A Relaxed Berlin Altbau with Warmth and Charm

Ready for an adventure? Today, we're off to Berlin (sadly not in person, wouldn't that have been great?), but in spirit! This lovely Altbau apartment belongs to Resi and her little dog Frida, and they have made a wonderful home for themselves.

I've been lucky enough to visit Berlin a few times and always come away marvelling at the city's wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. There's a certain ease to life there. Looking at these pictures, I can almost imagine the sounds of the city drifting in through the tall windows, the distant hum of bicycles and snippets of conversation from the street below.

What I love most about Resi's home is how perfectly it captures that laid-back Berlin spirit. The beautiful bones of the apartment, soaring ceilings, decorative cornicing and those glorious windows, are softened with natural textures, warm earthy tones and an abundance of plants and flowers. Every corner seems designed for simple everyday pleasures: lingering over a morning coffee in a sun-drenched window nook, curling up with a book as the afternoon light shifts across the wooden floors, or enjoying a cosy evening as lamps cast a warm glow around the room. 

Let's take a peek inside!

Coral sunset peonies - my all time favourite flower. I absolutely love the way they start off a deep and vibrant fuchsia pink before turning coral and fading into a light pink. Beautiful. 

Do you have a favourite flower?

Such a lovely feeling oozing from the pictures. A perfect city oasis! 

Are there any details that stood out to you? 

You can see more of Resi's home over at @residenz.bln.

Here on the blog, we have visited Berlin homes many times before, here are a few you might like to revisit: 

A lovely and relaxed artist's home full of plants

A light-filled family home with a Nordic touch
Get the look from a serene home in Berlin

Ha det så fint!

Niki 

Photography by @residenz.bln, shared with kind permission.

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A Light-Filled Venice Canal Home with a Hint of Spring

Friday calls for something a little special, don’t you think? This home stopped me mid-scroll. At first glance, it leans into that familiar Scandinavian language, all that white, the soaring ceilings, the light pouring in from every angle, but look a little closer and it begins to feel like something else entirely. Located on the Venice Canal in LA, there is a warmth and looseness to it that softens all that brightness.

It is the home of jewellery designer Irene Neuwirth, who worked with her friend, interior designer Sarah Shetter, to create a space that feels relaxed and personal. 

What I love most is the way they have softened the architecture. The bones are crisp and bright, but instead of keeping everything restrained, they have layered in pattern, texture and colour in a way that feels instinctive, laidback and summery rather than styled. The green floral sofa (upholstered in Lotus Garden) sets the tone, it's a little unexpected, a little nostalgic and very lovely! The rest of the decor follows in this vain with wallpapers, vintage wood pieces, woven textures and plenty of art. Books are piled high, shelves are filled with objects that feel like they have been gathered over time, and even the kitchen, with its ladder and long communal table, feels like a place to linger.

It is this balance that draws me in. Ready to see more? 

Beautiful!

I am still drooling over those first two images. It is amazing how the sofa seems to pull the greenery in from outside, almost blurring the line between indoors and out, and it brings such an easy, summery feel to the whole space. I also love the subtle touches of blush dotted throughout, just enough to soften everything and add a quiet warmth.

All in all, a beautiful home that makes me feel like summer is on the way!

Did you enjoy this tour too? Are you a fan of floral textiles and wallpaper? Could you imagine having a sofa like this? So many questions! 

Right friends, it's Friday, the sun is shining and my family are slowly drifting home from their various corners of town. Time to enjoy the weekend.

I hope you have a trevlig helg!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Jenna Cooper LA, where this house is for sale - found via Nordroom, with thanks.

 

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From Stable to Sanctuary in Tasmania

Hallo Freunde, I’m scribbling this from Frankfurt Airport, where I’ve spent the past couple of days exploring Ambiente (more on that over on my IG).

As always, when travelling, the world opens up a little — and suddenly you feel like you could just keep going. Don’t worry, family. I am actually coming home. Still, I do have a long-held dream of visiting Tasmania one day, and I’ve just found another stay to add to my ever-growing list: The Stable Lofts.

Housed within a historic converted stable, The 'Pony' is a charming mudbrick loft set right in the heart of rustic Tasmanian country life. The listing describes it as being surrounded by lush gardens, serenaded by birdsong and visited by wallabies at dusk and dawn — a place where time slows down. The perfect setting for a romantic weekend escape. And, I’m completely there for it (virtually, for now).

I love the simplicity of it all: the whites and warm wood tones, the carefully chosen vintage finds, the sense of calm throughout. It looks like the perfect place to truly unwind. Come and enjoy the tour with me.

I'd happily escape to this lovely place, how about you? 

If you're curious to rediscover all the other Tasmanian properties I've shown, take a look here - for a years worth of stays! 

Uh oh, I need to run, my flight is boarding shortly for Copenhagen. I have to say, I'm looking forward to my own bed. There's a saying in Sweden 'borta är bra, hemma är bäst' - away is nice, but being at home is best. Would you agree with this? 

Have a happy mid week!

Niki

Photography courtesy of AirBnb / The Stable Lofts, with thanks.

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An Old Tack Room, Reimagined for a Cosy Stay

I once heard that winter is meant to be a quiet reset — a season to lean into tiredness, keep warm, and stay cosy at home rather than fighting it. Never one to sit still, I was forced into this mindset yesterday evening when a snowstorm in Malmö meant I had to cancel padel.

Fun fact: in Sweden, part of your driving licence involves something called the “moose test” — basically proving you can handle a car in bad conditions, either on ice in winter or oil in summer (I think it involves slaloming around bollards without panicking). London doesn’t have anything like that, so Per understandably gets nervous when I’m out driving in snow and wind.

That said… an evening at home with a glass of red, and my newly arrived copy of Vogue Scandinavia doesn’t sound too tragic. Anyway — I digress. You’re not here for my winter ramblings. You’re here for the home tour. And luckily, I have a lovely one, just for you!

This cosy little home for two in Suffolk, England feels like the ultimate escape. Tucked away on a quiet family estate, The Old Tack Room is compact, calm, and very cosy. The interior was created in collaboration with Design & That, and features soothing tones, beautiful textures, and an easy, open-plan layout made for slow mornings and long evenings. by the fire. 

And then there’s the estate itself. A stay might include yoga classes… or private dining… or beauty treatments… or horse riding… or watersports. Or — and let’s be honest, my favourite option — tiramisu and a glass of red by the fire (and maybe a cuddle with a llama!). Which would you choose? 

Either way, it's the perfect escape for the weekend! 

Lovely!

Once again, we're witnessing the warmth of veering away from sheet white walls and opting for warm, muted tones instead - sometimes so subtle, you might not notice. 

Recently, while working on an interior design project here in Malmö, we opted to paint the white walls a soft off white and the result was instant. It felt warmer, welcoming and a little more luxurious. 

What colours do you have on your walls? 

I also really love the traditional wood panelling, it works wonders here.  Oh, and the kitchen is beautiful too! 

If you're curious about a stay - check out the Old Tack Room for more info. 

And for more cosy stays to dream about (or book!), I love: 

A magical escape on a Norwegian island outside Bergen
A limestone barn on Gotland
A rustic stay in a former railway carriage

I am not sure if you noticed but I got my days muddled up this week. I had promised to post Tuesdays and Thursdays this year - but now I realise that it might need to be a little more flexible depending on what I am up to - so Monday or Tuesday, Thursday or Friday. I do hope that works fine from your side? 

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend, 

Niki

PS I am so looking forward to finding a quiet moment this weekend, pouring a coffee and reading through / replying to your comments, it's something I so enjoy! 

Credits: Sand and Stone Escapes

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