5 Ways To Rock The Blue And Beige Look - Swedish Style!

Tjena! I hope you had a fabulous weekend! Today in Malmö, we've woken up to blue skies and sunshine - these days are few and far between AND such a blessing when they arrive. Cue: people you haven't seen all winter, suddenly outdoors, all smiles, with faces tilted up towards the sun! Yep, there's no sign of the winter blues today. Which got me thinking. Why is blue so often associated with melancholy and 'cold'. I actually think it can be such a lovely, warm and yet serene accent in the home, do you? Swedish stylist Emma Fischer has combined a dark blue accent with brown, beige and white in this Gothenburg home - and the result is beautiful! Plus, if you're looking to add an accent to your home and use it to create a cohesive look, this is a great example. Here are 5 ways Emma has used blue to create a 'red thread': 

1. Kitchen cabinets - if you're looking to change the colour of your kitchen cabinets without replacing them the best way is to either to paint them yourself (if you like the slightly more brush stroke, rustic look) or take them to a professional spray painter. I'm for the latter since the colour will be more even and long lasting, but it is a personal preference! 

2. Accessories - the chances are, you've chosen your accent colour because you love it - and therefore naturally drawn to it when acquiring new items for your home. Even so, it's good to think about picking up small items such as textiles, mugs (seen in the first picture), and trinkets for your home in your accent colours. Details can make a big difference to the overall look! Notice how Emma has added a tea towel in deep blue and a lovely linen tablecloth in beige / natural (I love this vintage one*), both of which help to strengthen the theme. 

I love this corner by the window! The vintage piece looks similar to the Karin chair - I wonder what it's called? Anyone know? Otherwise, I'll have a little dig around and see if I can find out. 

3. Paint the walls: Bit of an obvious one this, but the absolute easiest way to add an accent is to paint your walls. in this home, Emma has used popular Jotun St Pauls Blue (NCS 6108-B08G) in the bedroom, and an off white Jotun Antikgrå hue in the living room, which complement each other beautifully. Notice how, in the past it was popular to pick out one wall, but these days colour blocking the entire space (walls, wardrobes and all) is the way to go for a bang up to date look! 

4. Bedding: there's a huge amount of beautiful bedding out there right now and you can pick up pretty much any colour under the sun! In this room, Emma has layered soft off-white /natural linen. If the room had beige walls, dark blue bedding mixed with browns and beiges would also have been a great option. Try Bea Linen* for similar. 

5. Art: whether you use the colours in art to inspire the room or feel naturally drawn to art with your favourite accent shades - prints and paintings are a perfect way to help create a cohesive look (as seen with  the blue and beige tones in the 'Copenhagen' print by Astrid Wilson the sitting room below!). 

Beautiful use of colour, don't you think?

What accent colours do you have in your home? 

I've realised, after looking at this, that my home is a little all over the shop. I guess that's OK, after all, I do love to break the rules. Even so, I can't help thinking it might feel a little more harmonious if I applied the 'red thread' idea. Hmmm. 

It doesn't help that my home feels a total mess right now due to the school holidays (half term!). Thinking it might need to be a short week of blogging before the house completely transcends into chaos!!! Hope that's OK with you!

Have you also not quite established that cohesive look you're after? Here are some tips: 

8 ways to create a cohesive home, Danish style

5 lessons to learn about adding an accent colour to your home

Or, if you're still deciding on a colour, the beautiful homes in these archives might help: 

Decorating with blue

Decorating with green

Pretty in pink

Bright colours

Decorating with pastels

Wishing you a great start to the week! 

Niki

Photography Anders Bergstedt 

Styling: Emma Fischer

Mäklare: Alvhem

*This post contains affiliate links which means I might make a very tiny amount of money if you click on something and buy it - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting My Scandinavian Home. 

