Feel Inspired by a French Antique Dealer’s Charming Home

Tjena vänner! It's great to be back here on the blog again (thank you for your patience), especially as I have a lovely home to share with you!

One of my friends, Bettina—a Swedish interior designer living in a lovely chalet in Chamonix—writes a fantastic new weekly newsletter (definitely worth signing up here). In her latest edition, she recommended taking a look at the wonderful world of Fabienne Nomibis on Instagram, and I was so excited by what I found.

An antique dealer, Fabienne uses her charming French home as a photographic backdrop for the antiques she sells through her brick-and-mortar store, Archives, in Reims as well as online. Needless to say, every corner of her home features an ever-changing treasure trove of furniture and fascinating trinkets, with every single possession telling a wonderful story of a past life.

Also, keep an eye out for beautiful tiled floors, internal windows that help the flow of light, and bookshelves laden with tomes and other curiosities. There's so much to look at and feel inspired by! Ready to take a look? Bienvenue!  

Does this make anyone else feel like planning an urgent flea market road trip? Now that spring is in the air, I’m sure many will be throwing open their doors here in Sweden too—and I’ll be ready and waiting.

If you’re passing through Reims in France, Archives is open for business as well–and there's also Fabienne's online store Nomibis!

Did anything catch your eye? Perhaps a particular room or a specific item? Do you have a lot of antiques in your home? I grew up in a house full of antiques but sadly feel like I don’t have enough in my own home. Hopefully, that will change soon!

I’ve featured some beautiful French homes here in the past, including those of Swedes who have made the move south—like photographer Anna Malmberg with her lovely abode—and the holiday home of Kristin Lagerkvist. I am also a big fan of these charming French homes:

A stunning French country home filled with antiques
Old meets new in a former basketry workshop
An idyllic home on the south of France

As a child, we’d visit France all the time since it was easy to make day trips over the Channel. We also went with school a lot to practice our French (not that it got us very far!). It’s a little further away from us here in Sweden, so sadly I don’t get to go as often—which is why I really enjoyed today’s virtual trip. I hope you did too!

Niki

P.S. I’m looking forward to sitting in the sunshine with a coffee this afternoon and reading/responding to all your comments from last week. Thank you so much for taking the time to write; it’s always a pleasure to read your thoughts.

Photography courtesy of @nomibis, shared with kind permission. 

READ MORE...

11

Lina's Soulful Swedish Home Designed for Slow Living

Hejsan hoppsan! The sun is shining here in Malmö, and I’m letting myself get carried away by posting this summery picture of Lina Paciello in front of her charming Swedish home. Sadly, it’s more of a hat-and-gloves kind of day, but hey, a girl can dream, right?

And dream you will, I hope, as you take in Lina’s delightful home. Lina embraces ‘soulful, sustainable slow living’ and is the founder of Gröna Gredelina, a shop offering organic, botanical basics for the body and home—all handmade in Stockholm. She’s also the force behind Ûne, an antique shop specialising in European antiques and vintage items brimming with old-world charm.

Lina’s passion is beautifully reflected in her white clapboard house, which is filled with unique treasures, each with its own story to tell. A devoted book lover, Lina has even created a library—handmade from IKEA units—that’s perfect for enjoying her collection of tomes. There are plenty of cosy spots to curl up with a book: by the tiled masonry oven, next to the kitchen window, in the bath, or in bed! Don’t miss the wonderful ‘stair basket’ either—I’d never seen one before, and it’s exactly what I’ve been missing!

This such a clever way to obscure the view from passersby. The curtain is light enough to allow the light in, and the mid-way shelf is ideal for plants, helping to add greenery in winter time.

There's something about arranging the furniture around a fireplace rather than a TV, don't you think? It lends itself to a cosy read under a blanket.

It's easy to neglect corners. Here, Lina has created a nice display with a small antique table and mirror. 

This book shelf looks so smart it's hard to imagine that it's been made from Billy book shelf units from IKEA. Lina has shared more pictures / info about her creation in this instagram post. 

And this, my friends is the stair basket I was telling you about! I once read a great meme that read: 'no one is more hopeful than a Mother who leaves stuff on the stairs for everyone to take up'. Me in a nutshell!

I have never seen one of these baskets before, have you? But I feel I need one in my life to transport all the little items upstairs! There happen to be a quite a few lovely ones on Etsy - just saying! 

Such a beautiful home - full of soul and lovely ideas for slow living. 

Did you enjoy the tour too? Anything that stood out to you? 

You can see more corners over at @linapaciello. 

Would you like to take a tour of other soulful Scandinavian homes today? Why not pour yourself a cup of coffee and get comfy to explore these beauties: 

A small and relaxed boho Swedish home

A wonderful Copenhagen home full of soul

A vintage inspired Swedish home in the countryside

Have a great start to the week!

Niki

Photography by @linapaciello, shared with kind permission.

READ MORE...

7

A Home with Heart and History Awaits Its Next Chapter

When one of my darlings—a home I've featured—comes on the market, I feel an irresistible duty to let you know. Especially when it’s not just the house that’s up for grabs, but all the furniture too.

Yes, you heard that right: Lynda Gardener is selling her beloved The White House in Daylesford. The dreamy property is a masterclass in understated elegance, with natural tones brought to life by the patina and stories of the individual vintage pieces Lynda has so lovingly sourced over time. Every room tells a tale, making it a one-of-a-kind home.

And let’s not forget that beautiful garden room, the one I’ve been dreaming over since first laying eyes on it back in 2017. Now, imagine not just owning the home, but also having the chance to take it on with all its thoughtfully curated treasures. How wonderful?

Whether you’re contemplating a move to Australia or simply looking for a dose of gorgeous interior inspiration to brighten your Friday, this home is sure to have something for each everyone of us. Some of these images might be familiar, others perhaps new, I hope you enjoy the tour all the same! 

Lovely! I'll never tire of this home, and Lynda's unique style. 

Tempted? You can find more info about The White House and also reach out to Lynda over at @lyndagardener. 

I do love a garden room - what a perfect guesthouse. Is there anything that stood out to you? 

Shall we take a few more tours to round off the week? How about taking a peek inside: 

A delightful home where Swedish and Danish design come together

A fairytale Swedish cottage in a forest

Smart ideas for small spaces in a Stockholm flat

A rundown schoolhouse becomes a family home

It's been great to be back blogging this week, I hope you've enjoyed all the tours.

Before I sign off, I want to send all my love to everyone in LA. It’s truly devastating to witness the destruction from afar, and my thoughts are with all those affected—to those who have lost their homes and businesses and also the precious wildlife losing their habitats. Our thoughts are with you. 

Trevlig helg, 

Niki

Photography: Lean Timms / Marnie Hawsen.

READ MORE...

14