Emily's Danish Family Home at Christmas (with this year's hottest trend)

 

Hello there friends. How are you today? I snuck in a little extra post yesterday featuring my dining room and some very beautiful iconic Danish chairs - did you see it? 

And today, I'd like to take you on a virtual trip to Denmark, and the beautiful home of fashionista Emily Salomon and her young family. Emily's home reflects her personal style - relaxed and simple with a wonderful unique twist. There are many things to appreciate about her home - including the neutral base and touches of stone. But I particularly love the way Emily decorates her home at Christmas using  garlands, a touch of chintz and this year's absolute must - bows! 

In fact, as a nod to the eighties we're seeing bows absolutely everywhere this Christmas - on the tree (as seen on this beautiful one), in windows, in the bathroom (as seen in Emily's lovely home), on the door, as earrings (I just ordered these bow earrings for my daughter for Christmas... shhhh), on clothes and of course, in the hair! 

Ready to take a peek at Emily's lovely home? 

I could get into that bath right now with a good book! I actually haven't seen a stone bath caddy before - have you? It looks so smart! And while on the topic of bathrooms, how cute is the little scalloped sink in the guest loo? 

All the Christmas decorations have got me in the mood for decorating my home this weekend - so looking forward to it! Have you started yet? 

Is there anything that stood out to you about Emily's home? And will you be decorating your home with bows? 

You can see more pictures of Emily's home and also get Danish fashion / style inspiration over at @emilysalomon. 

It would be rude not to share a few more Danish homes all decorated for Christmas - so many beautiful and unique ideas to feel inspired by: 

A beautiful Copenhagen home full of festive cheer

A colourful vintage inspired Danish home at Christmas

Also you might like:

5 holly jolly Danish homes at Christmas

My pick of Danish glass tree ornaments, tableware and gifts 

Beautiful Danish Christmas decorations in a Swedish cottage 

Happy Wednesday to you all - and an extra Happy Thanksgiving to all American friends out there! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @emilysalomon, shared with kind permission. 

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Winter charm: Inside a Swedish Country Home Dressed for Advent

Sweden was blanketed in snow this weekend, brightening up the darkness. Even so, the cold has drawn life indoors, sparking a hive of activity as we prepare our homes for winter—layering rugs, blankets, and other soft textiles to create a cozy retreat.

The first Sunday of Advent is just around the corner, marking the start of Christmas decorating in Scandinavia. It's a gradual and thoughtful process, beginning with adventsljusstakar (advent candles) in the windows, perhaps paired with a star lamp and some wintry foliage.

Rebecka Palmqvist's charming country home, built in 1848, is a perfect example of this seasonal transformation. She and her partner have been lovingly renovating it, using old furniture and beautiful wallpaper while preserving its original architecture. The result is a warm, inviting space for their family, including their two small children, Gullvie and Frans.

In winter, the home feels especially magical. Star lanterns and electric candles glow in the windows, and orange garlands are draped across the ceiling. while a Christmas tree adds to the festive atmosphere indoors. Welcome to Rebecka's home! 

So charming! I’m so excited to see the first signs of advent candles appearing in windows here in Sweden. It’s such a beautiful tradition—something you’ll spot in almost every window across towns and villages, from homes to businesses. Do you have something similar in your country?

I also love how Rebecka has decorated her home, staying true to the original charm of the farmhouse while creating a magical space for her family. You can see more pictures here.

Here are a few more Scandinavian homes in the snow: 

A lakeside Swedish log house in the snow
Hannah's cosy Finnish house in the snow at Christmas
A rural cosy country home at Christmas
A Swedish home in snowy North Sweden
Simple Christmas touches in a Norwegian home beside a snow-covered fjord

I have loved all your comments this weekend - always so interesting and fun to read. I am looking forward to pouring myself a coffee and responding to all of them later today. 

There have been quite a few country homes featured here lately, so I’ll do my best to share an urban apartment with you on Wednesday for all of those of you looking for a little city inspiration. But before that, I’m excited to create an extra post for you tomorrow—I have some news to share from Carl Hansen & Søn! Please stop by if you have the time.

Kram! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @rebecka.palmqvist, shared with kind permission. 

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3 Gift Guides: My Pick of Beautiful Danish Glassware for Every Style

Sponsored by Pernille Bülow - all words and photos are my own. I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too. 

Yes, I know it's early November, but 'the early bird catches the morning worm' as they say - and I wanted to make sure you hear about Pernille Bülow's beautiful items in order for them to arrive before Christmas - after all, it could take a little while for the elves in the Baltic sea to craft, pack and send!  

You may recognise the name, Pernille Bülow is a glass atelier on the Danish island of Bornholm producing the most beautiful, sustainable and handmade glassware. I have featured their dinnerware, mouth-blown lighting and Christmas decorations quite a few times over the years as they are one of my favourite Scandinavian ateliers. And last December, I even paid them a visit in Bornholm on a snowy weekend!

