my scandinavian home: Kitchens

Before & After: A Derelict Classroom Becomes An Incredible Kitchen!

Hello friends! Boy, have I got something inspiring to share with you today! I admire many people in the design world. But there are two people in particular, I am constantly in awe of: Laura Muthesius and Nora Eisermann of Our Food Stories. Everything this lovely couple touch turns to gold - from a Berlin warehouse and German countryside apartment to a beautiful cottage kitchen in Sweden. And now, they've turned their hands to a former schoolhouse in rural Germany. When they got the keys to the property a few months ago, it had been empty for decades and the interior was, shall we say 'rustic' to say the least! So much so, many would have run a mile, myself included. But fortune favours the brave and these two had a vision - which, with a lot of hard work, would become a dream reality!

The exterior and interior was in dire need of some TLC, with many of the original features stripped away - including the windows, which had been replaced with cheap reproductions.

Working as a food stylist and photographer (with over one million followers on instagram, no less!), Laura and Nora were keen to create a large kitchen from which to work, film and live. The pair set about tearing out a small bathroom to recreate the original classroom area.

They were hoping to find a wood floor lurking beneath the layer of concrete but sadly, when they peeled it back, it had been destroyed so they laid a new oak wood parquet floor. They also swapped out the modern windows and replaced them with replicates of the original windows from Sorpetaler Fensterbau.

Fortunately, they were able to bring their Devol kitchen from their previous country apartment, which they supplemented with extra units to capitalise on space.

One of the features I love the most is the vintage arched door, which Nora sourced online - WHAT A FIND!!!!

The kitchen units and worktops were planned around the natural light which pours in through the large windows.

They installed a Bertazzoni cooker (which will no doubt play a major part in their delicous cake creation moving forward!).

An incredible DeVol marble sink matches the countertop which was custom-made by MCR.

Matt limewash paint from Bauwer Color was applied to the walls (Ibiza) and ceiling (Smokebush).

And finally, the pair installed a mantel piece and a DeVol freestanding pantry cupboard on the opposite side of the kitchen.

I love glass cabinets - they're a perfect way to display pretty kitchen items while keeping them dust free (a big problem with the open shelves under my kitchen island!).

All-in-all one, a really incredible kitchen, don't you think? Trust this pair to create such a unique and original, timeless kitchen!

You can keep to date with their latest recipes on @_foodstories and interior projects over at @_designtales_. They've also shared more info about this kitchen reno here - and if you're curious, you can take a peek at their cosy Swedish cottage kitchen here.

And if you're looking for more kitchen inspiration today - check out:

Before and after: a beautiful handmade kitchen on a budget

A Swedish kitchen gets a DIY make-over

Our summer cottage galley / narrow kitchen make-over

Have a wonderful start to the week friends!

Niki

Photography: Nora Eisermann & Laura Muthesius / Our Food Stories - shared with kind permission.

Our kitchen - And the Perfect Danish Counter Stool!

MSH partnership*

Do you have a kitchen island? We added one when we first moved in over ten years ago. Little did we know it would become the hub of the home. It's used as a breakfast bar, a place to catch up after school / work, and a relaxed gathering place for friends (although there hasn't been so much of the latter lately, unfortunately!). One of the trickiest things about a kitchen island though, is getting the stools right. What height? Should they have a back? Well friends, after a lengthy search, the B's might just have found 'the one' - thanks to Danish brand Skovby!

Say 'hej' (pronounced 'hi') to the Skovby Counter Stool #808.

Nerd alert: I'm about to share a little info about the height - which is helpful if you're sourcing a counter / bar stool but maybe not if you've just come here to enjoy a little inspiration today!

The height

It turns out, I wasn't looking for a bar stool (my initial search words!) - but a 'Counter Stool' - which tend to be 12 cm - 15 cm (5 to 6 inches) lower (although Skovby does do a nice Bar Stool too). It's also important to feel comfy - which means you want a clearance of around 22 cm - 30 cm (9 to 12 inches) between the seat and underside of the countertop. The seat on this stool is 65 cm high - allowing for just over a 22 cm gap, I'd see that is the absolute minimum requirement, but it totally works for our family.

