Say ‘hei’ to the newest (and cosiest) member of our sitting room

This post is sponsored by NordLif Home. All words are my own, and I only ever partner with brands I genuinely love.

It’s been a while since I’ve made any updates to our sitting room at home in Malmö, but with autumn creeping in I suddenly felt it was calling for a little more warmth and texture. Do you ever get that feeling when the seasons change, that a room just needs something?

As regular readers will know, I’m a big fan of natural materials, warm earthy tones and Scandinavian design, especially pieces that feel timeless and easy to live with. So when Finnish company NordLif Home got in touch, their collection immediately caught my eye. They focus on solid wood furniture with a calm, natural feel, which, as you can imagine, is very much my thing!

And with that, say 'hei' to the newest addition to our sitting room: the Astoria Fluted Bench.

It's made from solid mango wood in a warm amber oak finish. My original plan was to place it at the end of our bed, but when it arrived, it felt far too lovely to hide away, so it ended up taking pride of place by the sofa instead!

That said, one of the things I like most about it is how versatile it is. I could look just as good beneath a window, or in a hallway. Ours is sadly far too small for that though, we’re more in the “hop around on one foot while putting our shoes on” camp!

Are you the same as me and drawn to furniture that can move around the house to wherever it's needed?

What I love most about this bench are the fluted legs, which add just enough detail without making the design feel fussy. From a distance it’s beautifully simple, but up close there’s that little bit of texture and character that makes it feel entirely unique.

So now, by day, I’m using it as a spot for my coffee and a good read (it’s the perfect height), but by evening I suspect it’ll become a resting place for teenage feet, ice cream sticks and goodness knows what else!

The nice thing is that, with all that beautiful texture and its solid, hardy feel, I think it’ll look good whatever gets thrown at it. And in this house, that’s definitely a bonus!

And naturally, with autumn in the air, I couldn’t resist adding a few seasonal touches: pine cones gathered on walks, a candle, a favourite mug and a little pile of books. I’ve also brought out the sheepskin throws and cosy blankets again, which always feels like the official start of the season.

Autumn, we’re ready for you!

I hope you love this piece as much as I do. If you’d like to take a closer look, you can find the Astoria Fluted Bench at NordLif Home, and they’ve also kindly given My Scandinavian Home readers 10% off with the code NIKI10 (valid until 24th October, 2026). There are plenty of other lovely pieces to browse through too. 

I’d love to know what you think. Are you finding yourself adding warmer woods, softer textures and cosier touches at home now that autumn is here (for those of you in the southern hemisphere, of course!)?

Niki

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Autumn at the Cabin: Cosy Moments with a Danish Classic

Sponsored by Carl Hansen & Søn, thank you for supporting the brands who make My Scandinavian Home possible. 

This weekend we headed up to our cottage for a cosy autumn escape. It felt like the very last call of the season before the leaves give in to the wintery winds. Even with the cold coastal breeze whistling past, we felt really toasty thanks to our fire and warming bowls of soup!

While we were there, I finally had the pleasure of trying the Ole Wanscher OW149 Colonial Chair and OW149F Colonial footstool from Carl Hansen & Søn — and as someone who has a real soft spot for Danish design, this felt like such a treat. There’s something about Danish icons that gets me every time: the craftsmanship, the quiet elegance, the way they feel both deeply rooted in tradition and effortlessly modern.

Here’s a closer look, along with a few more snapshots from our weekend retreat.Autumn at our cabin is the final 

Designed in 1959, the Colonial Chair is a perfect example of Danish design. Made from hand-crafted wood with a cane seat, it’s incredibly refined yet surprisingly sturdy. The slender frame, the gentle rise and fall of the armrests, the rounded legs that subtly splay out for stability — all those thoughtful details that make Danish design so special are right there. 

It also comes with your choice of cushions which are available in fabric or leather (these are the Terra Leather in Marble by Norm Architects) - there are a load of variants to choose from - and you can even provide your own material!  

Sitting in it, you can really feel the balance Ole Wanscher was so known for: classic influences, modern simplicity, and a quality that truly lasts. No wonder Politiken once wrote that owning a Wanscher chair is “an adventure every day, even hundreds of years later.”

A perfect spot for a cosy autumn afternoon in the cabin!

It was such a lovely weekend up there. The next time we go, it will no doubt be wintertime (the temperatures have already plummeted to around 0 degrees Celsius (32 fahrenheit), and the cabin will take on an entirely different feel. Nothing that a fire, a warming bowl of soup, and an iconic Danish armchair can't fix!

You can read more about this iconic chair and footstool here, and other beautiful design items from Carl Hansen and Søn in the blog design archives. 

Have a happy Wednesday, wrap up well and stay warm if it's chilly where you are too! 

Niki

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Cosy 'Fika' at Home on the New Iconic PK1 chair

Sponsored by Carl Hansen & Søn. All words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too. 

