A Soothing Colour Palette of Blues and Greys in a Swedish Home

Tjena! Lately Per and I have been thinking about moving house - mainly to get a bigger garden (from my side), I think he said something about a tool shed....(maybe he's resigned to the fact that he's the My Scandinavian Home DIY main man!). But, having taken a few months to look around the ruthless housing market that is Malmö right now, we're getting major cold feet and considering making changes to our house instead - have you been through this thought process too?! If we stay put, one of the first things I'd update is our kitchen and open plan living area (potential mood boards to follow!). I think this is why this Swedish apartment appealed so much to me this morning. Look at that blue / brown combination! I also love how they've painted the underside of the dining table to match. The rest of the apartment has been painted in subtle nuances of grey which complement the blue in a beautiful way and help bring the entire look together. All in all, a truly inspiring palette! 

The kitchen cabinets and brass knobs are both IKEA.

This soothing colour palette from Jotun Lady is similar to the one in the kitchen:

On trend brown and amber tones compliment the greys and blues and add warmth. 

The Little Petra armchair looks like a big bear hug! I could totally do with a cup of tea in that very spot right now, fancy joining me?!

The same tones are carried through to the bedroom.

This cushion is very similar to the one seen (it appears slightly darker in the picture but I have the same one on my sofa and it's actually lighter in real life). Source a pretty ruffled bed skirt here*.

We were at the summer cottage this weekend and every other person at the 'morgonbrygga' (morning swimming bridge) was wearing an old dressing gown and pair of clogs like the ones in this hallway. Another observation: if you truly want to fit in the next time you're in Sweden you're going to need a fairly battered pair! Sadly I don't have any either - but a quick search uncovered a treasure trove of vintage clogs and even a pair of wood and leather Scholls*! 

Vintage Swedish footwear aside (!), is there anything you love about this home? Could you imagine going for a colour scheme like this? 

Pull up a chair and drool over a load more Swedish homes in this archive! 

Have a wonderful start to the week! 

Niki

Credits: Entrance

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In Sweden, Singing the Mid Blues In An Urban Apartment

I've been noticing mid blue is on the rise in homes in Scandinavia, and the good news is, its way easier to pull off than it's even darker cousins. This one-bedroom apartment in Gothenburg has been painted in Blåis by Jotun Lady, with touches of bright white for contrast, as well as subtle brown and beige accents. Look closely and you'll also spot many of the lovely original 1920s details, such as high ceilings, parquet flooring and a glass panel door. All in all, a truly lovely home, just waiting for someone to move in and make it their own! Gothenburg anyone?

The cabinet fronts have been spray painted in the same deep Blåis - Jotun Lady hue as the walls and for a cohesive, contemporary look.

Little Petra Armchair, Hay knot (sculpture), white linen curtains*

Try The Poster Club* for similar prints and frames (ships worldwide), Mirage blanket.

Hay Dot Cushion, Cooee Design Ball vase

What do you think? Tempted to go over to the dark side, even if it's just the one wall?! 

I love how this blue appears darker or lighter depending on how the light hits it. I actually thought each room was painted in a different colour at first glance, but Bon Interior assure me it's all one tone! 

In case you need a little more persuasion, here are some other lovely Scandinavian homes in dramatic, dark tones: 

Converted stables in dramatic tones, in Norway

A sophisticated Swedish homes in dark tones (love this one!)

A beautiful atmospheric Malmö home in dark tones

Or you could just snap up this apartment (it's for sale!). 

I'm off to take it easy after a very long day on set yesterday. It all went well though and I can't wait to share the results with you in October. Phew!

Do you have any fun plans for today? 

Niki

Photography: Alen Cordic

Styling: Bon Interior

For: Bjurfors

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A Wonderful Vintage-Inspired Family Home in Metz, France

Formerly the owner of vintage concept store Le Velo Rose ('The Pink Bike'), Pauline Mellinger closed her brick and mortar shop in 2017 to devote her time to raising her children, looking after their three cats, chickens and rabbits - and renovating the family home in the countryside near Metz, France. I don't have access to all the 'before' pictures from Pauline's home but the few I do have perfectly demonstrate the incredible transformation it's been through. From play tents, flower petal lamps and swans  - to splashes of blue and countless vintage finds: the family enjoy a beautiful, playful, relaxed and truly personal living space that caters for all ages! 