Comfort and design

Having lived in Scandinavia for more than 17 years (where did the time go?) - I'd never compromise on form over function. I'm also keenly aware that people tend to linger on stools longer than you think (just ask my younger daughter Allie!). With this in mind, I do love a backrest! The shell seat and back on this counter stool is crafted from the same piece of white oil oak veneer. And although it looks beautifully slim, it's also incredibly strong (it's internationally certified for use in cafes, restaurants, office buildings etc). The chrome footrest is also super practical. Trust the Danes to get it just right!

Sidenote: in a couple of these pictures, I've shown a counter stool at the end of the island - in practise we never actually place one there as the island is only designed for two stools on the longer side. I was just exercising a little artistic license so you could see the stool from the back!

Allie's favourite spot - she sits here for breakfast, a cup of tea (she is half English after all!) - and to chat to us about her day and what she's done at her gymnastics!

I hope you enjoyed these snapshots from our kitchen - and the Skovby Counter Stool #808.

I feel so honoured to call Skovby a long-term partner - in case you're curious about other beautifully crafted items I've put to the test, check out the following:

Per's new home office / workspace

Skovby glass cabinet in the corner of my sitting room

Here's to Danish craftsmanship and beautiful design!

In case you're interested in one or more of these fine specimens for your own home, you can find your nearest Skovby retailer here.

Curious about other items seen in these pics of my kitchen? Give me a shout below and I'd be happy to help!

Wishing you a lovely day friends!

Niki

*This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Skovby. However, all words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too! Thank you for supporting the wonderful businesses that make My Scandinavian Home possible.

FILED UNDER: Danish shopping designer furniture Kitchens my home

Oak and a Cosy Roaring Fire In A Swedish Cottage Kitchen

Warning: this kitchen might make you want to move to the Swedish countryside. Especially if you love 19th century architecture, wood beams, and a roaring fireplace! Laura and Nora of the incredible Our Food Stories (whose Berlin studio and German country home I've also featured), bought a cottage in Österlen, Southern Sweden a few years back. I've been following the renovation ever since and have loved the way they've been adding their own signature touch while being careful to maintain the property's natural charm. This week Laura and Nora revealed their recently completed kitchen - which combines a stunning oak Devol Haberdasher kitchen with Bertazzoni and Smeg appliances and vintage lighting. Oh, and a wonderful fireplace of course!

I'd be perfectly happy to keep Per company from the Little Petra armchair while he ambles about in the kitchen. His cakes might not be a patch on Our Food Stories.... but he does makes a MEAN spag bol!

This jute rug* is similar (and biodegradable).

The Haberdasher kitchen is a handmade modular system, which features unpainted oak cupboards inspired by mid-century English interiors and a traditional gentleman's haberdashery - which makes it extraordinarily charming!

What oven do the girls with a foodie themed instagram feed that has amassed over 1 million followers use? A professional Bertazzoni range cooker, that's what! Now we know the secret to culinary success!

The worktops are a mix of marble and handmade aged copper. The sink is also made of marble.

The walls have been painted with chalk paint from Icelandic brand Kalklitir in 'calce' (I also used Kalklitir in my kitchen and I'm so happy with the nuanced finish!).

Love that the unit in the above picture is also used for wood storage - it really adds to the cosiness of the space, din't you think? But above all else - look at that farmhouse table! *Sheds actual tears*! I've been looking for one like that for ages. I wonder if it was sourced in Sweden. I'm off to investigate!

Before I head off - have you noticed kitchen cabinets made from natural wood have really come into their own in 2020? See also a calm, warm kitchen designed by Holly Marder and the awe-inspiring private kitchen of Noma head chef René Redzepi - beautiful!

Could you imagine opting for wood in your kitchen? Or perhaps you're too busy imagining yourself in that fuzzy armchair by the fire to care! In which case, I wouldn't blame you!

Wishing you a wonderful, cosy day friends!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Our Food Stories with thanks

FILED UNDER: Kitchens swedish cottage

Three Simple And Refreshing Frozen Recipe Ideas For Balmy Summer days!

Kindly sponsored by Samsung:

The warm weather has finally arrived in Sweden (last week I actually wore short-sleeves for the first time outdoors - result!) and we dared to start dreaming about balmy, summer days after what's felt like a very long winter! Time to stock the freezer with some tantalisingly refreshing treats! Read on for three icy delights my family and I love - and they're super easy to make too.

