A Relaxed, Bohemian Orange County Home Full of Plants!

First a TV - now a loo. Whatever next?! Hahaha! Can you tell I'm making an effort to keep things real here on My Scandinavian Home lately? Plus, the 'powder room' in this house is so pretty, I couldn't resist sharing it (after all, we all have one and in need of a little inspiration from time to time, right?)! There is off course WAAAY more about the lovely home of Katie and Tyler Branch (AKA @branchabode) to feel inspired by too. Photographers by trade, the pair live with their young family in a craftsman-built house in Orange County, California dating back to 1909.  The house has been decorated with a wonderful blend of traditional, mid-century and industrial pieces in white, brown, black as well as plenty of lush greenery at every turn. Enjoy the tour! 

Katie and Tyler prefer to invest in classic pieces that stand the test of time. In the dining room mid-century dining chairs circle a round dining table* - and traditional cabinets can be seen in the background. 

Coffee table from West Elm, Pom pom blanket*, Tisca make a similar rug

A little nook by the window makes a perfect spot for a small home office and home for several plants! 

Source a similar mid-century desk here*. 

After a lot of hard graft (including ripping out an ancient wall-to-wall carpet) the master bedroom has become Katie's  favourite room in the house. I think I can see why, can you?!

Blue and white striped linen bedding*

When I came to this picture in the @Branchabode instagram feed, it stopped me in my tracks. If I ever get the opportunity to re-do my bathroom, I'd like it to look a lot like this. Do you feel drawn to this style too?

Ceramic tiles from Daltile, plant stand from Urban Outfitters (FYI - they have the most amazing array of planters right now - check them all out here), this Hammam towel* is similar. 

 

Shower head from Rubinet Faucet Company, Tiles from Daltile (as before)

I wasn't kidding about the loo - and what a pretty little space it is too, don't you think?

The family dine al fresco in the shade of the house under some colourful hanging baskets. The pretty outdoor dining set is from West Elm. 

I love it when I get loads of ideas from a home tour - and today I'm feeling full of inspiration from this abode! I hope you got lots of ideas too! 

Is there anything that stood out to you in particular?

If you'd like to see a few more corners of this home, it's well worth hopping over to @branchabode. You can also check out Katie and Tyler's photography here and here. 

Just in case you'd like to extend your morning / afternoon coffee break, here are some other beauties from California: 

An inspiring and serene home in Napa Valley

A Relaxed, Boho home in Orange Country

A jewel in the suburbs for LA

You might also like to check out the ultimate guide to hanging plants and how to work with indoor climbers.  

Have a wonderful day!

Niki

Photography: Katie Tyler / Branch Abode

*Affiliate links

READ MORE...

0

A Vibrant Family Home in An Architect Designed Mid-century House

G'day! It's another absolute ripper here in Sweden - even so, I thought we could venture to Sydney's Northern Beaches (virtually of course - although wouldn't it be nice to stop by in person?) to visit the incredible mid-century home of Louise and Graeme Bell, and their children Jasper and Anoushka. The three bedroom, glass fronted house was built by Australian architect Loyal Alexander in 1957 and features the most fabulous butterfly roof. Their trades (Louise is founder of the popular homeware store Table Tonic and Graeme is an architect) have meant they have been able to thoughtfully renovate the house over time and create a beautiful, vibrant family home. Think classic mid-century furniture, contemporary art and luscious layers of texture. Let's dive in!

 I spy pretty juju hats (sold through Table Tonic), a Marshall speaker and contemporary art by Henry Curchord.

A Snakes Tongue plant (also known as mother-in-law's tongue!) is one of those wonderful house plants which can be neglected for weeks on end and still look fresh. Oh and it can also survive low light conditions. 

A vintage leather sofa (source similar here) and a pair of Moroccan poufs help to create a relaxed, cosy vibe. 

The pair installed a new 1950s-style sandstone fireplace and hearth in the centre of the house. Six Bertoia chairs have been placed around the dining table beneath a Louis Poulsen PH5 lamp. But above all else - I love how the bar has been designed so it can be accessed from both the sitting room and dining room. It's all in the details!

The sitting room has been kitted out with a corner sofa from King Living,  Mark Tuckey coffee table, Cross blanket by Pia Wallén and a Beni ourain rug (available through Table Tonic). But the real star of the show is the panoramic window offering views of the garden and lush surroundings.

 The family's adorable Italian Greyhounds Audrey and Lucia chilling in front of the classic mid-century house designed by Australian architect Loyal Alexander in 1957 for his own family. 

 I wouldn't mind sitting on one of these fabulous yellow butterfly chairs (source similar here) for a while and simply taking in the afternoon sun - fancy joining me?!

The front door has been painted in Dulux "Gold Rush" for a very sunny welcome! 

What a fabulous house?!  I love the architecture, it's just incredible. The pair have worked really hard to maintain the original features too, I really appreciate that!

Could you imagine living here?!

You can see more of Louise's home here - and shop the look over on Table Tonic.

For more mid-century inspiration today you might like to check-out this archive (if this home pops up first just scroll passed!).

I hope your day sparkles like the sun - or you at least get to kick back in a chair like those butterfly ones for a while!


Niki 

All photography: Louise Bell / Table Tonic

READ MORE...

