A Lovely, Light And Airy Swedish Apartment

Who's ready for a lie-in? If it meant chilling here, I'd be happy to take an entire duvet day and make my way through the last episodes of The Queen's Gambit (have you seen it? If not, it's a must!). This week on the blog, we've been on a tour of a charming Stockholm apartment, an edgy Berlin flat, and a tiny house on wheels, so today I thought we'd take a breather and admire this light and airy space, where the beauty lies in the simplicity. Think milky white hues, soft fabrics and a whole load of light! 

Although not featured, I kind of want to go in and put a Samsung Frame TV (with light wood frame) on the wall instead of the picture. It would make a perfect TV corner and that's the perfect TV (I'm not sponsored to say that, even if I did do a collaboration around it back in 2016! - I just love it!). But maybe, it's because I'm still thinking about that series....

Got to love a plinth! They make such great plant stands, don't you think? 

Just the breather I needed! 

Love the dark blue kitchen cabinets too - they helps to break up the white. 

Is there anything that stood out to you?

I'll be back tomorrow with a colourful danish home full of art - I think you're going to like it!

Vi ses imorgon! 

Niki

Photos courtesy of Alvhem

READ MORE...

7

A Polish Photographer Shares Her Elegant Home And Best Shopping Tips!

Have you been to Poland? The closest I've ever been is around 25 km from the border - so near, yet so far! But it's definitely on my radar, especially as it's only a short hop over the Baltic Sea and Polish design is starting to make waves across Europe! Photographer Kasia Bedzínska lives in a beautiful, white apartment with golden accents in Lodz with her partner Lukas, daughter Antonina, son Julek, photogenic dog Popcorn and a rabbit! You'd be forgiven for thinking her neutral home is Scandinavian had it not been for some of the fine Polish design pieces! Feeling curious, I chatted with Kasia to find out more about her style and the rise of Polish design (including a few brands to look out for). Read on for the scoop! 

How would you describe your style, and would you say it has a Polish touch? 

My style is some kind of cosy minimalism - or something! My home doesn't reflect the usual Polish style - which is usually more colourful and eclectic, however, I can see that this is changing. 

In what way?

Poland is a post-communist country. It was very poor. These days, people have more money and can afford nicer things for their homes. Interior styling has become more popular and people take inspiration from other countries and adapt it. 

I see a blend of pieces in your home including some Scandinavian design but also Polish pieces. Would you say Polish design is on the rise? 

Polish design is so so great! Look at my old desk I found (above), it was designed by Mieczyslaw Puchala in the 1960s. Poland is the 4th biggest furniture producer and exporter in the world for good reason.  

Are there any Polish designers / brands in particular we should keep a look out for? 

Armchairs by Polish mid-century designer Jozef Chierowski are very popular. I also like brands such as Hoom, Good Living & Co, mid-century and retro furniture from 366 Concept and Pastform Furniture, as well as handmade pieces by Un-common.  

Do you have any plans to start your own brand?

One day in the future, I'd love to! The first thing I'll make are candles! 

We'll be keeping an eye out for those Kasia! 

***

See more of Kasia's beautiful, neutral home on her popular instagram @minimaliving (if you like the look and feel of her pictures, she also sells a set of instragram filters). 

Looking back in the archives I was so happy to find that I've featured two really inspiring homes from Poland before including a cosy, yet elegant home in Krakow and the serene white home of a designer. I'm also a big fan of my dear Polish friend Agata Dimmich's style. 

I've just noticed the clouds have cleared so I need to rush out and make the most of it with an afternoon dip. It's hard to imagine that in just a few month's time, the shoreline will be iced up (gaaaah!) - and I'm definitely not hardy enough for a winter swim!

Have a lovely day! 

Niki

Photography: Kasia Bdzínska

READ MORE...

3

A Photographer's Vintage-Inspired Home In A Former Post Office

Over the years the years, the same interior photographers pop up time and time again. Always generous with their images (I write for permission before sharing), these talented shutterbugs are the backbone of my blog. And yet, we're rarely get a glimpse into their world! So today I'd like to introduce you to Australian freelance photographer Marnie Hawson. Based in the Macedon Ranges, just outside Melbourne, Marnie specialises in interior, travel and lifestyle photography, "with a commitment to working with people doing good in the world."

As a former environmental scientist, Marnie is hardwired to tread lightly, and today that means "only working with businesses which have an ethical and sustainable mindset and focus on conscious consumerism and fair trade".  

When Marnie isn't on location, she's working from her little weatherboard studio at home, with her miniature pinscher Dexter by her side. 

I've featured many of the rustic abodes Marnie has captured over the years - including a Swedish weatherboard cottage,  Captain's Cottage and a dreamy holiday home, but never her own beautiful home, and let me tell you, you're in for a treat! 

Home for Marnie, is a rustic country cottage which she shares with her husband Ryan Hawson - a whisky specialist (I think Per and Ryan would get along just fine!). Dating back to 1890, the pair have lived in the cottage - which used to be the village post office - for over nine years. During this time, the duo have added their own unique stamp on the property, having made many changes, while working hard to maintain the history of the site. 

Fancy taking a peek inside?

The wood panelled interior is a sea of white (much to my delight as someone who is passionate about all things Scandi!) - interspersed with vintage and antique finds. 

The kitchen is made up of IKEA cabinets centred around a refurbished 50-year-old AGA (seen to the right). The brass taps and handles are all second hand. 

In the sitting room, a sofa has been placed opposite the fire for cosy evenings. The drying rack was in place when they bought the house and they still use it all the time (it reminds me a lot of the one in this charming Swedish summer cottage)! The rug is from Armadillo & Co. 

Soon after buying the house, Marnie and Ryan were fortunate enough to be able to buy back the original post office boxes, which they use as day to day storage. 