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Danish Blues And Spring Pastels in a Danish living Area

Here in Southern Sweden, it's ice cold (minus 9 degrees Celsius - BRRRR!).  The sea has started to freeze and icicles cling to the rocks and swimming decks. On my walk yesterday evening I noticed how the world turned from dazzling white to pink and then an incredible blue as the sun went down over the frosty waters. A tone not unlike that seen in Maj Winther Træde's dining area and sitting room. In her sitting room Maj has painted the entire room pale blue and added a pale pink accent as well as touches of easter pastels such as yellow, lavender and turquoise. The theme is carried through to the dining area with one single statement shelving unit in dusty blue. Danish design pieces such as wishbone chairs, a panthella lamp and 7 series chair help to add an elegant vibe. A perfect spring oasis in the heart of a wintery Copenhagen! Welcome to Maj's world!   

In the dining area, Maj has combined an Eiremann 2 dining table from Please wait To Be Seated with classic wishbone chairs and a black and chrome chair. A shelving unit from Hay is used to display colourful glassware, vases and kitchen essentials. The rug is from IKEA. 

I wish I could tell you the tone of this blue, but Maj has mixed it herself. I am currently painting Liv's room blue (at her request!) and my one piece of advice, is to pick up as many different colour cards as possible. The colour you choose TOTALLY depends on the room. 

A pink Fritz Hansen 7 Series chair rests against the wall beside various prints including the Line by Hein Studio. The bench is from FDB Møbler (who've been hand crafting furniture in Denmark since 1942). 

How lovely - it makes me feel like spring is in the air, despite the snow outside! I hope you felt inspired by this dining area and sitting room too!

You can see more of Maj's wonderful world (including what she's wearing (pastels of course!), lifestyle shots and her latest interior projects) over at @majtraede. 

For more blue inspiration I love this stunning Norwegian home, the wonderful home of a Swedish food blogger and Sofie Amalie's danish home. 

And a little colour palette inspiration from a feature I wrote last year: True blue baby, 2020 loves you (still proud off that title!). 

Are you feeling the chill where you are too? If so, stay warm out there friends (or if you're Down Under - stay cool - I hear you have the opposite issue!). 

Klem!

Niki

Photography: Another Studio DK / @anotherstudio.dk (accept the 5th picture which was shot by Maj). Shared with kind permission. 

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A Swedish Home In Soothing Shades of Blue and Green

Why hello there! We have a mid-week situation going on today and with that, I figured we could take a little break from Christmas decorations and focus on some vackert (beautiful) Swedish design. Up for that? If so, come and take a peek at this stunning Stockholm apartment. The living space is a lesson in earthy, blue, green and emerald jewel-like tones. Study the pictures carefully and you'll also spot ideas for a relaxed kitchen island, vertical bookshelves, how to arrange a small living room area, a 3D gallery wall, vignette styling and much, much more! Swedish photographer Jonas Ingerstedt was there to capture it...

Since the apartment has a dining room (which is fairly common in these turn-of-the-century Swedish homes), a raised breakfast bar in the kitchen serves as a spot to catch a quick bite to eat or simply sit and chat to the chef! The marble top transforms the simple bar (a great hack if you have an IKEA island) - and the mix and match stools help to give the kitchen a lovely, relaxed vibe. 

Many of us have rooms with multiple doors (in our landing we have no less than 5 doors plus a stairwell - gah!) - which can make furniture arranging really tricky. In the sitting room of this flat the two doors opposite each other creates a corridor that needs to be kept obstacles free. The owners have used rounded furniture, arranged in a compact, yet cosy way to carve out a lovely social area. 

A vertical bookshelf makes use of a corner (see - 11 ways to make use of an awkward corner). 

Notice how the owner has used the same tone of marble in the sitting room and kitchen, creating a 'rödtråd' (red thread) and connecting the rooms (see - 8 ways to create cohesion in your home, Danish style for more ideas). 

I love the vignette on the side table - made up of unique pieces such as art, an a-symmetric table lamp, ceramics, books and vases.  

The dining room doubles up as a formal dining setting and study. Stacks of coffee table books lay ready to be browsed, while a 3D gallery wall adds interest to the space. 

The bedroom has been painted in a soothing green - a colour symbolising nature and as sense of tranquillity.  Researchers have also found green can improve reading ability - something to think about if you're a bit of bookworm (or trying to get your children to read more!). 

