A Rental Becomes a Charming, Budget-friendly Family Home

From a relaxed home in Malmö in earthy tones (yesterday) to an equally laidback family home in Osnabrück in Northwest Germany today - I love that Scandinavian style inspires homes far and wide! There's evidence of Lena's passion for all things Nordic at every turn in her white, black and neutral rental. From IKEA freestanding furniture (especially practical for anyone who rents since there's no drilling required!) to the HM Home and Søstrene & Green accessories, Lena's home is a practical oasis for her, her partner Torben and 6-month old baby Frida. It's also perfect budget-friendly inspiration for anyone who's renting a space and wants to make it their own! 

Sinnerlig pendant, Vadholma kitchen island, HM Home rug

"I like a natural style, fresh flowers, calm colours and attention to detail" - Lena.

Pick up a vintage school chair here* (be sure to check that they are a standard seat height and not for young kids!)

The yellow windows are everything in this space!

IKEA sofa. Try The Poster Club* for similar prints.

The IKEA wood freestanding furniture in Frida's nursery has been pimped up using Pretty peg legs. The little wired rainbow is from Lagom world. 

We all know how important it is to black-out a baby's room to optimise sleep (if only for your own sanity!) and a simple handmade curtain is a handy way to prevent light from the hallway creeping in. 

What a great tour! 

I hope it's given you a few ideas for your own home!

You can see more little corners of Lena's home over on her instagram @Lena_living.

Fancy a few more tours today? 

How about:

A pared-back family home with handmade pieces

A cosy riverside cabin where Cali warmth meets Scandi cool! 

A dreamy holiday oasis in the heart of the city

Have a lovely day! 

Niki

Photography: @Lena_living with thanks

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Friday Feels: Tour Mary's Charming and Relaxed Family Home

Sometimes I look through interior magazines and think 'this is wonderful, but there's no way I could ever achieve this' - do you sometimes feel like that too? I think that's why, over here on My Scandinavian Home, I always try to share homes which will inspire as many as possible. Cue: Mary's charming home! Mary lives in an apartment in Halle, Germany with her husband, two sons and two cats.  During the day Mary works as a social worker, helping children with autism (a job she loves) and in her spare time she's passionate about creating a beautiful, relaxed home for her and her family. The living space combines a blend of pieces from ikea, vintage finds, new nordic design and handmade items while books, art and plants contribute to the wonderful lived-in vibe. 

Art from Desenio, Hay tray table*

""I love to surround myself with Scandinavian design and handmade things. Right now, I like beige tones in combination with white, black and wood. I am also passionate about collecting vases and love flower arranging" - Mary. 

Louis Poulsen lamp*, Fine little day tablecloth, Lyngby vase

'On the sofa' Art from Fine Little Day

Kristiina Haataja sculpture, cooee vase, brown linen duvet cover and pillowcases*

Fabulous spotty vase by Gothenburg based Elin Frodig.

Not only did I LOVE this tour (feeling all the Friday feels!), I was also excited to discover works by Swedish artists Elin Frodig and Kristina Haataja! - true inspiration for the weekend!

Did you find this home inspiring too? Is there anything that stood out to you in particular? 

In case you're in the mood for other homes with a bohemian touch, here are a few of my faves:

Bohemian style in a lovely 1900 Berlin Beletage

A cosy, modern bohemian home

A relaxed boho home, on the edge of a desert

Right guys. That's it from me this week. This girl is checking out for the weekend! Woohooooo! 

I hope you've got some fabulous plans lined up!

See you Monday friends! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @marylooh - shared with kind permission. 

PS if you're looking for art, don't forget to make the most of the 10% discount from Posterlounge (use code  SCANDI10 at checkout). Take a peek at my new gallery wall here (in case you missed it). 

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A Beautiful Vintage-inspired Guest House in Reims

I've been writing my regular column for Scandi at Home this morning and it was all about investing in pieces that stand the test of time. And then I discovered Les Pénates in Reims, France on The Socialite Family - a perfect illustration of everything I'd been writing about! A former archive and artist's studio, the building was about to be torn down when Anabelle Bruny and antique dealer Brice Bérard took the reins. The pair lovingly restored the residence, creating a series of guest houses which have been fully furnished with beautiful secondhand finds. I particularly love Guest House One with its white washedwalls and touches of wood and leather which is available to rent both privately but also as a location for film and photoshoots. Did I mention that everything in it is for sale too? I think a trip to Reims might be in order...

Cheeky ending to the tour there!

But isn't this place just so charming?

It just goes to show that if you have the time and patience, hunting for second hand treasures can really pay off! When I was little my Mum used to take us to auctions at the weekends (I remember the huge halls being very cold!) - and she still has many of the items we bought today.

I might just scour the flea markets and antique fairs here in Southern Sweden this weekend... it's something I definitely don't do enough of.

Are you a fan too?

Another thing I'm keen to point out is that this space would actually have been relatively dark had it not been for the skylights, internal glass wall dividers and mirrors - all of which are clever ways to bounce the light around.

