my scandinavian home: International homes

A Scandi-Inspired Warm and Relaxed Family Home

When I first came across Sabrina's home over at @maisonpourcinq I assumed it was Danish. There is something about the way she has balanced minimalism with a relaxed, warm vibe as well as her choice of interior items like the wall mounted mug storage, specific prints and the cone shaped wall lamp that gives it a Danish touch. But actually, upon reaching out, I discovered Sabrina resides in Marl, Germany with her husband Ouissem and three children Vega (15), Mika Anouk (3) and Jonah Nael (1). Which just goes to show, you don't need to have the Viking gene to create a beautiful, Scandi inspired home! Ready to feel inspired by this relaxed family home?

"A lot of our furniture is used and I never really liked for it - it found us. My instincts know what fit into our house. Sometimes I don't even think it's beautiful at first, but I know it fits a particular room or corner and emits a good feel. I've learned that not everything I find beautiful fits into this little house. It can be a sad process sometimes, but we love the finished rooms" - Sabrina

Can you spot the TV?

Sabrina and her husband have been painstakingly renovating the house over a number of years. the below before, during and after pictures provide a snapshot of what they have been contending with!

I recognise that Geberit cistern from our own bathroom build up at the cabin! We also opted for the same Geberit flush button.

So beautiful! The off-white tones give the space such a calm feel. I love the use of the Ikea 'Moppe' mini chest as bathroom storage too!

I really enjoyed this! It's so relaxed and full of interesting, inspiring details.

I particularly loved the little dragon! How about you?

See more over at @maisonpourcinq.

Since it's put me in a Danish frame of mind, here are a few homes to enjoy from the other side of the Öresund bridge:

The handmade home of a Danish architect and carpenter

A playful Danish home with the cutest boys bedroom

Before and after: a rundown cabin becomes a vibrant summer home

Tomorrow my younger sister arrives from London for the weekend - I can't wait! I hope you have some nice plans lined up too!

Trevlig helg! See you Monday!

Niki

PS The news is just so hard to digest right now. Yesterday I felt like doing something extra, so I signed up for the charity donation based 'Run for peace' and ran 10 kilometres (unbelievably stiff today!). If you feel like doing something similar over the weekend, you can make a donation and sign up over at Virtual Runners (there is also the option of a 3 km and 5 km which you can run or walk!).

Now for a hot bath.

Photography: Sabrina / @maisonpourcinq

A Dreamy Vintage-inspired Family Home on the French Riviera

Bonjour! Yes, you've guessed it, we're off to France today. Not IRL of course (although that would've been nice, don't you think?) - but right here on the blog. Jessica, her husband and their two children Cara and Maya live in a beautiful home on the French Riviera. Decorated in calming neutrals, the house is a sea of cool white and cream, punctuated with rattan and wood for warmth. Vintage furniture and art help to add a relaxed vibe throughout - and the perfect base from which to explore Cannes, St Tropez, Nice and Monaco. Bienvenue chez Jessica!

I'd do a house swap in an instant - how about you?

There are so many beautiful ideas to feel inspired by too - I love the childrens' room in particular (that bunkbed and shared desk!).

Is there anything that stood out to you?

See more over at @mayra_and_me

Shall we take a peek at a few other French homes today? Here are some VERY inspiring blasts from the past:

A relaxed vintage-inspired home in the French countryside

Lovely black floors in the home of a French stylist

Old meets new in an 18th century basketry workshop

A charming B&B in the French countryside, run by Swedes

I hope you enjoyed today's France-inspired post as much as I did. All this talk has made me dream of having Moules frites for lunch! Mmmm!

After an international week, perhaps I'll return tomorrow with a Scandinavian tour - we'll see! Sending hugs until then!

Niki

Photography courtesy of @mayra_and_me, shared with kind permission

Michiel's Harmonious Dutch Home in Natural Hues

Good morning friends! Stopping by here on this bright and sunny Monday morning in Malmö with the beautiful home of Michiel Bosman. A photographer, stylist and teacher, Michiel has been busy renovating his house in the small town of Bodegraven between Amsterdam and Rotterdam in The Netherlands. The canvas is in place with a calming combination of natural wood, stone and soft earthy hues, and now he has begun to layer it with a perfect blend old and new (with a particular penchant for Scandinavian design - which of course, I love!). Here are a few snapshots from his harmonious home.

The wooden kitchen cabinets are from the Norwegian family run business Ask og Eng, the marble top is from De Keukenbladenfabriek and the taps are by deVOL. Wooden shelves are laden with artisan objects by ceramicists such as Robynn Storgaard and Poppy Lawman.

This popular lamp is popping up in many beautiful homes right now - it's by Valerie Objects.

Spotted: pendant lamp from Louis Poulsen*, SK2 chairs from &tradition, Vent stool by Skagerak

The bedroom is one of Michiel's latest projects, the walls have been painted in 'clay mid' from Little Greene. Next step - art!

Such a beautiful home. To me, it looks like the perfect canvas, backdrop from which to build upon over time and layer with personal objects, art and everyday items.

If you love this home as much as I do and have the time today, hop over to Michiel's instagram feed @michieljbosman to see more snapshots and follow his renovation. One of Michel's latest posts really resonated with me in particular, and it's heartwarming to see he has updated the link in his bio to re-direct to a Dutch charity seeking to help those in need.

Would you like to see a few other Dutch homes this morning? Here are a few I love:

A fuss-free and laidback Dutch home

A Dutch home in a former children's nursery

A bright and cheerful dutch family home

Stor kram (big hug) to you all at the start of the week.

Niki

Photography courtesy of Michiel Bosman, shared with kind permission.

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FILED UNDER: International homes neutrals

A Beautiful Vintage-industrial Inspired Living Space in France

Hej, or should I say 'bonjour! in the language of love - something of which I am hoping to spread today on Valentine's Day with this dreamy open-plan room in France! Alexandra - who owns online antique furniture boutique Petite Belette and runs online 'upcycling' masterclasses - describes her home and workshop as "a universe made of forgotten furniture, of raw and simple materials that respond to the adage: 'nothing is lost, nothing is created, everything is transformed,' (Antoine Lavoisier). I couldn't resist sharing this light-filled room, packed with personality - and yet at the same time cosy and calm. A perfect place to curl up with a book!

Eclectic furniture, industrial touches and rough walls rich in patina all help to create this wonderful room!

A library of books wait to be plucked from the shelf before curling up on the sofa.

Beautiful.

Imagine all that light!

Could you imagine pottering around this room today?

Wishing you all a happy St. Valentine's Day and a wonderful start to the week!

Niki

Photography picture 1: Audrey Fitzjohn - Home magazine. Other images courtesy of @belettepetite

A Cosy Beach Retreat In Inverloch, Australia

I actually wrote this feature a few months ago in the same week as a dreamy holiday let in Kefalonia (that pool!), a Mallorcan Finca and a Danish farmhouse. And today, with a touch of a chill in the air (is it the same where you are?) I thought we could all use a little 'beach retreat' dreaming! Inlet House is situated metres from magnificent Inlet beach in Inverloch, Victoria, Australia. Guests are invited to snuggle up on the sofa in front of a wood fire, or come summer, stroll on the beach before returning for a shower under the open sky. Sounds like heaven to me! Take a look through the pics, and decide for yourself whether you'll be adding this one to your travel list (perhaps I'll see you there!).