Small Space Make-over: A Teen Boy's Bedroom

Children's rooms are always fun to renovate as you can go a little more crazy, but when they start to hit their teens it's time to reign it in again and create something a little more grown-up. My stepson Albin, is 16 and spends a fair amount of time in his room (sometimes I think I hear him talking to himself but he's actually gaming against friends (in my mind, gaming is still Horris Goes Skiing on a ZX Spectrum circa 1984 so you can understand why this gets confusing!). When it comes to interior decorating, Albin has a fairly laissez-faire approach (understatement!). As long as he can sleep, study and play on his computer / watch football, tennis, baseball or WHATEVER is scheduled at the time, he's as happy as Larry (I'm still wondering who that is?!). Despite Genevieve Jorn and I being give free reign to design his room (which measures 7.7 metres square / 82 square feet), we were keen to ensure the look reflected his personality, run items from my wonderful make-over sponsor Danish homeware brand Nordal passed him, and ensure he had everything he needed!

 

Teenage Boy's Bedroom checklist*

Bed + reading light
TV and gaming console
Shelving for books
Storage for sports equipment
Desk with task light + drawers
Clothes storage

*according to Albin!

Inspiration

Photography: Bettina Holst / Coco Republic / IKEA

Floor plan

I really wish I had a 'before' picture (totally forgot to take one) but if you can imagine all white walls, no shelving and a slightly ripped poster stuck on the wall using sellotape you're on to something!

 

The tour

A 200 cm bed perfectly fitted the width of the room - with enough space for a TV, placed on a narrow wall mounted shelf, at the end. Layers of textile in the form of cushions and a rug (all Nordal) and the blue-grey wall colour (S 7010-R90B Ambience by Nordjö) helped to add a cosy feel. 

Simple wooden shelves were painted in the same colour as the wall and mounted higher up for extra storage. Gen and I love a corner gallery wall (remember this one?!). This ensemble includes a Happy Mondays print, and an old drawing by Albin. He can easily add to the gallery over time too. A wall-mounted reading lamp helps to light up the corner after dark (in a small room, wall mounting items help to free up floor space).

From left to right: Satin Pothos plant from a local flower shop, and grey and blue cushions with lovely fringed edges, a patterned rug and lampshade from Nordal.

Since Albin is often at his Mothers he doesn't tend to store a lot of clothes at ours, so we decided to do away with the wardrobe to create more floor space. A clothes rack (from IKEA) with storage underneath works as a great replacement and doubles up as a bedside table.

We couldn't place the desk in front of the window because of the big radiator. However, it still gets plenty of natural light in the corner. Right now a big palm adds a splash of colour to the corner of the room but we could add a wardrobe in it's place if needed. PS Loving the tassles on the rug!

I found the desk chair in a local second hand shop (imagine how excited I was?!)- it's originally from Hungary, and perfect because it's still relatively ergonomic (it swivels and the height can be adjusted). As you can see from the picture, I still need to sand down the seat and re-varnish it - Gah! Where does all the time go?!

My sister took the framed picture of Albin, the man and I many moons ago on a beach in Falsterbo. I love it as it was such a happy, sun-kissed day. There's a good chance we might just be replaced with a signed picture of Zlatan Ibrahimovic imminently though! The Nordal library lamp was moved up from our sitting room. 

And here he is, looking pretty happy with his new room, I must say...

... and perhaps wondering why I swapped his Malmö FF poster for an Arsenal one (out of shot) - kidding, England was a much better match!

I hope you liked the make-over as much as my stepson! In case you're looking to do something similar, here are a few of the items we picked:

1. Library table lamp
2. Dark blue cushion cover
3. Black wall lamp
4. Cotton quilt bedspread
5. Fabric lamp cover
6. Graphic canvas carpet
7. Natural cushion cover

*Find a webshop stockist near you here (Europe only).

If you are wondering about anything else just give me a shout in the comment section below and I'll do my best to help!

Come here for a home tour? You might like to check out the Danish, Swedish and Norwegian home tour archives.

Have a lovely day!

Niki

Photography / shoot styling: Niki Brantmark, Interior design direction / styling: Genevieve Jorn. 

This make-over was made possible with the help of Nordal. All design, styling and words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too. Thank you for supporting the companies that make fresh content possible.

READ MORE...

10

My Dream Bed (In The Making!)

Post updated:

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.

READ MORE...

2

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!

READ MORE...

9

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.

READ MORE...

15

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.

READ MORE...

5