Things are getting cozy at home now, and with the darkness settling in, we're spending so much more time around the table enjoying fika (coffee and cake) by candlelight, playing games, helping with homework, sharing lovely dinners with friends, and just about anything else! Does this happen in your home too?

This weekend, we had the pleasure of enjoying all these moments on the newly launched Carl Hansen & Søn PK1 dining chairs. Designed in 1955 by Poul Kjærholm, one of the pioneers of Danish modernism, the PK1 was his first-ever design and reflects his functionalist approach to furniture, emphasising simplicity and lightness. Kjærholm was passionate about combining his favourite material—steel—with organic elements.

The re-launched PK1 chair beautifully combines stainless steel with natural paper cord, resulting in an elegant, lightweight form. Let’s take a closer look!

Originally made from wicker, the updated version is crafted from FSC-certified weaved paper cord, using the original weaving technique and takes a skilled craftsman 15 hours to weave! I have seen them in action in Copenhagen, and it's so impressive! I love it when craft techniques like this are kept alive. 

I am always fascinated by how furniture designed in the mid 20th century can stay so relevant - I believe it's because they were designed for both comfort and aesthetic value but they are also simple in their design which gives them a timeless appeal. 

Oh, and it's also stackable which I always think is extremely handy. 

The chair is considered an icon, so I am so happy it has been given a new lease of life this year! 

I hope you enjoyed these pictures of the new chair - and my dining area at home.

What did you think of this chair? 

You can read more information about the PK1 dining chair over at Carl Hansen & Søn. 

I have featured lots of beautiful items from Carl Hansen & Søn in the past including the cute new wishbone chair children's version in my cabin, the fabulous CH07 Shell Chair in my sitting room, and my all time favourite possession - the FK10 Plico Chair by the fire in our little cabin. 

Thank you for stopping by today. I'll be back again tomorrow with a beautiful home tour which I think you will feel very inspired by. See you then! 

Niki

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Meet the Danish Classic That Now Comes in a Children's Version!

Kindly sponsored by Carl Hansen & Søn, all words are my own, and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too.

If you're a fan of Scandinavian design, you'll no doubt be familiar with the Wishbone chair - it's one of the most iconic chairs ever made. You might even be lucky enough to own one (we have a blue version in our dining room). Designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1949, the chair is just as popular today as it was back then because it's beautifully handcrafted, comfortable and it's timeless.  

There's one problem though - it's a little too big for the smallest members of the family. A problem that has now been rectified by Carl Hansen & Søn in honour of Hans J. Wegner's 110th birthday. Ladies and gentlemen, please be upstanding (we wouldn't fit in it anyway) and say 'hej' to the CH24 Children's Wishbone Chair!

It's not often that I get completely over excited by a piece of furniture (Oh, OK then, it is!), but when this little beauty - designed for children aged three plus, appeared fresh out of the box in our little cabin,  myself, Per and my Mother-in-law all oohed and aahed and fell completely and utterly in love! It's the exact replica of CH24 Wishbone Chair in every way, and equally beautifully crafted, just scaled down to perfection - and it's very very cute! 

The frame is made from the same solid oak with just as much care put into the carpentry, and the seat has been handwoven from paper cord - just like its mummy version! One of the things I love about these materials and the good craftsmanship is that it will withstand time and can be passed from one generation to the next. 

Sadly, my children are way too big for it (Liv turned sixteen on Saturday and Alice will be 14 in October), but that doesn't stop me from dreaming about having it around - not only for little visitors like my nieces, but one day for my (whisper it) grandchildren! Just like Ylva had mini wooden chairs on standby in the living room of her Stockholm home. Could you also imagine owning one of these? 

While you can't keep everything from your children's childhood, there are a few items that are close to my heart. These pretty hand painted clogs were Alice's when she was small and this well-loved Elsa Beskow children's book has a permanent space on the bookshelf. Are there items like this that feel particularly nostalgic to you - or perhaps there's something special that your parents saved from your childhood that you cherish? 

Oh, and do you recognise the chair beside it? It's the FK10 Plico chair by Jørgen Kastholm, also from Carl Hansen & Søn - a Danish classic, and probably one of the most precious pieces of furniture I own - although I rarely get to sit in it as it's everyone's favourite! I shared a few more pictures of it in our cabin here, in case you'd like to see! 

For now, I do have it to myself, and I'll happily sip my tea in peace!

What do you think of this CH24 Children's Wishbone Chair? Could you imagine having it in your home for little ones? If so, you can find out more information about it here. 

Looking for more inspiration today? You might like to see a few other Danish classics I've featured in the past including the Windsor Chair in our cabin and a peek behind the facade of Hellerup manor, which I snapped on my visit to film with Knud Erik Hansen, the CEO and grandson of the founder of Carl Hansen & Søn. It's a day that remains etched in my memory as I felt so welcome and Knud Erik is so passionate about furniture and such an interesting man - always with a fascinating story to tell. 

Have a great start to the week all! 