Pairs of vintage shoes bought from a shoemaker in New South Wales can be seen on the wall in the bedroom. The linen bedding is from Elkie Ark and the curtains are from Linenshed. 

Oh, and one more exciting thing the pair have added in recent years - a bar (I guess, if you're a whisky specialist you do have the perfect excuse!). Here's a glimpse into the dark, atmospheric space... 

What a magical home (and bar!) - which, to be honest, can only be expected from Marnie Hawson! 

I feel this home tour has put a real spring in my step for the start of the week - just what I needed! Are you also feeling inspired? 

I am so looking forward to continuing to follow Marnie's journey as a freelance photographer. You can see many of the homes she's captured over the years (as well as other projects) on her website. I also love her instagram feed!

Also, check out my archives for more of her work here. 

Have a brilliant start to the week friends!

Niki

Photography: Marnie Hawson

READ MORE...

2

A White Danish Home Full Of Art and Scandinavian Design Classics

It's a beautiful sunny day today in Sweden - and I'm dreaming of hopping over the bridge to Copenhagen. The borders are sadly closed (except for those working there), BUT there's no reason why we can't go on a virtual trip, right?! Mathilde Engelund lives in the hip neighbourhood of Vesterbro - one of my favourite parts of town, known for its offbeat shops, art galleries and bars. It's also near the meatpacking district - which is a perfect place to grab a beer in the sunshine (can you tell I'm missing the city?!). Mathilde has a passion for interior design and recycling - which shines through in her choice of art, iconic Scandinavian design classics and eclectic blend of furniture picked up at flea markets, antique fairs and other secondhand sources. As a result, the spacious living space is filled with light and has a wonderful relaxed feel. A perfect family home for Mathilde, her partner and their son Hugo. Velkommen in! 

 

 

 

Oh wow! This home has put a real smile on my face. I love the relaxed vibe, how about you?

Is there anything that caught your eye? 

You can see more pics of Mathilde's lovely home on her Instagram @hjemv. 

It would be kinda rude not to share a few more Danish home tours today don't you think? After all, we've made the effort to take the virtual trip!! Here are a few others I love: 

A cosy danish loft full of plants and other treasures

Johanne's and Lukas' beautiful Danish townhouse

The timeless home of a Danish jeweller and vintage furniture collector

In the words of our Danish friends: Ha en dejlige dag! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Mathilde Engelund and Another Studio

READ MORE...

1

Irina's White, Light-Filled Family Home

I love to share all kinds of homes on My Scandinavian Home - from the more relaxed, bohemian style to the clean and minimalist look. And today is a fine example of the latter. Irina's home in Munich caught my eye for several reasons: it's light and airy (which feels important right now), it's void of clutter (which is extremely intriguing since she and her husband have a little four year old son at home, so I wanted to hear more about how she achieves this, and hopefully pick up some ideas for my own home - yep, forever hopeful!). And finally, there's one piece of furniture that I've never seen before - but absolutely love. Read on to find out more and feel inspired!  

What is your home decorating philosophy? 

I really do believe that less is more. I feel better when I'm surrounded with less things and only items which I like and find useful. My favourite quote is "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful."

How do you keep your home so neat and tidy with a small child around?

Of course, it requires a bit more effort to keep the home looking like this, when you have children. I need to clean up a little bit more often, but it's my choice. And I have a rule to never get mad at my husband and son if they leave things / toys in the wrong place."

I love your wooden screen! 

The oak screen is from Hubsch and I use it all over our home - sometimes to soften light, sometimes as a room divider. 

Skog (forest) print by Fine Little Day* 

Your home stood out to me in the 30 Day Home Love Challenge because of the way you play with shadow and light in your photography - is this conscious? 

Photos with beautiful light / shadow patterns are my favourites. Luckily, we have huge panoramic windows at home, so usually there is enough light to play with, but I sometimes think about adding some curtains to make the light softer. 

Do you have curtains in your bedroom?

We don't have curtains in our bedroom - but we do have electric blinds. If there's anything that wakes me up in the morning - it's my son! 

Children tend to have a lot of toys and other things, how do you keep your sons' room so neat?

I like to go by a less is more approach - buy less toys, but really good ones. We prefer classic toys and almost never buy on impulse. 

I see you focus on child-friendly home decor in your shop mysoulmateplace, how did this come about?

I started my shop in 2017 in Russia, while on maternity leave. I actually have a higher education in finance and worked as a marketing manager / specialist in various companies from the Forbes500 list, but always dreamed of working in the interior and product design sphere. When I first opened my studio, I was selling only my own designs and the shop quickly grew. After we relocated to Germany, I had to start all over. Now I focus on children-friendly home decor / decor you can play with. My goal is to help families keep their homes beautiful without worrying about decor pieces and child safety. All the pieces are very smooth, lightweight and made from natural wood. 

With everything going on right now, has your perception of 'being at home' changed?

It's a strange time now. Maybe it's time to slow down, rethink and be closer to family. Usually my husband has a lot of business trips and my son is at kindergarten, so I'm home alone (I work from home). And now, we are all together at home 24/7. It's a unique opportunity for us and we try to enjoy every minute, despite all our worries and concerns.  

Thank you so much for transporting us to your lovely, light filled home today Irina! 

If you'd like to see more snapshots of her lovely Munich living space, take a peek at her beautiful Instagram feed @mysoulmateplace. And don't forget to browse her online shop mysoulmatespace - so many beautiful things! 

Is there anything that stood out to you in particular about Irina's home? Do you also live by a 'less is more' philosophy? I'd love to hear your thoughts below! 

Niki

Photography: Irina / @mysoulmateplace

*affiliate links

READ MORE...

1