Love the Series 7 chair by Arne Jacobsen as a home office piece! It's a favourite of mine, except I love the leather version. 

Such a lovely, calm apartment. 

I particularly love the green and blue tones and the art photography. Is there anything that stood out to you?

Are you ready for a little more festive inspiration tomorrow? Pop back to take a peek at the latest Christmas decorations from Georg Jensen (I particularly love the candleholders in Helen's little tree!). In the meantime, there's plenty of Scandinavian Jul inspiration in this archive.  

Happy lillördag (little Saturday). 

Niki

Photography: Jonas Ingerstedt, shared with kind permission. Found via Nordic Design with thanks.

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Take Inspiration From A Lovely White, Blue and Wood Swedish Home

Why, hello there! I hope you had a great weekend and ready for some Scandi home inspiration today?! When I choose homes it's usually down to one or more factors: the feeling, the story / history, armchair escape (frequent right now - te he he!), the take-home details, or simply the colours or design pieces. This Swedish apartment designed by one of my favourite interior stylists Emma Fischer for Bjurfors falls into several categories. First of all, I have a real thing for blue kitchens (aren't they lovely?), secondly this home in Gothenburg features some really inspiring details which are easy to take home and implement, and finally, I spy some great (local!) design pieces! Ready for the tour? 

The small blue kitchen is by Swedish brand Vedum. I love how Emma has added a wooden rack for utensils - a great and simple way to add instant warmth and a relaxed touch. This peg rail* is similar. 

A set of four iconic danish J39 chairs have been arranged around a simple, round table. 

I fired of a message to Emma this morning to find out more about this striped pendant lamp . It's the first time I've seen it so I was really curious to know who it's by - turns out it's by danish brand Bloomingville and can be found here. 

FYI Stripes are set to be big this Autumn / Winter! 

Spot the fab DBKD vase with the 'ears'?! Coveting this now! 

The wonderful Torso chair was designed by fellow Malmö gal Lisa Hilland. I'm always amazed by how designers can take a simple piece of furniture that has been around for hundreds of years and still come up with an entirely new design. The Torso chair is a real beauty, don't you think? 

I spy the classic Mantis table lamp (I have the same in my home office - and sometimes bedroom, depending on my interior design mood!). 

I also love the climber, I'm thinking that as we start to head into autumn, and in Sweden there'll be nothing but bare branches and twigs outside the window soon (gaaah!), now is the time to start adding a lot more greenery indoors - especially in the form of climbers, hanging plants or even a mini greenhouse (as seen in Karolina's Stockholm home!). Who'll be joining me?!

I also really like this little shelf in the bathroom - it's perfect for potions, plants and candles (hygge vibes, friends, hygge vibes!). 

I hope you found some great inspiration for your own home today.

I promise to stop back once I have details on the striped lamp. In the meantime, why not pull up a chair and scroll through the Swedish apartment archives - there are so many beautiful tours in there! 

See you tomorrow folks! 

Niki

Photography: Alen Cordic Styling Emma Fischer for sale via Bjurfors. 

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An Architect's Delightfully Calm Copenhagen Home (And It's On Airbnb Too!)

When you go on holiday do your prefer an airbnb or a hotel? - Or perhaps something in between? When travelling with the crazies I prefer an airbnb but when it's just Per and I - I'd more likely opt for a hotel (or a romantic B&B!) - mainly because I love a good breakfast buffet! But then I discover Airbnb apartments like this one in Copenhagen. Owned by an architect, the three-bedroom apartment is situated on one of the capital's most sought after streets and features beautiful sky-blue walls, light wood features and a blend of antique and new nordic design pieces. Who's to say you can't nip to the local bakery and pick up a fantastic wienerbrød (Danish pastry) and freshly brewed coffee to go in the morning?! The next time I'm in Denmark's capital city, I'm totally checking in here - and I might just never leave! Could you imagine staying here too? 

