Step Inside a Belgium Home Bathed In Warm Pools of Sunlight

Why, hello there! New week, new start! How are you today? A simple question, but an important one. I think we could all do with a ray of sunshine this Monday, don't you? So I'm kicking off the week with pictures of the lovely home of Belgium Nelson De Coninck, enjoyed by mischievous cats Ebba and Saga (two grey British Shorthair felines with their very own instagram feed!). Look beyond Nelson's furry friends and the wonderful pools of golden sunlight, and you'll also spot fabulous details - including vintage chairs, patterned rugs and lots of plants, all of which help to give the home a truly personal feel! Ready to feel inspired? 

How lovely!

What a purrrrfect way to kick off the week! 

How I miss having a cat (I grew up with cats - and TBH they used to drive me insane the way they wrapped around my feet in the mornings and batted my pen as I tried to work - but in my mind, there's nothing cosier than a cat curled up on your lap at the end of a long day, purring away!). 

Are you a cat or a dog person? 

Can we also take a moment to appreciate Nelson's office space? With so many of us working from home right now, this corner of Nelson's bedroom is so inspiring, don't you think? I received a mail last week requesting more home office inspiration (thank you for the idea!) - keep an eye out for the post this week! 

You can see more pictures of Nelson's lovely home at @nelplant and feline friends at @nelpets. 

I've featured several fabulous Belgium homes in the past, including: 

The fabulous Antwerp home of a creative duo

A vintage inspired family home in rural Belgium

A pretty family home in Brussels

So fun to revisit these tours!

Wishing you a wonderful start to the week!

Niki

Photography: Nelson De Coninck, shared with kind permission. 

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7 Simple Steps To A Tidy Home!

For some right now, it's simply about muddling through the day in the best way possible, and that's perfectly fine *breathes a sigh of relief*. For others, the chaos that comes with working from home, home-schooling, working out in the sitting room, plus everyday activities such as cooking, crafting etc can feel a little overwhelming. And to be honest, my home is a bit of a mess at the best of times, right now, it's an all time high (I know it can be hard to see that from my pictures, but ask any friend and I'm sure they'll concur!). Can anyone else relate? Don't get me wrong, I LOVE it when my home is tidy, I'm just not always sure how to get there quickly!

For those of you who already have a wonderfully tidy home - or simply have come here today for a little eye candy - relax, sit back and enjoy the pictures (Esra's home is lovely!). 

But for those of you, who like me, could use a little guidance on keeping the mess at bay - and would love a calmer, more organised home - these 7 tips from Esra from @i.like.it.tidy - might just come in handy! 

Hi! My name is Esra and I live in Berlin, where I was also born and raised in Berlin. My partner and I have two children Max (7) and Mika (3) and a dog Bex. Our apartment is 160 square metre. It's an old house and very typical for Berlin - with its large rooms leading into one another and high ceilings. 

Our place is known for being super tidy, which is of course not true all the time. But I do like my home to be clean and tidy. I would therefore love to share my tips with you on how to keep your home tidy. 

7 Simple Ways to Keep Your Home Tidy

1. Declutter: I know this is so Marie Kondo, but it's the ultimate way to enjoy a tidy home. We tend to hoard things like candles, vases, and bedding, so start by going through your things and ask yourself: how often do I use this, and do I have too many of them? Start with the small things as these are the easiest to declutter. 

2. A place for everything: Everything you own needs to have a home - somewhere you can put it back after you have used it. If an item doesn't have a 'home', it will be in your way all the time and you will constantly move it around. Trust me, a home always feels calmer if nothing is in your way!

There's a useful article here about how to create a home for the tiny bits and pieces in your home. 

Wall mounted storage units are great for storing items you don't want to be on display. I particularly like IVAR units from IKEA since they can be painted the same colour as the wall - and you can combine them for extra storage.  

3. Avoid impulse buying: only buying the things you need is better for the environment and better for you. It's better to save money and invest in something valuable - and that you know you'll use for years to come, like a sofa or armchair. 

