A Glimpse Inside a Soothing Swedish Apartment in Summertime

Oh, how we've longed to throw open our balcony doors and allow the summer air to float inside. And the time in Sweden has finally arrived! This lovely flat in Gothenburg is all set for the season with light creamy colours, soft sheer textiles, vases of foraged branches and wildflowers and a little outdoor spot in the sun. What I also love about it is how the rooms flow into one another through a series of archways and gaping double doors, giving the entire space a wonderful sense of serenity!  

Lovely! 

This has most likely be styled or adapted for sale (nice work Emma Fischer) - so you'd definitely need to add storage in the bedroom, hallway etc. But there are so many nice ideas in this apartment - from the soothing palette and plants to the use off furniture in every little nook. 

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

Niki

Photography: Henrik Linden

Styling: Emma Fischer

For: Alvhem

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A Bright, White Swedish Home With Mid Century Touches

There is something very special about the spring light in Sweden. Even my mother commented on it when she was over recently. On some days it can be pin sharp on others, it's soft and filtered! It's at this time of the year our homes really come into their own with the dappled light leaving ripples on the light wood floors and white walls. It's a time when we can finally open the windows and invite the crisp, clear air indoors and marvel at the lime green leaves and blossom (after a long spell of dormancy!). This lovely apartment in Gothenburg caught my eye this morning for that very reason. Look out for the simple yet lovely spot in the kitchen window, ochre vintage chairs, mid-century touches, beautiful tiled masonry oven and William Morris wallpaper (a popular choice in Swedish homes these days!). Enjoy the tour! 

How lovely! 

I'll never tire of old light wood floors, how about you? 

For more swedish pads today - why not delve through this archive, there's SO much inspiration in there! 

Kram! 

Niki

Credits: Entrance 

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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

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A Serene White Swedish Home with Warm Touches of Wood

Come here for a breather today? You're in the right place! Decorated by Grey Deco in nuances of white and furnished with pieces in an array of natural material like wood, cane and linen, the living space is a total breath of fresh air and a wonderful oasis in the heart of Gothenburg. Although styled for sale, I can totally imagine stepping inside and filling it with my own personal touches, how about you? 

Note how the washing machine is in the bathroom. In Sweden this is very common in apartments. It's either that or a communal 'tvättstuga' (laundry room), where you book a time slot (the subject of numerous exasperated conversations - everyone has a 'tvättstuga' story - usually a note that has been left by another irate user! 

In the UK, washing machines tend to be in the kitchen (if you don't have a separate laundry room or mudroom). 

Where does the laundry tend to happen in your country? 

On a separate note, the subtle nuances in this apartment are so lovely. My guess is that they've used something like 'Classic white' on the ceiling (NCS S0500-N) and then Jotun Tidlös on the sitting room and bedroom wall.

Wishing you all a serene day!

Niki

PS I am so excited about the before and after home tour I have lined up for tomorrow - it's full of vintage finds! See you then! 

Greydeco for Alvhem

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7 Styling Tricks To Learn From a Serene Swedish Apartment

While yesterday's home tour was all about colour and playful elements, this Swedish apartment is all about serenity. When I pour over the pictures of the milky white tones, minimalist decor and soft touches of light wood I feel my shoulders instantly relax. So, what's the trick to creating an oasis of calm for one? Here are seven clever styling elements at play: 

1. Keeping key furniture white helps to keep the look uncluttered, while mixing and matching different designs helps to keep the look interesting. 

2. A very large white fluffy, shag-pile rug adds texture and warmth as well as helps to dampen sound. 

3. Playing with scale immediately adds interest to a space. In the main living room / bedroom a large pendant lamp floats in the centre. 

4. Elfa storage is hugely popular in Sweden as it's really practical and can be tailored to the space you have. These shelves maximise storage by extending all the way up to the ceiling. And great storage also means a clutter-free room. I'd love to see a little more this space, preferably with some closed storage to hide a load of stuff! 

5. A mirror doubles up as a 'looking glass' but also as a tool to reflect light inwards, visually enlarging the room 

'You' print by Sofia Lind*

6. Bucket storage is ideal for storing books and magazines (I also love to use it in children's rooms as it's so easy to find what you're looking for!). This one is the Douve by Bloomingville*. 

7. Soft earthy colours help to break up the white look while keeping the aesthetic calm and natural. 

Arum wall lamp* by Ferm Living (I have the same one in my bedroom but in beige). 

Beautiful! I could totally imagine rocking about here, could you? 

It's a bit small for my family, but if you're interested, it's for sale here. 

On a different note - I'm not sure if you noticed my announcement the other day - but I'll be blogging four days a week for the time being, with Fridays off. So on this note - I'll leave you to have a fabulous weekend and see you on Monday! 

Niki

Photography: Alvhem

*This post contains affiliate links.

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Marilou's Wonderful Canadian Home - And Feline Friend, Denise!

As pretty as Marilou's Canadian family home is, I have a feeling a certain somebody might just steal the show. You'll see what I mean when you reach the end of the tour. But first, more on Marilou. An entrepreneur (edit: and well-known pop-singer), French-Canadian Marilou Bourdon is the author of four cookbooks, and runs the wonderful online store Trois Fois Par Jour. Despite a full family life with children and pet cat Denise, Marilou also finds the time to share delicious, healthy weekly recipes. But today, it's all about her home in Quebec. Whitewashed inside and out, the house is a perfect blend of vintage, mid-century and modern pieces. Outside, you'll discover vegetable patches, cosy spots to relax and a dining area designed to celebrate birthdays.... welcome to Marilou's world! 

What a lovely home! I particularly like the piano, children's bedroom and the bathroom! 

And of course, DENISE!! 

Is there anything that stood out to you?  

There are so many other lovely Canadian homes in the archive too. Here are a few of my favourites: 

Artist Anna Church's modern-vintage home

The lovely home of Émilie Desjarlais

A cosy Toronto Home with a Scandinavian eclectic mix

Wishing you all a great mid-week! 

Niki

Edit note: this post was updated on 8th July to include that Marilou is a pop-singer. Also the facade of the house shown was not Marilou's, rather an inspiration image she had used (eeeek) so it has now been deleted. Sorry about that! 

Photography: @mariloubiz, shared with kind permission. 

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