Niki

All photography and styling by me 

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Tour Helena's Pool Villa Overlooking the Gothenburg Archipelago

Hello, I'm back! Thank you for your patience - and for all your kind comments on my travel guide to Bodø and Lofoten in Northern Norway, I'm so happy you felt inspired! 

Scandinavia is slowly cranking back into action - with many heading back to work today and school starting later this week (can you hear the audible sigh of relief?). But at this beautiful home in Gothenburg, it will feel like summer for far longer thanks to the pool nestled among the rocks and views over the archipelagos! 

The 'svarta ladhus' (black barn), belongs to Helena Fältivar Bundgaard and her family who have built the house from the ground up, personalising it every inch of the way. Here's their faithful hound Beppe who will take you on today's tour! 

The spacious kitchen from Himlekök is an absolute dream, featuring everything from a wood cabinets, open shelving, a bench seat and fireplace. Beppe's favourite though, is the stone island which mirrors the cliffs outside! 

Classic Danish Wishbone chairs have been placed around a large wooden dining table made by Joakim Løth. 

In the sitting room area, a pair of iconic Danish Spanish Chairs designed by Borge Møgensen sit side by side.  

A second living room area featuring a Cuba Chair has doors open to the pool area. 

In the bedroom, sound proofing in the form of oak panelling from WoodUp helps to create a restful space. 

A desk area with a series 7 chair capitalises on natural light in the bedroom. 

Bathroom cabinets also by Himlekök, have been designed to match the Kitchen. 

The practical laundry room features a shower area for Beppe - complete with his own shampoo! 

Outside, a pool has been nestled among the cliffs, with views over the archipelago. 

Wow! What a fabulous home, thank you so much for the tour, Beppe! 

I would happily laze by that pool all week long, how about you? Is there anything that stood out to you about Helena's black barn? 

You can see more pictures of this lovely home and keep up to date with Helena's latest projects at @villanordrevik. 

Perhaps you'd like to feel inspired by a few more Scandinavian pool villas today? Here are a few of my favourites: 

The stonecutter's farm on the island of Gotland

A fabulous open-plan Swedish pool villa

A Swedish photographer's fabulous pool villa

In case you are considering a pool but only have limited space, here's my guide to small pools for every budget and shaped garden! 

This morning, I'm on the early train to the IKEA headquarters in the forests of Älmhult - the early start was a total shock to the system and I'm already two coffees down, but I'm excited about the project that lies ahead! I hope you have a more relaxing start to the week! 

Niki

Photography by Helena Fältivar Bundgaard, shared with kind permission. 

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Scandinavian Design Icons: CH07 Shell Chair

Sponsored by Carl Hansen & Søn, with thanks

One of the things I appreciate most about good Scandinavian design, is the dedication to making furniture that is both practical and aesthetic. Combine this with high quality natural materials and a timeless appeal and you have a masterpiece on your hands that can be loved for generations to come. 

Danish furniture designer Hans J.Wegner was one of the distinguished designers of all, and helped to put Danish design on the world map. His work is widely recognised for its organic functionality and with items such as the Wishbone chair, CH25 Lounge Chair and Elbow Chair part of his portfolio, it's little wonder he's known as the 'King of Chairs'! 

Today I'd like to pay homage to one of his finest designs: the iconic CH07 Shell Chair. 

The three-legged chair was designed in 1963, but despite positive reviews for it's avante-garde look and feel, it was only when Carl Hansen & Søn reintroduced the Shell Chair in 1998 that the general public appreciated its distinct expression. Twenty-five years on it's one of the most well-loved, iconic chairs of our time!  

The Shell chair is instantly recognised by it's wing-like seat and curved backrest which is supported by three arched legs. Its testimony to Wegner's mission to ensure a chair should be beautiful from every angle. 

The chair has been around for sixty years, and to celebrate the occasion Carl Hansen & Søn have launched this 60th anniversary edition of the Shell Chair in rosewood and oak (with the option of adding seat cushions) - available until December 31st 2023. A small brass plate with Hans J.Wegner's signature can be seen back making it a true collector's item! 

Imagine having a piece like this in your home? I've certainly loved looking after this masterpiece in our sitting room these past few days (sadly it's only on loan!). 

It looks mighty fine beside some of my favourite smaller items which include a vase by my dear artist friend Jennifer Idrizi in nearby Lund and two darling figurines by local Malmö artist Simon Vendin - the latter of whom keep a good eye on things when we're not home! 

I hope you enjoyed reading about the magnificent CH07 Shell Chair! If you're curious, read more about it over at Carl Hansen & Søn.

I have had the great privilege of capturing quite a few iconic danish design pieces in my home over the past few years - here are some of my favourites: 

Wishbone chairs in my dining room

The Plico chair in our cabin sitting room

The Windsor chair in our cabin dining room

Do you have a favourite item of furniture that you dream of owning one day? If so, do tell us more below! 

I hope you have a 'trevlig helg' (lovely weekend)! See you Monday!

Niki

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