4. Children's rooms need lots of storage: always use big boxes or baskets so that kids can put things away easily. It's especially important that the storage containers are in easy reach - low shelves, drawers, containers etc. Let them literally throw things back - don't make it complicated for them. 

Above left and below: IKEA toy storage is ideal for little ones - it's low and the buckets make it easy for even the youngest of children to tidy their toys away. If your child has a small bedroom use storage that doubles up as furniture like low drawers that can also be used as seating, or drawers that tuck neatly under the bed. For tiny items like beads, nail polish etc (of which my girls have many) - the Moppe mini chest of drawers is a winner! 

5. Edit toys regularly: if you overload a kid's room with toys they don't use, they will quickly feel overwhelmed. If they'd like something new, try to sell or give something away that they no longer need at the same time, this will help keep toys at a manageable level. 

Above: is it just me, or do children tend to want you to read the same books over and over again? Usually the longest ones - to draw out bedtime! Why not keep a little book stand (the Douve book box* is similar) by the end of the bed - it will help keep their favourite books off the floor and in easy reach. Note the desk has built-in storage underneath so craft items can be quickly stowed away after use (this one is from IKEA). Woven seagrass baskets* are also super handy for storage - plus they can be flattened when not in use! 

6. Tidy-up straight away: Whether cooking or crafting with your children or carrying out your own tasks - always tidy up immediately after you have finished. Don't let the mess fester and take control. It's so much easier to tidy up in the moment than to be confronted with a huge mess at the end of a long day! 

Note Esra has combined two IVAR cabinets in the picture above  - one on top of the other. Store items that kids don't use daily higher up (or the pieces that require adult assistance like felt tips, paints etc!). 

 7. Make it routine: last but by no means least, try to do all the steps above as a routine to keep on top of your home, it's an ongoing process. Enjoy it. It will make you happier! 

Thank you so much for sharing these tips Esra. 

Perhaps you are already a neatnik and have your home perfectly well organised - if so, wonderful! 

If not, and you feel you have the time and energy (seriously, no pressure guys - I know times are tricky right now), shall we agree to make a start? Here are three things I'm going to do: 

1. Clear out our bed linen and towel cupboard - there are WAY too many things in there and I have a feeling that's why there are always about twenty towels on the go (it drives me insane!). 

2. Invest in more storage so that I have somewhere to put post and bills, as well as other small items like candles etc. I've realised not everything has a home! 

3. Encourage the entire family to deal with their clothes at the end of the day immediately (way too many 'chairobes' in this house!) - and while we're at it - our wardrobes could use an edit too! 

There you have it, in black and white! 

Is there anything you're thinking of doing at home after reading this? Or perhaps you have some great tips on how to keep a home tidy not covered here - if so, please do comment below! 

Niki

Photography: Esra / @i.like.it.tidy

*This post contains some affiliate links

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An Earthy London Home, Packed With Personality

Good morning! I'm feeling all refreshed and revived after a few days off - plus full of energy as I'm back in my studio for the first time in months. Weeeeee! What a difference a change of scene can make. Hopefully we can all experience it soon (meanwhile, I'll make the most of it, who knows how long it might last!)! In the meantime, there's the internet helping to escort us to homes far and wide without leaving our sofa! I spotted this wonderful home of hair stylist Cyndia Harvey over at The Modern House. Located in a peaceful mews in Brockley, South London, the living space is full of rich, earthy tones and packed with fabulous vintage and antique finds, giving the overall look a truly personal feel. 

Cyndia lived in Jamaica until she was eleven years old. As an adult, she lived in various rental spaces until moving into this space three years ago. Cyndia took absolutely nothing with her from her previous home. Instead, she scoured local markets, picking out art-like pieces and anything that 'spoke to her' including a French rattan chair, 20th century wardrobe and ''crazy blue suede bed''. As a result, Cyndia feels a connection to all the items she owns - and loves that they tell their own, unique story. 

The white walls help to give the space a gallery-like walls, allowing the unique furniture and art to take centre-stage. 