This year, I thought I'd create three ultimate gift guides - each capturing a beautiful selection of hand-picked items from their atelier, photographed in my home and studio. I hope you find something special for family and friends - and maybe even a little pressie for yourself! 

Gift guide for those who love Christmas and entertaining

In my mind Christmas ornaments make the best presents. Who doesn't love a tree filled with memories and personal touches? The same goes for glassware! 

From sparkling glass drops and mouth-blown baubles to gleaming Optic plates and vases, here's my round-up of presents that includes everything you or a friend will love for decorating and entertaining for years to come. 

Clockwise from top left: 1. ReUse Christmas ornament 2. Sky Christmas ornament - aubergine 3. ReUse vase optic 4. ReUse optic dish 5. ReUse optic bowl 6. ReUse Christmas drop

Gift guide for those who love handmade

There's something special about items that have been made by hand. Perfectly imperfect, no two items are the same and really give a home a soul. Here is a round-up of six lovely handmade pieces from Pernille Bülow that would make the perfect present:

Clockwise from top left: 1. Velvet glass beige 2. Bird vase rose 3. Round bowl rose 4. Sky lamp - smoke 5. Bubble candlestick 6. Balu clear wine glass

Gift guide for those who love sustainably made pieces

And for my third and final gift guide, it's all about glassware that has been thoughtfully made with the planet in mind. From candlesticks and jugs to beautiful lighting made from recycled glass waste from the pharmaceutical industry - there's something for everyone! 

Clockwise from top left: 1. ReUse jug optic 2. ReUse champagne coupe 3. ReUse vase sand 4. ReUse candlestick 5. ReUse lamp with optics 6. ReUse cocktail glass

I hope these gift guides are helpful - and that you treat yourself - or friends and family to something special.

Is there anything that caught your eye in particular? If so, it's time to drop a few hints to those near and dear ;) 

In case you feel like paying Bornholm a visit one day, here is my winter travel guide guide - filled with Christmas markets, restaurants serving delicious locally grown produce, wintery walks along the coast and as well as where to shop.  It's an incredible island in all seasons! 

If you'd like to see a little more inspiration today, here are a few features I've shown in the past: 

Christmas in Helen Sturesson's cosy Swedish cottage

A summer shoot at my summer cottage with my dear friend Tove (including my favourite drink recipe)

Mouth-blown lamps over my kitchen island

Have a wonderful weekend - I'll be back Monday with a very exciting home tour, see you then! 

Niki

All photography by me (Niki Brantmark), styling by Helen Sturesson

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God Jul / Merry Christmas!

Thank you so much for a wonderful year here on My Scandinavian Home. It's been a joy to stop by each week. I have so appreciated all your comments and mails - always with a positive tone! I'll be back on 8th January, 2024. In the meantime, if you're looking for some inspiration, check out the 'best of My Scandinavian Home 2023' and discover my favourite archives right here. 

I'll leave you with this beautiful tree decorated with bouquets of dried flowers in the Swedish home of Lovisa 'Furubo' Andersson.  If you're looking for a last minute decoration idea, check out the bow and bell on the door handle too - so pretty! 

Wishing you a God Jul (very Merry Christmas!).  

Love, 

Niki

Photography: Lovisa 'Furubo' Andersson, shared with kind permission. 

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A Charming Swedish cottage in the Snow, ready for Jul

Let me take you on her journey to the snowy landscape of Northern Sweden. Tucked away in the quiet countryside of Västerbotten,  you'll find two cottages not far from one another, owned by two sisters. The pair share the same love for antique and vintage finds as well as wallpaper and lace curtains that echo times gone by. At Christmas, their cottages are bathed in the warm, golden glow of candlelight casting its spell on the surrounding countryside. 

Their instagram feed @gammsystra has become something of a sensation in Sweden thanks to the beautiful portrayal of their traditional country homes throughout the seasons - and at Christmas time they really come into their own! 

Here's a small selection from their many Christmassy scenes. Keep a look out for the 'ljusstake' - the candelabra in the window which you'll witness in the windows of most Swedish homes come December and the 'Julbock' a Christmas goat made from straw, another yuletide tradition from this Nordic country. 

At Christmas Swedes drink glögg - a spiced mulled wine with raisins and almonds as well as a side of gingersnap biscuits. A perfect antidote to the cold!

Sheepskins are draped over furniture for a cosy feel. 

So magical! 

Could you imagine spending Christmas here? 

For more beautiful snapshots from the sisters' homes, head over to @gammsystra.

Have a great start to the week!

Niki

Photography courtesy of @gammsystra, shared with kind permission. 

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