Samsung Freezer RZ32M71357F / Samsung Refrigerator RR39M73657F/EE

Pear and cinnamon ice cream

What would a summer be without 'glass' (ice cream)? And this homemade pear and cinnamon ice cream is divine, plus it's super easy to make without an ice cream machine. Perfect!

Ingredients

5 dl (500ml) cream

1 can (397g) of condensed milk

2 small ripe pears, peeled and cut into quarters

Generous pinch of cinnamon

Method

Place pears and cinnamon in a blender and puree until you have a smoothie consistency.

Whisk the cream and condensed milk until its thick and fluffy.

Pour in the pureed pear and use a spatula to mix well.

Pour the mixture into a lightly greased loaf tin.

Smooth out the top and freeze for at least 2 hours.

Take the ice cream out of the freezer 30 minutes before serving.

Top tip

You can make this with berries instead. Just swap out the pears for 1 cup of strawberries,

raspberries or blueberries.

Ice cream popsicles

Once you've made the ice cream above, these popsicles are quick and easy to make, look super impressive, and best of all, taste delicious!

Ingredients

Ice cream mixture (as above)

Your choice of toppings - desiccated coconut, nuts, melted chocolate, sprinkles.

Method

Make the ice cream recipe as above and divide the mixture between popsicle moulds or

large square ice cube moulds. Insert popsicle sticks and freeze for at least 2 hours or until

solid. Remove popsicles form the moulds and dip into your chosen topping. Place on a plate with

baking paper and back into the freezer until serving.

Top tip

The best way to remove the ice cream from the moulds is to place the moulds under warm

(not hot) running water for a few seconds. Allow them to stand for another 30 seconds and

they should release easily.

Flower ice cubes

One of my favourite midsummer tricks - ice cubes embedded with edible flowers look so pretty and look like you've gone that extra mile, even if they only take seconds extra to prepare!

Ingredients

Edible flowers (I've used pansies which are perfect as they come in a variety of colours. If you are in doubt whether a flower is edible, always check prior to consuming)*

Herbs (I've used dill, rosemary and mint)

Method

Separate the flower heads from the stem and cut small sprigs from your favourite herbs. Dot them around an ice cube mould (I used the mould in my Slim Ice Maker - a really nifty feature that hardly takes up any space!). Add water until each compartment is full. Once set, drop the cubes in your drink for a pretty, refreshing summer drink!

Berry and herb ice cubes

I love to spice up summer cocktails (and even ice cool glasses of water) with berry and herb ice cubes. They look really pretty in the glass, add a hint of flavour and smell lovely!

Raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, mint, rosemary and dill all make great ingredients and I also like to freeze lemon and lime slices separately. You can make a huge batch and use them to pep up drinks all summer long!

I hope you're feeling inspired by these simple ideas! Please feel free to add your own favourite freezer recipes below, I'd love to hear them!

Roll on balmy summer days!

Niki

A big thank you to Sarah Brooks-Wilson for working with me on this shoot - such a fun day, plus we got to eat LOADS of ice cream!

This is Kindly sponsored by Samsung. However, all words are my own and I only ever work with brands and products I love and can truly recommend. Thank you for supporting the businesses that make My Scandinavian Home possible.

FILED UNDER: Kitchens my home recipes

A Rustic Danish Kitchen With Cool Industrial Touches

Oj oj oj! It's FRIDAY friends! Is it just me or did this week fly by? Only a flying visit from me today since I'm meeting Per by the water next to our house in approx 20 minutes for lunch - but I promise it's a goodie! I spotted this beautiful, rustic Danish kitchen over at Bungalow 5 a few days ago. Designed by interior architect Sif Grandorf, the kitchen occupies a small part of a beautiful home in the oldest quarter of Copenhagen. Sif was careful to keep to a fairly tight budget - using clever up cycling and handiwork where possible. The main investment was a Frame CPH unit (well worth it as they are beautifully made and will last a lifetime!) and a great range cooker. But above all else, I've got my on those lovely beams and exposed brick wall - which lends itself perfectly to industrial-style touches. Step this way for the tour!