Recently I've talked a lot about the 'rödtråd' (the red thread). In this home there are a few factors that bring the overall look together. The first, are the earthy tones of ochre, ombre and rich brown seen throughout. The second is the angular triangular shapes - which have been repeated several times in the main living room. This helps to give the entire living a space a wonderful, cohesive look. 

The bespoke kitchen island is the only modern piece - and was inspired by a Donald Judd desk. 

One of the things that really stood out to me while reading the full interview over at The Modern House, is how Cyndia took her time to decorate her home, picking out pieces one by one. 

Decorating with antique and vintage pieces is a slow, ongoing process, but your patience will definitely pay off: it's the best way to create a truly personal home that's also sustainable! 

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

Read the full article and see more pictures of Cyndia's home here. Curious about Cyndia's hairstyling? Check out her awesome work over at @cyndiaharvey.

Intrigued by other eclectic homes? Here are some more to enjoy this sunny Monday: 

A Malmö masterpiece with incredible architecture and a contemporary touch

The eclectic home of a jewellery designer

The cosy and eclectic home of a Swedish stylist

Have a wonderful start to the week! 

Niki

Photographs courtesy of The Modern House

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San's Relaxed Hamburg Home With an Industrial Touch

Hejsan hoppsan! I loved reading all your comments on Liv's bedroom reveal post yesterday. I have to say, I'm so relieved many of you had the same terrible taste in 80's boy bands as me (except Morten Harket of course, that one still stands)! T

Today I wanted to stop by to share this lovely, relaxed home in Hamburg with you. In a normal world, Hamburg would be a mere 4.5 hours' drive from Southern Sweden, but it feels a world away right now (gaaaah, will this ever end?). Luckily, we have the internet - and lovely people like San Snova, who has invited us into her lovely, relaxed 56 sq metre apartment today. It's such a privilege to peek around others people's homes isn't it? San's flat is instantly recognisable thanks to its wonderful raw wall, fab kitchen tiles, plants, funky side tables and dramatically high ceiling. Enjoy the tour! 

I love these two coffee /side tables they add a cool edge to the room! Look closely at this picture and you'll also spot two of the biggest micro-trends right now: sculptured candles (this shell one is by Hebe) and 'wow' vases (the one on the desk is 'Kink' by Muuto*). 

Bang on trend colours in the bedroom I see: lavender bedlinen* combined with a beige bedspread - love that! Such a simple, yet lovely way to bring the latest spring trend into the home. 

See more of San's Hamburg home over at @sansnovazuhaus. 

It's been a while since we saw this 'raw' wall look - I'm a big fan as I think it adds contrast and a certain edginess. Are you a fan too? Before you decide, here are a couple of other homes with a similar look: 

A bohemian touch in a magnificent Berlin home

An edgy Berlin home full of contrast

It's half term here and things are getting kind of crazy around here! Time to take a little time out with my girls, I think! 

Wishing you a wonderful few days - see you Monday! 

Niki

Photography: San Snova - shared with kind permission

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Hanna's Swedish Log Cabin in the Woods of Georgia

You can take a girl out of Scandinavia, but you can't take Scandinavia out of the girl. And this is certainly the case for Hanna Söderström - originally from the Far North of Sweden, just three hours from the Arctic Circle, and now living near Atlanta, Georgia. Hanna and her Swedish husband found their wonderful country home by studying Google Earth. Since acquiring the keys, they've carried out extensive work - transforming it from a dated 80's look to a Scandinavian oasis in the heart of the woods. I caught up with Hanna to chat Scandinavian design, texture, DIY and the roll nature plays in her home.   

How did you end up in Georgia?

I moved to Georgia in 1999 to play soccer as an exchange student while I studied business at Uppsala. I ended up getting an internship for Swedish American Chamber of Commerce in Georgia and thereafter worked in marketing for a Swedish company here in Atlanta. Later, I met my husband who is also Swedish. His family moved here when he was three. 

How did you find this beautiful property? It's so special! 

We were looking for the greenest spot on Google Earth within 45 minutes of Atlanta, that would never be developed on. We bought this house in 2010, a traditional log cabin that backs on to lake Allatoona and miles of hiking trails. 