Find out more about Les Pénates and book a stay here. There's also a great write-up about the property over at The Socialite Family.

Other French delights:

A relaxed, vintage-inspired home in the French countryside
A charming white and neutral family home in Normandy
A wonderful, relaxed family home in the heart of the Beaujolais wine country

Oh la la!

I hope you enjoyed this tour as much as I did!

Niki

Photograph credits 1,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 11 - The Socialite Family. 2, 9 & 10 Remodelista. 

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Lovely Christmas Touches In A Calm Berlin Home

Friday friends, FRIDAY! And it's a special one in Sweden today: as we're celebrating Lucia. Alongside midsummer, the Lucia celebrations is one of my favourite. In case you're not familiar with the concept, Lucia is an ancient mythical figure and a bearer of light in the dark Swedish winters. This morning parents across the country (myself included) waited in the dark, cameras at the ready, while our children participated in a special Lucia procession - wearing candles in their hair (gingerbread men, 'tomten' (Father Christmas) and other characters were also involved!). It's a sight to behold! White must be on my mind - as I was immediately drawn to Katharina's beautiful home in Berlin, Germany this morning. Katharina sells beautiful homeware pieces through her online shop Edel Weiss. Many of the pieces she sells can be spotted in her home, and jostle for position with a fab array of  Scandinavian design lamps and cultural objects. Look out for the pretty festive touches too! Enjoy the tour! 

Print from wall of art, IKEA Nockeby sofa with a Bemz Belgian linen cover in soft white*. Z1 lamp, Cuba chair

"This year I have decorated a lot with paper stars and natural materials. There are also candles and small lights everywhere."

Woodland trees from Arboretum

Stoff nagel candleholder, Louis Poulsen table lamp*

Eve II limestone sculpture, Kizu table lamp, try the 'Snö' candle by Skandinavisk - smells divine! (20% off with code nikijul20 until 16th December too). 

"This year, our tree will be decorated with white Christmas baubles and pendants made of paper." 

Thonet chair*, candleholder

Vertigo pendant light, AJ Lamp*

What a beautiful apartment! 

I love the wooden trees - I've just been over at the Arboretum site, they sell such a great selection too (got my eye on the forest!). 

Is there anything that stood out to you about Katharina's home?

If you live in Germany, check out Katharina's shop, it's full of beautiful pieces! 

Right folks. That's it from me for the week! If you're looking for Christmas inspiration over the weekend, have a delve through the Christmas and Christmas decorations archives. 

I'm heading to London today to see my sisters and parents - ALL BY MYSELF! Luxury! 

I hope you have a fabulous weekend! 

Niki 

PS If you want to give someone the gift of a home that smells like a Scandinavian Christmas, don't forget to make the most of the 20% discount on seasonal candles from Skandinavisk with code nikijul20.

Photography by Katharina and shared with kind permission

*Affiliate links

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Dreaming of a White Christmas in Sandra's Serene Home

Some people love to go all out at Christmas, while others prefer a more pared-back approach. If you fall into the latter camp, I think you're going to enjoy the festive touches in Sandra's minimalist apartment in Hanover, Germany (remember this tour?!). Think subtle bunches of eucalyptus, olive and amaryllis, candles, and white paper stars and Christmas ornaments against a serene white and light wood backdrop. I had a brief chat with Sandra to find out more! 

What is important to you when it comes to decorating for the season?

As you may recognise, I appreciate simplicity and clear structures around me - and, although I really love to follow the seasons with my home decor, the basic feel of the home remains constant.

When do you start adding festive touches to your home?

I see more and more people getting festive in November. But, for me it makes it even more special to wait until the First Sunday of Advent - when the countdown officially begins! 

What's your philosophy when it comes to Christmas decorating?

I think simplicity is key - 'less is more'. I have an overall focus on natural elements like wood, flowers and of course a lot of greenery like fir, eucalyptus and olive. The result is a minimalist, natural but also refined look. 

Do you have anything new in your home this season?

This Christmas, I found a huge Scandinavian paper star, (more info here!) that will spread some Christmas cheer in our living room. 

Thank you for inviting us inside your beautiful, festive home Sandra! 

I think Pauline and Jo, Sandra's dogs are enjoying their Christmassy home, don't you? 

Is there anything that stood out to you?

I guess you know what's coming (you know I can never resist!) - yes, links to more Scandinavian Christmas decoration inspiration of course!! Here goes: 

Our Swedish Christmas from Per's perspective (don't miss the 20% discount off Skandinavisk seasonal candles with code nikijul20 - valid until 16th December). 

10 simple DIY decorations made by nature

5 mini Christmas tree ideas for small spaces

A Rural Swedish country home at Christmas

A mysig family home at Christmas

Altogether now, "deck the halls with boughs of um, eucalyptus...!"

Incidentally, I have one whole week of blogging left before Christmas - is there anything you'd love to see? Give me a shout in the comment section below and I'll do my best to cover it! 

Niki

Photography: Sandra / @Karlas_view shared with kind permission

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