Fifty Shades of White In a Beautiful Swedish Home

If everyone else goes right, go left (so the motivational quote goes). And as current interior trends entice us to add more colour to our homes - there's one lady who has stuck fast to her passion. You might recall Malin Nilsson's beautiful home in Råå, on the South West of Sweden from a Christmas post back in 2016. And I was excited to see from her aptly named instagram feed VittVittVitt ('white white white), that her home still pays homage to her favourite shade. It's a minimalist look that requires attention to detail and a love for texture - and Malin has it in spades, you just need to look closely!

Above: Stoff Nagel candleholder, Bertoia chair*, Chunky knit blanket*

The walls and ceilings have been painted in 0500 by Flügger. The woodwork (doors, skirting boards etc) has been painted in 0502 (also Flügger) to breath life and depth into the overall look.

Boxplay sofa by Claesson Koivisto Rune.

Texture in the form of shag-pile, metallics (how fabulous are these chairs?!), velvet and rattan help to heighten the visual impact of the space in a subtle yet cosy way.

Vintage chairs from Johansson Design mode Vinga, Gubi semi pendant*. 

The flowers add instant colour to the space and have also been arrange in a fairly relaxed, 'wild' way which brings softness to the room.   

So, what do you think? Does it stop your colour-dabbed paint brush in its tracks?  

It certainly makes me realise that white will always be 'right', even if I might just add a little more colour to my own home here and there this year. 

Other beautiful white homes to feel inspired by: the serene white home of a designer, the beautiful white farmhouse of an interior designer and a stunning white studio with vintage finds. 

Also; when is white too white?!!

For the colour fiends out there: this archive. 

Have a lovely day!

Niki

PS I have the worst cold today so if I've made any errors / I've used words that are a bit off it's because everything is a little hazy today! Any great remedies out there?! 

Photography: Malin Nilsson shared with kind permission

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Old Meets New In a Fabulous House By The Sea

Mandy Hart describes herself as a 'wife, mama to two cuties, stylist and vintage rug hoarder' (she and I are going to make great friends!). Mandy, her husband and two children moved to Australia from the UK six years ago in search of sun and a house by the sea (and no doubt a little sunshine!). They found their dream home on the coast of New South Wales - "which even came with its own little boat!" Their beautiful home is a perfect blend of old and new. White floors and walls serve as a gallery-style backdrop for a collection of vintage Persian rugs (which Mandy's Mother started collecting over 30 years ago), items picked up on their travels, lush plants and contemporary finds while an injection of timber and rattan also add to the relaxed vibe. Let's take a peek inside!

Clifton Indoor saddler stool (try Etsy* for similar)

Natural Suar Wood Stump, sofa from Vast Furniture, this large woven basket* is similar 

Cabinet from Ikea, Plant pot from Target Australia

"I love to combine vintage and modern, high and low and my staple is always my Persian rugs, which come with us everywhere and instantly make any house we live in a home."

Aside from the decor - I absolutely love the architecture, isn't it striking?!

Is there anything that stood out to you?

You can see more of Mandy's home over on her popular instagram feed @by_hart_ and take a peek at other fabulous Australian homes:

A relaxed beach home in neutral, earthy tones
Rent this relaxed eco-cabin by the sea
A charming cottage in Australia

Wishing you a wonderful start to the week.

Niki

PS My thoughts are with the people of New Zealand today, I was desperately saddened to hear about the atrocious events that unfolded over the weekend. 

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An Idyllic Swedish Apartment In A Hidden Courtyard

I'm working from a little cafe by the sea this morning and the water is sparkling like diamonds. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to feel the warmth of the sun on my skin again! Spring is also in the air in this idyllic little apartment in Haga, Gothenburg. The wooden house is over 160 years old and still bears many original features including two lovely tiled stoves, wood floorboards and architraving. I particularly love the idea of sitting at the table by the window and looking out over the picturesque courtyard with a coffee right now, how about you?! 

I really like the idea of placing a shelf across the middle of a window for plants. I might do this in our summer cottage kitchen! Have you done this anywhere in your home? 

The wooden cabinet adds a lovely romantic touch to the bedroom. It's almost worth decluttering the wardrobe so you could down size to a unit like this - or perhaps create an overflow somewhere else in the home (Marie Kondo need never know!). 

This solar system mobile seem to be popping up everywhere right now. Are you a fan? If so - you'll be happy to hear it's available here*. 

How pretty is this courtyard? Just outside the muse gates are a load of little cafes, restaurants and boutique shops. 

I think this is my dream 'city' apartment. It's like a total oasis and just so pretty and full of light. I've always dreamed of living in a London Mews - but perhaps this is the way to go?! Slight problem with space - with one bedroom. Hmmm. Is it OK to an acquire a 'mammas escape'?! Perhaps we could do a time share?! 

Could you imagine living here too?! 

For more pretty Swedish homes to feel inspired by today, take a peek at an idyllic Swedish cottage (and funky pink caravan!), a fisherman's cottage on Sweden's West Coast and a charming 19th century house on Gotland. 

Ha det så bra! 

Niki

PS I've teamed up with a small local family run Malmö design firm to offer your the chance to win two lovely wool trivets over on instagram today. 

