Understated Christmas Charm in a Swedish Home

Men tjeeena! How's it going for you this last week before Christmas? Is all calm and bright or gloriously chaotic? Either way, this is exactly the moment when Scandinavian Christmas inspiration feels extra comforting. And, they really do their decorating so well, don't you think?

What I love about the festive touches in Amanda Broomé’s Swedish home is how understated they are. Nothing feels over-styled or overwhelming – instead, Christmas is woven gently into everyday corners of the house. A simple tree placed on a side table, a wreath hung with a soft ribbon, and a few sprigs of greenery are all it takes to create that unmistakable Scandinavian holiday feeling.

Candlelight plays a big role too, with slender tapers glowing on kitchen counters, dressers and shelves and golden angels dancing in the heat of the flames on a gold carousel. It adds instant warmth and makes the spaces feel calm and inviting, especially when paired with natural materials like wood, linen and ceramics. For Amanda, there’s no need for elaborate decorations – the beauty lies in the simplicity.

Perhaps the nicest thing of all is how achievable it feels. These are festive ideas anyone can recreate: foraged greenery, a handful of candles, and a few well-loved pieces styled with care. It’s a lovely reminder that Christmas doesn’t have to be busy or extravagant to feel truly special – sometimes, less is more!

Ready to take a peek?

Oh, so lovely! 

It makes me think about layering a few more decorations over what we have - some mini trees, some wreaths, and maybe an orange garland. 

Is this your style of decorating too? 

See more beautiful inspiration from Amanda's home over at @vastrabodarnehuset. 

And keep a look in the Christmas archive for plenty more festive ideas! 

Wishing you a great start to the week!

Niki

Photography: @vastrabodarnehuset, shared with kind permission. 

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Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree: The Edit!

Oh, how I love a Christmas tree — the true star of festive décor! When it comes to your fir, I’m a firm believer that there’s no right or wrong way to decorate it. It’s simply about decorating it your way.

This year, I’ve loved seeing a little bit of everything online — from rustic, pared-back trees adorned with candles to floor-to-ceiling showstoppers festooned with vintage ornaments, garlands, bows, and flags. If you’re decorating your tree this weekend, here are a few ideas to get you feeling inspired!

The little ones
Short on space? Mini trees are ideal for windowsills, tabletops, the corner of a room or anywhere else you feel like adding a festive touch - and they're so pretty too! 

The rustic tree

Grown in your own back garden, the last one left at the tree farm, or simply love at first sight - rustic trees are an asymmetric wonder and full of character. Plus they look equally beautiful left natural, decorated with ornaments or simply lit with a few lights. 

The jolly tree

Candy-cane stripes, little mice. bows, garlands and flags - anything goes on these joyful looking trees, packed with personality. 

The outdoor tree

Last but not least, is there anything more beautiful than a fir tree sprinkled with snow and lit with a few white fairylights - or just left bare? 

So beautiful! Is there one in particular that resonates with you? 

I have to say, I love each and everyone of them! 

If you are decorating your tree this weekend, I hope you have lots of fun in the process. 

Thank you so much for stopping by this week, see you Monday!

Niki

Credits: 1. @beatanison 2. @joanna_k_k 3. @krewssons 4. @greatshotsbynumber10 5. @bynilsgarden 6. @snickargladjen 7. @malinbrostad 8. @erinterior 9. @lullabies.by.lisa 10. @3res 11. @sodra.byvag 12. @kjerstisronning @underbaraclaras

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A Cosy Norwegian Home at Christmastime

This is the time of year when I always start to panic — is Christmas really only 14 days away? I have so much to do… how about you? Even so, let’s pause for a moment and enjoy some festive calm inside the charming home of interior designer Guro Jovall, just south of Oslo, Norway. Guro lives with her son, dog and boyfriend in a beautiful house built in 1838 — and at Christmas it becomes truly magical.

Guro’s style blends Scandinavian simplicity with warm, historic character. The tones throughout her home are soft and natural — creamy whites, warm woods and gentle greys — creating a calm backdrop for Christmas greenery and candlelight. I love how the textures do so much of the talking here: the rough, hand-brushed brick by the fireplace, the smooth painted floors, the cosy sheepskins and woollen throws, and the layers of linen on the table. It all feels so inviting.

Look closely at the dining table, and you'll see it's been set with understated linens, sparkling glassware and blue-and-white plates (so pretty!) — a perfect mix of pattern and calm neutrals. It’s the kind of space where I can imagine gathering with friends and family, lingering as the light fades with a roaring fire in the background. Simple wreaths, pine cones and fresh greenery add just enough festive detail, and the soft glow of candles brings everything to life. 

I love how Guro's home is the perfect reminder that Christmas decorating can be both subtle and incredibly cosy!

 Isn't Guro's home truly magical? Is there anything that stood out to you? 

You can see more inspiration and find out more about Guro's interior design services over at @designguro.

If you haven't already explored the Christmas archives, please do pour yourself a coffee, grab a blanket and have a scroll - there are so many beautiful Scandinavian homes and decorations to discover!

