Beautiful Stays: A Hundred-Year-Old Workman's Cottage

What's the temperature like where you are? In Malmö it's lovely and sunny and I did actually witness someone take a dip in the sea earlier. BUT they did need to withstand -2 C (and that's without the windchill!). Meanwhile, Down Under I'm guessing the waters are exactly the right temperature. Which is why I found my mind wondering to Dubbo, NSW, Australia today. Admittedly, this is because I've found a perfect place to stay. The Repose is owned and managed by Bede and Jemima Aldridge, co-founders of boutique Saddler & Co and Ric and Moir Jones. The four spent two years renovating the hundred-year-old property by hand, with Jemima taking the lead on the design, before opening the doors to guests. And what a great job they've done! Think whitewashed cladding, vintage touches as well as a dreamy bathroom and European-inspired courtyard. Did I mention that there's always a local bottle of wine waiting for you too? We're all aware that travelling to Oz is not an option right now, but if we close our eyes, we might just feel the warm sun on our skin while we sip wine in the courtyard. Or you could just keep your eyes open and feel inspired by the design that oozes from every image. Either way, you're in for a treat! 

"We all have European heritage and I purposefully ensured the cottage has interwoven elements that reference our love for 'gezellig' interiors and also the Australian quintessential cottage charm."

- Jemima Aldridge 

"Many of the items featured throughout are by Australian artisan designers, but the house also features a rather lovely custom brass lamp by Wo and Wé Collection as well as table linen and blankets by Timeless Linen."

The luxury bathroom features an original clawfoot tub restored with care, brass tap ware, original artwork, as well as complimentary Aesop hair and skin formations (now you're talking!). 

How lovely! I'd be happy to check in and stay for a while, how about you?

The decor makes me want to head off and for a 'loppisrunda' (flea market tour) - second-hand pieces add so much to a space don't you think? And of course, there's all that wonderful linen! 

Is there anything that stood out to you?

Find out more about The Repose here. 

Other beautiful homesteads Down Under can be found here (keep an eye out for the 'before and after' and other dreamy guest houses). 

Har det så fint! 

Niki

Photographs: 1. The Repose 2. Lean Timms 3 - 8. Abbie Mellé 9 - 10. Lean Timms 11- 12. Alana Landsberry 13. The Repose

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Before and After: A Portland Home Gets a Beautiful Makeover!

On the fourth consecutive day of rain in southern Sweden, there's only one thing for it: comfort food. And this is what led me to Eva Kosmas Flores. Eva shares mouth-watering daily recipes on her instagram feed @evakosmasflores - all of which have a wonderful seasonal flair (trust me, you'll be drooling!). I couldn't resist having a delve behind the scenes to find out more about the person behind the camera. 

It turns out, Eva is a Portland-based photographer (I've got my eye on her workshops!), keen gardener and a dab hand at interiors. Eva and her husband Jeremy recently transformed their old Portland home from a dated property into a beautiful home - and I simply had to share the before and after shots with you today!  So, get cosy guys, this one truly inspiring revamp! 

Kitchen before 

Eva described the original kitchen as the 'eye-sore of the house'. It featured mint green, almond cabinets with a golden oak trim and lots and lots of formica and linoleum. For someone who cooks and bakes as part of their work, the 70s appliances were also problematic. Needless to say, the pair were keen to renovate it as a matter of priority! 

Kitchen after

Eva and Jeremy hired in a contractor to help with the huge renovation - which included blocking off a doorway, removing the arch and ripping out the entire kitchen and starting over. The results are beautiful - but the project wasn't without its problems. Eva has shared a really honest account of the issues they experienced along the way here. 

Sitting room / dining room before:

Sitting room / dining room after:

Eva and Jeremy decided to tackle the dining area and sitting room alone - taking 10 months alongside their own work to transform it into a living space with beautiful dark wood floors, re-plastered wall and vintage pieces. A real labour of love! You can read about the details and trials and tribulations here. 

Bedroom and bathroom before

The second floor of the house felt uninviting, uncomfortable and totally impractical when they first moved in. The pair set about remodelling the space in order to create a dreamy, light-filled and functional master bedroom and bathroom.  

Bedroom and bathroom after

Eva and Jeremy hired a contractor to help with all the structural work such as tearing down walls, opening up ceilings, drywalling, plumbing, electricals etc. They then worked on the details to create a dreamy space with their own signature touch. Read more about the work and finishing touches here. 

Wow! Such a beautiful transformation! 

I could live on that top floor alone - just add a small kitchenette and I'd flit about as happy as Larry (I wonder if they say 'Lars' in Sweden? I'll have to check that with Per later). 

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

Follow Eva's blog / website and instagram for cooking inspiration, workshops and her latest renovation projects. 

And see more inspiring before and after tours here - honestly, the vision of some people simply astounds me! 

Have a lovely day! 

Niki

Photography: Eva Kosmas Flores

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This Charming Rustic London Townhouse Could Be Yours!