8

A Warm and Inviting Boho-style LA home

Hello there! I hope you had a great weekend?! I've got a feeling we're going to rock this week - don't you? Even so I feel like taking a bit of a casual approach and I can't seem to get enough of the  relaxed, boho style right now (must check out this London home and the cosy home of a Berlin blogger if you missed them last week).  The style I'm referring to is a perfectly imperfect, personal living space characterised by white washed walls, an abundance of warm wood, layers of texture, vintage finds, one-off handcrafted pieces and a lorry load of plants! The lovely LA home of art director and creative producer Alison Brislin fits the bill perfectly! Let's take a tour...

Photography: Alison Brislin

Don't you think Ali's home looks so warm and inviting?

The window blinds look a little like fans, don't you think?  - love that!

I also love that if you look closely, you'll see lots of interesting pottery, wall hangings and prints - many of which have been made by local independent craftspeople (more info below!).

Get the look: Sitting room - natural flatwoven rug, ceramics by Heather Levine, Josephine Noel, group partner (these are fab!) and bkb ceramics, cactus print (above record player) by Kate Miss, white sheepskin throw. Check- Urban Outfitters vinyl storage cabinet. Bedroom - Don Freedman sells wall hangings like the one in the bedroom, source a small mid-century side-table like this here.

Is there anything that catches your eye?

If you'd like to see a little more of Ali's home and her life out and about in the LA area check out her Instagram feed here - so inspiring!  You can also check out her latest projects here.

Have a great start to the week! 

READ MORE...

6

A Mid-century Inspired Home with Beautiful Light

Originally from London, I get so excited when I come across a home from the Big Smoke  - and even more so when it's really lovely! Owned by Louis Hagen Hall and Catherine Verna Bentley - the creative duo behind architecture and interior design practice Bentley Hagen Hall - the super charming space is filled with unique treasures, mid-century pieces, plants and the most wonderful light (beautifully captured by India Hobson for Haarkon). Let's take a peek...

 

Photography:  India Hobson for Haarkon

I absolutely love this space - it's kind of homely and bohemian but with a hint of Scandinavian modern. I wasn't surprised to see that one of the pair has Norwegian heritage.

Is there anything you love in particular about this space?

Take a look at a load more pictures and read more about this beautiful home here. 

If you're after a similar look in your own home a few of these items will put you in good stead (unless of course you're UK based and can draft in the help from Bentley Hagen Hall- now wouldn't that be wonderful?!): pick up a mid-century side-cabinet here,  I love these Moroccan rugs. Source a vintage architect's swivel chair here, this white sheepskin is similar to the one on the windowsill.

I'm guessing I'm not alone in wondering where the brass pendant ceiling light is from - any ideas? UPDATE: This is the CVL Saturn brass pendant light and was sold by John Lewis a few years back but seems like it's no longer available (thank you Anon.).

If you love this home, you'll also like foodie Anna Jones' home in the same neck of the woods - so fab!

And finally - I am thrilled to see My Scandinavian Home has been selected as a semi-finalist in the first ever Domino magazine design awards in the category 'Best International Design Blog' yaaaay! It's all happening here if you fancy casting your vote (it only takes a second and I'd be so so happy!).

Have a lovely day!

PS looking to save your pennies this autumn?! The Swedish philosophy of Lagom is your answer (so says this piece in the Readers Digest - they might just have read it somewhere...?!).

PPS happy Diwali to all my Hindu friends out there! 

READ MORE...

10

The lovely, relaxed home of a Berlin DIY blogger

Helloooo friends! I hope you had a great weekend? Here, it's been an eventful one. On Friday evening I had a live radio interview about my new Lagom book. Except I got the time difference muddled up and when they called from Montreal I had a house full of kids. In my panic I ended up whisking them out into the garden in their socks!! You can just imagine the scene). Thankfully it did get a little more relaxing after that! And now Monday morning has rolled around again (I've got a feeling we're all going to rock this week?!). Despite doing my best to embrace the chill outside (I'm wearing my Swedish Shephards as I write) I am starting to wonder how I'm going to get through the impending darkness of autumn / winter. I'm thinking plenty of DIY and crafts? What do you say? If you're thinking the same - Laetitia Delorme of Monochrome DIY, is our girl! Berlin based Laetitia describes her DIY ideas as 'a world away from chichi and sequins - everything revolves around tinkering and self-making'. Think fab minimalist brass mirrors, semi-flower wreaths and decorative ice-cubes. You only need to a snapshot of her home - as well as pictures of the home of Berliner Claudi's (see the full tour of her home here)- to see examples of how her DIY ideas blend beautifully with mid-century finds an abundance of plants. Roll on Autumn!

Photography: Laetitia Delorme / Monochrome DIY

 Photography: Claudi - Do It But Do It Now

Despite being more of a close-up / snapshot tour of each of the homes rather than the complete picture, don't you find the style to give off  the loveliest vibe?

Get the look from Laetitia and Claudi's homes: Source fab mid-century modern teak furniture here,  mirror from Sissy-Boy, these terrarium's are similar, café notice board, string shelves, Eames side chair.

If you'd like to see a little more of Laetitia's home take a peek here and Claudi's home here.

Speaking of Instagram - I'll be taking over the reigns of the HarperCollins US instagram feed today where I'll be sharing snippets from my new Lagom Book - as well as talking more about the Swedish lifestyle (which, excitingly, seems to be on everyone's lips right now - which reminds me - I need to nip out and by a cinnamon bun in a minute, purely for inspiration purposes of course....). I'd love it if you have the time to stop by and say hi (it's my first ever take-over so it'll be great to see a friendly face!).

Have a great start to the week!

PS my top ten tips to a de-cluttered home.

PPS words to live by: "Be a cactus in a world of delicate flowers"

READ MORE...

3