Kitchen before

Kitchen after

Dated dark cabinets have been replaced with fresh white fronts, vibrant blue tiles, a wood worktop and relaxed open shelving.

The family dining room has been decorated almost entirely in white and wood for a light and airy feel. 

Look closely and you'll notice that the wire chairs all have a slightly different form which helps to add to the relaxed atmosphere of the room. This Bertoia chair* is similar. 

Playroom before

Playroom after

Despite the dark blue walls, the room is full of dappled light thanks to the dual aspect windows and disco ball light! The flower pendant light is one of my absolute favourites right now (and picking up momentum on instagram!). It's available here. 

The main sitting room is made up of IKEA pieces, DIY items, vintage finds and the odd children's toy! 

Landing before

Landing after

The heavy bookcase and cast iron banisters have been replaced with a simple white wall and a mirror for a lighter look. Trinkets and a chair collected on travels add a vibrant pop of colour to the space. 

Bedroom before

Bedroom after

Pauline and her husband's bedroom has been transformed into a cool, light and airy space thanks to the blue and white theme. I also love how she's used the darker paint to turn the fireplace and chimney breast into a focal point. 

Round jute rug*, rustic bench

It's amazing how one bright coloured Boucherouite rug* can make all the difference to a white bathroom, don't you think?!

The blue and white theme (with rattan accents) is continued into the children's bedroom - with a half-half blue and white wall. The cane flower pendant lamp also mirrors the lighting used in other rooms. 

Aaaaaah, what a perfect home. It's charming in every way, don't you think? 

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

If you'd like to see more of pauline's lovely home, hop on over to her instagram @leevelorose.

Also, don't miss: A relaxed vintage-inspired family home in the French country-side, The colourful home of a French photographer and stylist and a charming white and natural family home in Normandy.

Right, that's it from me for the week, The sun's shining and the sea beckons. I hope you have a fabulous weekend that sparkles in every way!

See you Monday1

Niki

Photography: Pauline Mellinger

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A Beautiful, Atmospheric Malmö Home in Rich Dark Tones

Having ventured to far-flung places like Joshua Tree and Norway on the blog this week (only virtually, of course, although wouldn't it have been nice to have visited in person?!), it feels so good to round up the week with a home tour right here in the heart of Malmö. And it's a beauty too! Think deep, earthy tones, vintage finds in lovely dark wood, a vibrant mustard yellow accent and the odd fresh bloom. This charming Southern Sweden home is bound to put you in a perfectly serene mood just in time for the weekend - and there's so much inspiration to be taken from it too! 

Beautiful.  

To me, it holds a touch of nostalgia too. My Grandmother spent her thirties in the Punjab in India and brought back a lot of her dark wood / cane furniture with her when she returned to England. 

Is there anything that stands out to you? 

If you'd love to see a few more homes in rich, dark tones over the weekend - take a look at these:

A Norwegian home gets the dark treatment - and it's beautiful! 

Make-over: a dated space becomes a tranquil bathroom

Converted stables become a dramatic Norwegian home full of contrast

Is this your kind of look, or do you prefer to decorate your home with a lighter touch?

Right. All that's left for me to say is: I hope you have a fabulous weekend!  Thank you for a brilliant week. I've loved reading all your comments and mails! 

Niki 

PS Speaking of Malmö, I'm excited to be spending the day at the home of the founder and designer behind Aveva Design today: Eva Gassna Jeckelmann. I'll be sharing snapshots from her fabulous home and studio over on Aveva instagram stories if you're curious to see what we're up to!

Photos courtesy of Bo-laget (where it is currently for sale!). Found via Trendenser with thanks.

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