Many years ago, I visited a freelance graphic designer in her cosy Georgian home tucked just behind Waterloo station in central London. I was mesmerised by the location and the charming interior - so much so that she pretty much had to boot me out by the end of the day - I was seriously ready to move in! This cosy home in Bermondsey, not far from Tower Bridge took me straight back to Tamsin's home. Built in 1729, the Grade II listed townhouse has been renovated by architects Mosley & Mann in collaboration with local artist Robert Mosley - who was responsible for the joinery and extensive restoration work. The team have worked hard to restore many of the stunning 18th century details, while raising the standard to meet modern day demands. The result is a beautiful home in the heart of London, packed with rustic charm. Oh, and it's yours, if you have the funds! 

I miss London so much when I see these pictures! 

If you're lucky the one who snaps this up, can I be the first to come over for a drink on the roof terrace overlooking the shard? At a social distance, of course. 

Side note: love how the wine glasses are hung from a beam, did you spot that too? 

The entire interior has been so beautifully renovated, you wouldn't need to change a thing. 

Could you imagine living here? 

Other London homes to love: 

London calling: could this be your next home?

Cate St Hill's Scandi inspired London oasis

Before and after: a London flat becomes a stylish pad

Have a great start to the week - I've got a feeling this is going to be a good one. 

Niki

Photographs courtesy of The Modern House - found via Desire to Inspire with thanks.

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An Edgy Berlin Home, Full of Contrast

Is it me or has it been a while since we were in Berlin? Given that it's only a six-hour drive away (plus ferry) from Malmö - I kind of miss that German city. Such is life right now, I guess. But nothing can stop us from paying a virtual visit, right?! So, today I'm taking you on a trip to Berlin, for a peek behind the facade of a building in the beautiful Schöneberg district. Nadine Engels lives with her husband and their ''little street dog'' Coockie (also the name of her popular instagram feed). The magnificent apartment is characterised by staggeringly high ceilings and exposed brick walls. But there's something entirely unique about the space too. Think raw, edgy walls, a touch of graffiti, pops of neon and wonderful contrasts throughout. Welcome to Nadine and Coockie's world! 

We did a lot of the renovation ourselves, and love the charm of the old building - even if it creaks everywhere!" - Nadine. 

"We were lucky to discover the beautiful dual-toned concrete wall when we removed the wallpaper, the only thing we added was the 'Miau' - which we did before our dog moved in....'' - Nadine.

I love the way the Tom Dixon copper round pendant light* contrasts with the exposed concrete wall!

The Walton Ford print is from an exhibition a few years back at Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Denmark (I remember going to see it!). The poster is still available in the museum webshop here. 

I love how Nadine has hung a Ferm Living Mirage Blanket* on her bedroom wall - it makes for great art! It's not the first time we've seen Ferm Living used in this way - remember this Berlin home with a Merge rug*? 

This linen bedding* is similar to the one seen. 

There are so many striking spots in Nadine's home, don't you think? I particularly love the bedroom and dining room! 

Is there anything that stood out to you?

Shall we take a little trip down memory lane and visit a few other Berlin apartments? I am always inspired by:

A lovely, budget-friendly Berlin pad (check-out the DIY fireplace!). 

A serene Swedish home in a Berlin rental

Bohemian touch in a magnificent Berlin apartment (love the kitchen walls!)

Have a lovely day friends!

Niki

Photography: Nadine Engels, shared with kind permission

*This post contains affiliate links with means I'll make a very tiny amount of money on anything you click through and buy - at no extra cost to you. 

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A Relaxed Artist's Home Full of Plants

I started the week 'keeping it real' with a relaxed Copenhagen home, and thanks to the wonderful response (I've loved reading all your comments!), I thought I'd end in the same vein. In my mind, nothing brings a home to life quite like pets (and people of course, but today it's all about the furry friends!), throw in plants and a load of sunlight and you're really onto something. Artist Laura Agustí shares her 'urban jungle' in the heart of Barcelona with her cat Oye and Fox Terrier - Gos D'atura mix, Crasti. A self-confessed 'plant addict', Laura has filled her home with over 100 plants which thrive in the mediterranean sunlight. Art also adorns the walls. In the mornings, Laura throws open the balcony door to create a wonderful airy environment in which to live and work. Welcome to Laura's relaxed world! 

What a gorgeous space. I can practically feel the warmth from the Barcelona sun (well needed in a very grey Southern Sweden today!). 

I love the presence of her furry flatmates Oye and Crasti too!

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

If you have a moment, hop over to Laura's instagram to discover her art and more inspiring shots of her home (as well as hundreds of plants!). 

On the subject of plants: I'm proud to say I've turned over a new leaf (see what I did there?) and am taking way better care of my greenery.  And I'm proud to say they're actually starting to thrive! I might be getting ahead of myself here, but I was even thinking of investing in some form of indoor tree.... although I'm guessing this might require a whole other level of care! Gulp. Should I take the plunge?

If, like me, you love an 'urban jungle' - here's a little more plant inspiration:  

At home with the Arctic gardener

Igor's happy plant-filled home

A white Swedish home filled with plants

And a little know-how: 

The ultimate guide to hanging plants

Indoor climbing plants

Watering cans at the ready! 

Have a great weekend friends, see you Monday!

Niki

PS I hope my posts have provided a little escape for those feeling anxious over the election in the US this week. We're even on the edge of our seats in Sweden! 

Photography: Laura Agustí

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