It sounds like you found a magical spot - and true to your Swedish heritage - close to nature! I am guessing the cabin didn't look like this when you moved in? 

We have slowly updated the cabin into a rustic modern Scandinavian style living space, while still keeping the elements that make it unique: the stove, log walls, beams and front porch. In 2019 we added another 2000 square feet to the home, including the kitchen, back porch, master suite, finished basement and garage. 

You described the look as Scandinavian modern rustic; can you tell us more about this style and how you achieved it?

Cosy Scandinavian to me, is lighter wood tones and real, natural materials like stone, linen or cotton fabrics, wool and metals. I have applied matt earthy colours and textured walls and collected authentic farmhouse antiques that have a patina, which add to the cosy, relaxed feel. When we first moved in everything was orange and felt very 80s. I painted the ceiling and whitewashed the log walls and we installed lighter oak floors finished with a matt sealer. 

For a more modern Scandinavian feel, I like to contrast all the vintage and antique pieces with modern light fixtures and surprising decor elements. I have a real weakness for designer lights! For me, antiques and vintage need contrasting elements in order to stand out even more. 

You have some beautiful pieces in your home, including the antique Swedish chair that opens up into a table (see above - genius!). Where do you find furniture for your home?

Most of our furniture is inherited or vintage. We brought a sea freight container over from Sweden with all our belongings and furniture. Really, the only things that are new in our home are the textiles, upholstery, lights and some of the art. 

I love all the DIY ideas and hacks you share on your instagram (like the bed - see below). I have always been impressed by how good Scandinavians are at DIY. Would you stay this is part of your heritage? 

It's definitely part of my heritage. I grew up in the far North of Sweden, just three hours from the Arctic circle. There, you're kind of forced to know how to do things yourself, and if you don't know how to do things, you ask your neighbour! That's kinda my mentality. Also, my dad is a skilled carpenter and works with restoring properties. My mum was great at sewing and knitting. 

I love woodwork, painting, sewing and took classes in upholstery. But most of all, I like to learn while doing. I'm not an expert in any area but not afraid to try. That's what's fun and exciting. I like to encourage others (especially women) to try DIY. Usually, it's not as hard as it seems - and that's kind of my motto! 

Before

After

Hanna painted the bed in Annie Sloan French Linen, which works perfectly with the Dry Ground lime wash walls. 

 

I love that your home is so close to nature, and love how you've drawn the surroundings in, was this intentional? 

I feel brining nature inside is inherently Scandinavian. Branches, foraged flowers, pine contes, stones etc. I don't do much seasonal decor, instead we live with the season and let nature decide the accents. It's also important to us to make our food from scratch and pick and preserve mushrooms and berries. 

Hanna and her husband added antique doors throughout out the cabin. The ceiling lights in the bedroom are from American contemporary lighting manufacturer RBW. 

You've created a true Scandinavian oasis! A house like this is really 'finished' but more a process that constantly evolves over time. What's next? 

This has been my dream ever since we moved, and all the details have been played out in my head daily for years. Having this much space is a dream come true and I feel so lucky to have pursued my passion of transforming spaces here - and also for others. There are several areas of our home that still need to be renovated. We have a long journey ahead! 

Beautiful - and so inspiring!

I can't wait for the 'loppis' (flea markets) to re-open. In the meantime, seeing that bed has inspired me to scroll online for vintage and antique pieces that might not be the right tone, but have a beautiful shape. More often than not, you can personalise them to be exactly as you wish! 

Oh, and how amazing is the master suite!

Is there anything that stands out to you?

Take a look at Hanna's instagram @homeathand to follow her latest projects - or contact her directly to find out more about her interior design services. 

If you'd like to see some other inspiration over the weekend - why not take a scroll through the country homes archive - there are some really dreamy Scandinavian homes in there (plus some from further afield too!). 

I hope you've felt inspired by the posts this week on the blog! 

Hands up who's ready for the weekend (both hands shoot up). I've been eying up a book and my new chair for several days now!

Wishing you all a great couple of days, see you Monday!

Niki

Photography: Hanna Söderström @homeathand

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