Mayor Aj5 sofa, Formakami pendant*

"Both architects, we transformed this historic apartment into a comfortable and calm home. With a focus on natural and luxurious materials, we have allowed the history of the place to inspire the design."

Circle pendant shade, Georg Jensen pitcher*

I love the backsplash. I spotted something similar in this magical Norwegian mountain cabin. You can create a similar one by treating a sheet of copper with acid for an aged look.  

"The apartments finished with a mixture of mid-century Scandinavian furniture, contemporary furniture, auction finds, and pieces from Justine's home in South Africa."

Copper clothes hanger* (similar)

Isn't it beautiful? I love the sky blue and copper touches in particular. 

If you're visiting Copenhagen and would like to hang out here for a while, the apartment is available through Airbnb right here.

Fancy exploring some other Airbnb options in Scandi-land? Here are a few I've got my eye on:

Two idyllic Danish cabins
A beautiful apartment in Bergen (love this!)
A hygge Danish log cabin near the sea
An off-the-grid getaway on an island in the Helsinki archipelagos
A romantic lakeside schoolhouse in Sweden

Quite a varied list, I must say! Which would you choose?

I've got to hurry home from there studio now as a local Malmö paper is coming to my house for a home story - so fun! God knows how the kids left it this morning but I'm pretty sure there's a lot of tidying up to be done. Gah! 

Have a lovely day!

Niki

Photographs courtesy of Airbnb found via Nordic Design with thanks

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Step Inside Maiju's Delightful Home in Vaasa, Finland

I once visited Helsinki in November and was greeted with a sign that said "Nobody in their right mind would come to Helsinki in November. Except you, you badass. Welcome". It's since been hailed as one of the greatest tourism posters ever made! With temperatures hovering around 3 - 4 degrees Celsius in Helsinki this week, they certainly have a point. But there's also a certain beauty to Finland in wintertime, especially if you travel a little further afield. Maiju Saha, husband Janne and three children Paavo (12), Aina (7) and Theo (3) moved to a house in Vaasa on the south west coast of Finland two years ago. Dating back to 1941, Maiju has transformed the house into a beautiful oasis with deep green, blue and grey accents, while ensuring the original features remain intact. The result is a calm, cosy home and a perfect base from which to explore the city, nearby Kvarken archipelago and forests as well as experience the Northern Lights! 

I love this window nook; it looks so cosy and is a great way to capitalise on extra space so that the dining area doesn't take up too much space. The beautiful lamp over the table is a le Klint. 

Maiju designed the kitchen herself and got it built by a local carpenter. The cabinets have been painted in NCS S7005-G20Y and the walls in Tikkurila 'Merino'. 

The dining area has been painted in Jotun 'Tidløs'. The table is from Finnish firm Peltola Oy and the chairs are a mix of Ton Banana chairs and the Nattavaara chair from Jotex (which only appear to be available in black now). 

But my eyes are on that daybed (which Maiju built herself) - what a perfect little spot to chill! 

Source a similar vintage rattan side table here* (I love this plant stand* but since it's vintage, there's only one. Hurry if you're keen!)

Maiju has painted the living room in Farrow & Ball 'Old White' and used neutral accents and a large rattan rug (this one is similar) which adds a load of depth and texture to the space. 

The pretty wallpaper in the stairwell is Arbutus Woad 7 Russet by William Morris. 

If you are as taken by Maiju's lovely home as much as I am,  you might want to follow her delightful instagram @maiju_saw and blog Maiju Saw. Her DIY and ikea hacks are great (can you spot the ikea hack in this tour? You'll find the answer and step by step here - it's translated into English at the bottom of the post). 

It'd be rude not to share a few other Finnish home tours with you today:

A Finnish home in a converted factory

An inspiring Finnish home with a surprise element!

A beautifully simple cabin on an island in Finland

This post has really got me in the mood for a trip to Finland, I hope an opportunity crops up soon! Have you ever been? 

Hauskaa päivan jatkoa! (I hope this means 'have a nice day' in Finnish!). 

Niki

Photography: Maiju Saha, shared with kind permission

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