Photography: Anders Bergstedt,  Styling:  Nouvel Interior For Entrance

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The Charming Creative Home of a Polish Artist

Hej hej! How are you?! We had such a wonderful time in the Alps (I can highly recommend Obergurgl in Austria if you love skiing!) - and now we're back it feels like spring is in the air in Sweden - woohoo! (although I'm not going to get my hopes up just yet). I hope you've had a great week too! I'm excited to get cracking with my daily posts again and thought I'd kick off with a very special home. This lovely, relaxed apartment belongs to Polish artist Margo Hupert - and doubles up as a living space and creative studio. Think white floors, art (including some of Margo's own nature inspired pieces), interesting trinkets, plants, vintage finds and the cutest furry friends. Step this way for the tour!

Just how lovely is that vintage filing cabinet / plan chest? I did a little search and found similar ones  here*.

Margo makes use of light from her window to sketch. The sitting room area occupies the same space (try the Söderhamn sofa with a Bemz Urban Loose Fit cover for a similar look). 

 The shelves are from Tylko. Source a similar vintage industrial stool here*.

Hello there gorgeous!

That cat looks like he might have spotted something out of the window (my money's on a bird?!). My eyes are on the beautiful dining space full of one-off pieces, natural materials and plants. Just lovely!

Still gazing out of that window, huh?!

How lovely! There's just so much warmth oozing from this home, don't you think?

It's a perfect place to get creative too - there's so much light!

Is there anything that stood out to you?

Source Margo's art here and see more pictures of her lovely home here.

Would you like to take a peek at more artist's homes today? I can't think of a better way to spend a Monday, can you?! Certainly eases the pain! Here are a few of my favourites: a fabulous vintage inspired loft in a former textile factory, the lovely home of a Danish artist and an artist's studio and home in Stockholm. Time to pour a coffee!

Have a wonderful start to the week!

Niki

PS In case you missed it, the My Scandinavian Home online interior design service launches this Friday - weeee! So exciting (and of course a little nerve-racking too!). Thank you so much for the overwhelmingly positive response, you've made my week! By way of thank you, I'd like to offer the first 20 people to sign-up a very big discount (200 euros instead of 300 euros) on a room design! If you'd love to be one of the first please send me a mail and I'll reply with a discount code and notify you as soon as the service launches. 

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A Charming White and Natural Family Home In Normandy, France

Cosy, warm, natural, très belle - these are just a few words I would use to describe this delightful French home in Manche, Normandy. While the interior world is adding colour to the walls one room at a time, Flo of blog J'aurais pu m'appeler Marcel is sticking to her white canvas - and it's a great reminder that white can be family-friendly and warm! Often seen as a Nordic trick of the trade, Flo has added lots of texture to offset the cooler white backdrop. From market bags, wooden furniture, simple sheets thrown over the sofa and fluffy rugs to beautiful vintage pieces that tell a story - it's obvious that the home of  Flo, Sieg and their three children Lilou, Gabriel and Jude is here to be lived in and enjoyed!

Flo has a basket bag for every occasion and they make a wonderful display in the kitchen. Source a similar array here*. 

A glass partition creates a divide between the kitchen and sitting room without stemming the flow of light. I've been thinking of doing something similar in my kitchen ever since seeing it in Zoé De La Cases beautiful vintage-inspired country home. What do you think?

Replacing the cabinet door under the sink with a simple linen curtain* is a great way to add a relaxed, cottage feel to a kitchen and make everything feel that bit softer, while a 'barely there' round jute rug* protects the floor. 

Everyone needs a little alone time in a larger family (trust me, I know!) - and this corner seat is ideal for listening to records (on a very cute Crossley player*). I always think kids are a little like cats though - they always seem to get to the cosiest spot in the house first and look so content you can't bare to move them *rolls eyes*!!

Despite the simple white theme, the sitting room has a super cosy touch thanks to the layers of texture which include a Beni Ourain rug*, sheepskin throw and striped cushions.

Jude's room features the only real pop of colour in the house - a half wall painted in a dusty rose (or 'mellinial pink' as it has become known!) and an armoire painted in Farrow & Ball Stone Blue.  

Tip: choose a rug you love (this one is from Monoprix -  and I also like this one seen in Olivia's cute bedroom) and then create the room around it, picking out the different accent colours. It's a simple, yet great way to create a cohesive look. 

The school desk and chair were a vintage find (there's a load of vintage school furniture available here*). 

On the opposite side of the room, a ladder leading up to the top of Ivar cabinets creates a cosy place for the kids to sit and play (remember to always nail furniture like this to the wall, just to be on the safe side!). I love the swans (similar also seen in this beautiful home) - I've written a little note to Flo to find out where they're from and will hopefully come back soon!

What a delightful home, don't you think? There's something so charming about the relaxed, simplicity of it.

Did you come away with the same feeling?

See more snapshots of this home on Flo's fab blog and instagram @jauraispumappelermarcel.

Oh and more French homes I love (where do I even start with this, there have been so many lately!?)  include: the wonderful home of a French stylist, the playful home of a French photographer and a serene home in Normandy, France.

Wishing you a happy hump day (yep, the phrase still not doing it for me!!).

Niki

Photography; Flo / @jauraispumappelermarcel

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