I'm heading off to Copenhagen shortly for a 'Julefrukost' (Danish Christmas lunch) with the team at Skandinavisk (don't forget the exlusive 20% off with code 'jul20', it's a perfect place to pick up a wonderful-smelling gift!). See more from my home here. 

Wishing you all a relaxing mid-week!

Niki

Photography by @designguro, shared with kind permission.

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A Christmas Glimpse Inside Our Home (and a Little Gift for You)

Sponsored by Skandinavisk (all words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too). 

It’s the darkest time of the year, and even the daylight has a certain rawness to it. I think that’s one of the reasons I love Christmas so much—it gives the perfect excuse to create a truly cosy home filled with greenery from the season and all the wonderful scents of Christmas. As promised, here are a few pictures from our main living ready for 'Jul'. 

This little corner is everyone’s favourite spot. It’s where I drink my morning coffee while catching the sunrise, Per plays the guitar, and the girls relax (no doubt 'snapping' a friend or two). It’s a cosy nook where you can be in the same room as everyone else yet still feel tucked away. I have a never ending rotation of candles here and right now, it's STUGA (with the cosy scent of a secluded Scandinavian cabin!). This nook comes into it's own at Christmas when the house is a hive of activity untangling lights, finalising wreaths and the continuous search for a pair of scissors! Are we the only ones? 

Swedes are masters at adapting their home for the season.  In winter, it's all about the cosy blankets, sheepskins and bringing plenty of greenery indoors - and I'm here for it! This corner is where we all snuggle up trying to find something we ALL want to watch (no easy feat!). In case you're wondering, our TV is hidden behind the curtain!

Our tree is full of different decorations amassed over the years. Last year I acquired this cute little champagne bottle, which has become a new favourite. If only it was real (and a little bigger!)! 

This year, we’ll be at Per’s parents’ for our Swedish Christmas. Swedish tradition has it that Tomten (Father Christmas) brings all the presents in a sack over his shoulder during the afternoon (unfortunately, one family member always seems to miss him—usually when they’ve popped out to buy a newspaper at the most inconvenient moment!). In the meantime, a few presents are already wrapped and waiting for Tomten to collect.

If you’re stuck for ideas, this Yuletide gift set makes a wonderful present for anyone who would love to bring the scent of a Scandinavian Christmas into their home (discount code below!). 

This trusty bench has been our coffee table for years. I love changing up what’s on it from month to month; right now it holds some in-season flowers and foliage, a bowl of pine cones, sculptures by our neighbour Simon Vendin, a few vintage decorations, and the gentle smell of the Scandinavian boreal forest thanks to the special edition SKOG candle and scent diffuser. It’s Per’s all-time favourite scent, and it really comes into its own at Christmas (especially if you have a non-smelling tree). 

Amaryllis are a Christmas favourite, and this year I went for a burgundy-red variety—simple yet so pretty with a few sprigs of pine. Beside it is a book by my friend Malin Persson, and a JUL candle that fills our upstairs landing with the scent of baked gingerbread, winter cloves, spiced oranges, and mulled wine. Delicious! 

I hope you enjoyed these little snapshots of our home at Christmas. If there’s anything you’re curious about that I haven’t mentioned, just let me know below and I'll share the source. 

If you’re thinking of treating yourself or a friend to one of the wonderful home fragrances from Skandinavisk ( a B Corp), there’s a 20% code (jul20) available until 20th December 2025. 

Wishing you a warm and cosy festive weekend, and thank you for being here. I hope you liked this glimpse inside our home at Christmas. The light already starts to fade at 2pm and it's pitch dark by 3.30pm so it's the perfect place to thaw out from the bike ride home and cosy up for the evening. 

Niki

Credits: I took these photographs together with Helen Sturesson. 

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A Bright & Beautiful Christmas in Natalie's Malmö Apartment

It’s starting to look a lot like jul here in Malmö, and just across town, in the French-Swedish home of interior designer Natalie Coquand the decorations are up in all kinds of pretty, festive ways. 

Think boxwood wreaths tied with red ribbon and the tinklng of bells, advent candles nestled in moss, vibrant amaryllis, pine-cone garlands, and a fabulous Christmas tree adorned with lights and ornaments. 'Tis the season to feel jolly (and warm and cosy!) and her home has all the vibes I love. Plus, I am sure it smells divine too! Welcome to Christmas chez Natalie! 

So festive! All the candlelight and greenery really help to brighten up the darkness and the monochrome of the bare branches outside. Our house is brimming with it too (I’m looking forward to sharing more on Friday).

Does any of Natalie’s holiday décor stand out to you? If you decorate for Christmas, how far along are you?

Usually, I like to put up our tree after my birthday (which is the 6th of December), since that’s the way we’ve always done it in my family. But this year we’ve been a little overzealous, and the tree is already up and glowing—and I have to say, I really love it! I remember once asking here on the blog what the latest anyone has ever left their tree up was, and someone confessed they left it up all year until the next Christmas. It did make me laugh!

If you'd like to see more photos of Natalie’s home, take a look at the full (non-Christmassy) tour here. She also shares beautiful inspiration on her Instagram.

Wishing you a happy mid-week!

Niki

Photography by Johanna Flyckt Gashi, styling by Natalie Coquand, shared with kind permission.

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