. I absolutely love it (and it's as light as a feather too). 

Here's a complete run down of all the items for you...

GET THE LOOK

1. Granit Maroon Linen Cushion
2. Nordal Candle holder
3. The Poster Club Noon print by Kristina Krogh
4. Jotun  Blushing peach 20047
5. Granit Waffled Maroon Bedspread
6. NordicWoolCompany Gotland sheepskin
7. Paris au mois d'août Feriel drop light
8. Bemz Loose Fit Urban unbleached linen Bedspread and Bemz Loose Fit Urban Bed Skirt 
9. The Poster Club New Form 4 print by Riikka Kantinkoski
10. notPERFECTLINEN Washed white linen curtains
11. Ikea Söderhamn armchair - covered with Bemz Loose Fit Urban Armchair cover


If I've missed anything - give me a shout below and I'll be happy to advise! I hope you like the make-over as much as we do!

Have a great start to the week!

Photography / Production: Niki Brantmark - My Scandinavian home. Interior design / styling - Genevieve Jorn.

Some of the items were generously gifted from companies across Europe - thank you! 
This post contains affiliate links.

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